Tall, dark and handsome, with all-American appeal, Matthew Davis first caught the attention of movie audiences alongside Colin Farrell in the military flick, “Tigerland” (2000). This charming leading man quickly rose to fame playing the love interest in films such as “Legally Blonde” (2001) and “Blue Crush” (2002). Proving his big screen appeal could translate just as effectively to the small screen, Davis made his television debut on the ABC dramedy, “What About Brian” (2006- ).Born May 8, 1978 in Salt Lake City, UT, Davis grew up in the nearby town of Woods Cross, Utah. Upon graduating from Woods Cross High School, he attended college at the University of Utah where he began to pursue the craft of acting. Post-college, Davis moved to New York to further his studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Davis made his big-screen debut in 2000, portraying a set of twins in the middling horror sequel, “Urban Legends: Final Cut.” Though the film proved unexceptional, Davis landed a more substantial role later that year – that of Private Jim Paxton opposite the then-unknown Colin Farrell in Joel Schumacher’s Vietnam-era military drama, “Tigerland.” Though Farrell received the lion's share of critical praise and press attention, Davis’ earnest performance as the enlistee with literary aspirations proved to be a solid platform for getting future roles. He was soon back in a military setting in a role created especially for him in Michael Bay's large-scale WWII epic, "Pearl Harbor" (2001). Having made it through a Michael Bay-ordered week of military training at a US Army boot camp, Davis gave his all in the role of a fighter pilot, but was somewhat overshadowed by his more high profile co-stars, Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, as well as the film's big-budget special effects.
After surviving relatively unscathed, the critical lambasting of "Harbor," Davis won his biggest role to date – Warner Huntington III, Reese Witherspoon’s preppy Harvard law student boyfriend in “Legally Blonde” (2001). The film was a monster hit, moving Witherspoon to the permanent A-list and showcasing Davis’ versatility. In contrast to “Blonde,” Davis went on to portray a gay mechanic in the film “Lone Star State of Mind” (2002) alongside Joshua Jackson and Jamie King. A little seen film, fans of the actor were still impressed with his acting range thus far.
Back to being the love interest of attractive young actresses, Davis was cast in a prominent role in the surfing film “Blue Crush” (2002). Portraying Kate Bosworth’s beau, NFL quarterback Matt Tollman, Davis learned to surf for the role, overcoming his childhood fear of the ocean. Returning to the military drama, Davis next appeared in the World War II era, Darren Aronofsky-penned thriller, “Below” (2002). In his most demanding role to date, he portrayed an American lieutenant trapped on a submarine that appeared to have been invaded by a mysterious creature. After a number of roles in smaller films, Davis appeared in the NY-based indie film, “Heights” (2004) opposite Elizabeth Banks and Glenn Close. He took the action route in 2005, snagging roles in the Steven Segal action flick, “Into the Sun” and the video-game adaptation “BloodRayne,” opposite Kristanna Loken and Michelle Rodriguez.
After consistently establishing himself as a key player on the big screen, Davis branched out into television work. He made his small screen debut portraying Barry Watson’s best friend Adam on the ABC dramedy, “What About Brian” (2006- ), a show many critics compared to a new century version of “thirtysomething” (ABC, 1987-1991).
