Matthew Cowles was an American actor who is best known for All My Children, Shutter Island, and Slap Shot. Born on September 28, 1944, in New York City, he had a notable career in film and television until his passing on May 22, 2014.
Personal and Family Life
Matthew Cowles was married to actress Christine Baranski from October 15, 1983, until his death in 2014, and they had two daughters: Lily (born 1987) and Isabel (born 1984). He was previously married to Kathleen Dezina. Cowles was an avid motorcyclist and met Baranski after he offered her a ride home one night. The couple chose to raise their children without television to avoid violent and sexual content.
Career
Cowles had a versatile acting career and gained fame for his role as Billy Clyde Tuggle on ABC’s All My Children. He was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for his performance in the play “Dirty Jokes.” Throughout his career, he was known for playing a range of characters in both film and television.
Death and Legacy
Matthew Cowles passed away on May 22, 2014, in New York City due to congestive heart failure. His contributions to theater and television continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. Cowles is particularly celebrated for his unique and memorable performances throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Friends of Eddie Coyle | 1973-06-26 | Pete |
| Veronika Decides to Die | 2009-05-16 | Old Fred |
| The Juror | 1996-02-02 | Rodney |
| Crawlspace | 1972-02-11 | Dave Freeman |
| Stars & Bars | 1988-03-18 | Beckman Gage |
| Love on the Run | 1985-10-21 | Yancy |
| Season of the Hunted | 2003-01-01 | Mitch |
| Slap Shot | 1977-02-25 | Charlie Kischel |
| Nurse Betty | 2000-08-30 | Merle |
| City by the Sea | 2002-09-06 | Arnie |
| Eddie Macon’s Run | 1983-03-23 | Ray Banes |
| The Money Pit | 1986-03-26 | Marty |
| Kojak: It’s Always Something | 1990-01-31 | Timothy |
| The Living Wake | 2007-06-06 | Mossman |
| The Happy Hooker | 1975-05-08 | Albert Ruffleson |
| White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf | 1994-04-15 | Lloyd Halverson |
| The People Next Door | 1970-08-26 | Wally |
| Signs of Life | 1989-01-01 | Gasoline Attendant |
| New World Order | 2002-01-13 | Malfolio |
| The Hospital | 1971-12-14 | Intern Chandler (uncredited) |
| Stella | 1990-02-02 | Sid |
| They Might Be Giants | 1971-06-09 | Teenage Boy (uncredited) |
| Trainwreck: My Life as an Idiot | 2007-06-14 | Detoxer |
| Shutter Island | 2010-02-14 | Ferry Captain |
| She’s Back | 1989-07-07 | Sherman Bloom |
| Miami Vice | 1984-09-16 | |
| Deadline | 2000-10-02 | |
| Law & Order: Trial by Jury | 2005-03-03 | Reuben Bailey |
| Kojak | 1973-10-24 | Ryan |
| Homicide: Life on the Street | 1993-01-31 | |
| A World Apart | 1970-03-30 | |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Christian ‘Lemonhead’ Tatum |
| Oz | 1997-07-12 | William Brandt |
| The Equalizer | 1985-09-18 | Rapist |
| Life on Mars | 2008-10-09 | Cowboy Dan |
| Lonesome Dove | 1989-02-05 | Monkey John |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 1999-09-20 | Cyrus Wert |