Matthew Doherty, widely known as Matt Doherty, is an American actor, writer, and filmmaker who built a diverse career transitioning from a prominent child performer to a dedicated theatre artist and screenwriter. Born in Harvey, Illinois, on June 22, 1978, he became a familiar face to 1990s moviegoers through memorable roles in classic family comedies and sports films.
Growing up in the Chicago-area suburbs, Doherty attended Thornwood High School, where he played the trumpet in the school band. He later studied theatre at Northwestern University, graduating in 1999 as a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Early Acting Breakthroughs
Doherty entered the entertainment industry at a young age. His earliest credited screen appearance came in the 1990 blockbuster Home Alone, where he played Steffan, a member of the extended McCallister family. He followed this with roles in other early-90s films such as The Babe and Mo’ Money.
His major career breakthrough arrived in 1992 when he was cast as Lester Averman in Disney’s hit sports comedy The Mighty Ducks. He reprised the role in both sequels, D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) and D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996), cementing his place in pop culture history. Decades later, he returned to the iconic character in the television spinoff series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (2021).
Between the first two Mighty Ducks movies, Doherty showcased his range by appearing in the adult-oriented comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) alongside Mike Myers and Nancy Travis, playing William “Heed” Mackenzie.
Television Credits and Transition to Writing
As he moved past his childhood acting years, Doherty established a steady career in television. His guest and recurring credits feature prominent shows including:
- Boston Public (as Lionel Pratt)
- ER
- Felicity
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- CSI: Miami
- Bones
- Grey’s Anatomy
- The Unit
- Franklin and Bash
- Rosewood
In addition to screen acting, Doherty shifted significant focus toward playwriting and screenwriting. His original stage and screen projects include House Across the Street-which was named a finalist for the BPP Woodward Newman Award-and Persuasion. His writing has been featured at the Actors Studio, Antaeus Theatre Company, IAMA Theatre Company, Rogue Machine, and The Road Theatre Company. He has worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for Academy Award-nominated directors.
Matt Doherty Quick Facts & Net Worth
At 46 years old, Doherty maintains a private personal life, remaining single with no children. Outside of the entertainment industry, he maintains passions for music, creative writing mentorship, and skating.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Doherty |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Harvey, Illinois, United States |
| Height | 168 cm (5’6″) |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Filmmaker |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
With an estimated net worth of $1 million, Doherty’s financial earnings stem from his extensive acting credits in childhood and adult cinema, television appearances, and ongoing professional writing and theatrical contributions.
