Matt Salinger

Matt Salinger is an American actor and producer, best known for his portrayal of Steve Rogers / Captain America in the 1990 film Captain America. The son of reclusive author J. D. Salinger, he has built a career spanning film, television, and theater, often appearing in character roles. His work includes notable performances in projects like Reversal of Fortune and a recurring role on the television series Providence.

Early life and education

Matthew Salinger was born in Windsor, Vermont, to famed novelist J. D. Salinger and his second wife, Claire Douglas. He grew up in Cornish, New Hampshire, alongside his sister, author Margaret Salinger, in a notably private family environment shaped by his father's withdrawal from public life. He attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy before enrolling at Princeton University, where he initially studied pre-med. His academic focus shifted, however, and he graduated with a degree in history before pursuing formal acting training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

Acting career

Salinger's professional career began on the Broadway stage, but he soon transitioned to film, making his debut in the comedy The Hotel New Hampshire. His breakout role came when he was cast as the star-spangled hero in the 1990 adaptation of Captain America, a part that has remained a defining, if critically panned, entry in his filmography. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in a mix of independent films and studio projects, including a supporting role in the acclaimed drama Reversal of Fortune and a part in the Coen brothers film The Hudsucker Proxy. On television, he had a significant recurring role as Dr. Mark Weller on the NBC drama Providence and guest-starred on series such as Law & Order and The West Wing. He has also worked as a producer, notably on the film The Last Summer.

Personal life

Salinger has been married to actress Betsy Becker since 1990, and the couple has two children. He has maintained a guarded private life, largely avoiding public discussion of his famous father, J. D. Salinger, and the intense media scrutiny surrounding the family. Following his father's death in 2010, he became a key figure in the literary estate, involved in decisions regarding the author's unpublished works and legacy. He resides primarily in New England, continuing to balance his acting work with his responsibilities as an executor of the J. D. Salinger estate.

Filmography

* The Hotel New Hampshire (1984) as Freud * Power (1986) as Aurora Project Director * Captain America (1990) as Steve Rogers / Captain America * Reversal of Fortune (1990) as David Marriott * The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) as Buzz * The Last Summer (1996) as Sam * The Battle of Shaker Heights (2003) as Harrison * Igby Goes Down (2002) as Smith * Flags of Our Fathers (2006) as Senator

Stage work

Salinger's theater credits include performances in Off-Broadway and regional productions. Early in his career, he appeared on Broadway in a revival of ''The Philadelphia Story''. He has also performed at notable regional theaters such as the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Long Wharf Theatre.

Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:Princeton University alumni Category:American Conservatory Theater alumni Category:People from Windsor, Vermont Category:People from Cornish, New Hampshire