Matthew Modine Was Losing Faith That His Character Would Return in Stranger Things

Matthew Modine talks about hosting Saturday Night Live in 1988, getting recognized for playing Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things and almost getting into a fight with Val Kilmer before landing his role in the war drama film, Full Metal Jacket.
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Matthew Modine Was Losing Faith That His Character Would Return in Stranger Things - Late Night with Seth Meyers
• Matthew Modine Was Los...
Late Night with Seth Meyers
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[@demonicsweaters]

This is one of those actors that really paid his dues. He's been around for ages, and Stranger Things has really brought him a new level of fame.

[@makiburgess5733]

He was a very big star when he was young.

[@demonicsweaters]

@@makiburgess5733 Not really. Yeah, he had a few big movies, but he was never a Michael J. Fox, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, or even a household name. I was there, I'm pretty old haha.

[@KA-ey9sc]

I’ve had a crush on him since I can remember. Time man…😂 Bye Bye Love, Pacific Heights, & And the Band Played On are all top notch films🤌🏽

[@yvankrzeslo6366]

couldn't have said better

[@demonicsweaters]

@@KA-ey9sc oh yeah, I forgot he was in Pacific Heights! Great movie! Michael Keaton at his creepiest!

[@Chaziltasm]

His voice as Papa is chilling. I love how he speaks and delivers his lines. Great performance.

[@Chelou374]

Dommage sont personnage meurt dans la saison 4

[@elhopper3735]

His character may be a despicable monster but Matthew himself is one of the sweetest people ever. His charisma and storytelling ability are off the charts! Him and Millie have the sweetest friendship IRL

[@futrealeyes939]

at least he redeemed himself at the end as a good guy

[@elhopper3735]

@@futrealeyes939 not really. he was still just as evil as ever. but yes at least he let her out of the collar he put her in

[@risachi6018]

@@elhopper3735 If the writers just decided that the military found them, then he sacrificed to help El escaped while being shot would be better. But they decided to go to the path where he's a fcked twisted man that will never be redeemed ever.

[@peepee9446]

@@futrealeyes939 not at all lmao

[@futrealeyes939]

@@elhopper3735 I mean he still has done creepy and fucked up methods for El but at the end he did one thing right

[@DarktechKelly]

Modine absolutely slayed it this season. His character got so much more detail and attention this time around. I can't wait to see how everything ends up!

[@BatmanHQYT]

Matthew has a very calming voice, which makes the Brenner scenes especially interesting to watch.

[@mirrrstery]

You just know his acting is top notch when you despise the character he plays but love the person. Man he did such a good job as Dr. Brenner!!!!! I've never seen him smile before lol

[@ethanweeter2732]

One of the most underrated villains ever. People might think the monsters are the villains, but Dr. Brenner, like El said, is the real monster.

[@saleenz9643]

How refreshingly humble & endearing this Hollywood megastar is!

[@stressmuffin]

Matthew is one of my 1980’s celebrity crushes. He’s hot then, and he’s still hot now. He’s one of the great actors, who can play good roles and bad roles brilliantly. As Dr. Brenner in Stranger Things, he’s an evil man, but he acts nice, caring and loving because he’s a master manipulator. That’s so cool to see a lot of 1980’s stars are and were on Stranger Things, like Matthew, Wynona (my ‘80’s-‘90’s queen), love Sean Astin, and of course, my horror movie king, my Freddy Krueger, Robert England.

[@ashhutchins8011]

I love that Seth talks to himself in public so much other celebrities are afraid to interrupt him. I have been avoiding talking to myself in public all this time because of social norms, but I could have gotten people to leave me the hell alone, by doing what I wish I was doing anyway! Kudos to you Seth!

[@mitzebender4679]

This was a fantastic interview! I didn't want it to end. I imagine Matthew has a lot of great stories, and Seth is the perfect interviewer. He does a great job of getting an intriguing conversation going and then just sitting back as mesmerized by the story as the audience.

[@Cybrarian1965]

I 100% agree! What a sweetheart.

[@ethanweeter2732]

I think he is a good actor. To play Brenner and then be the guy who played Joker and the dad in Transporter 2 takes some talent because of the range.

[@lorijackson7008]

Vision Quest was my movie back in the day!❤️Papa will always be Loudon to me.🥰

[@jindiyou]

Matthew still looks amazing

[@ndowroccus4168]

I don’t think most people understand how famous Mathew Modine was… He was soooo famous…

[@estefaniazila]

Matthew looks like a genuine nice person. The way he talks about Millie and expresses his admiration and love for her on his social media melts my heart💓

[@ethanweeter2732]

I love he can act with just a few lines. Reminds me of a Robert Duvall.

[@rawdog-nq4nf]

He's so nice to listen to, love the val kilmer story at the end. Another great interview.

[@ethanweeter2732]

I love how he is normal sounding. So many actors are overly funny or fake, he seems like a normal person.

[@Lora-G]

I love his energy in all his work. A quiet giant

[@MB-xw1tu]

I agree. I always like watching Matthew Modine interviews... I can't remember the little shorts series with celebrities doing things, but he was so chill/weird/kind/sweet. He was getting a straight razor shave with hot lather etc. I think he unexpectedly wore a bathrobe and slippers or something. Like a way to be non-pretentious while doing something insanely pretentious (getting filmed while getting a fancy grooming thing done!)

[@ellobo4290]

Forget Vecna, he was the best and more layered villain than anyone else

[@destinyreavis2936]

he looks so good for 63

[@jazzbeat4443]

Soo handsome man

[@passingthrough5102]

he really is handsome

[@passingthrough5102]

@@jazzbeat4443 i agree!

[@ElianaRosalind]

He's one hellfire of an actor. Throughout the series I've oscilated between him being an absolute monster but sometimes his motivations, delivery of lines and capability to manipulate made me believe him almost. As of season 4, the first one is absolutely true and Eleven ultimately choosing not to forgive him will be one of my favorite scenes forever, because of the strenght it took to finally say enough.

[@sadlystuckinreality]

Full Metal Jacket is one of my favorite films of all time. Words can't express how excited I was to see Matthew in Stranger Things!

[@BoberMcBoberson]

For sure! Just a cool guy! The scene when he’s carrying 11 and getting shot at from the Huey was trippy AF! I was half waiting to hear the gunner start yelling “Get some!” 😂

[@ethanweeter2732]

@@BoberMcBoberson He should have yelled, “I see a bunch of jokers around here.”

[@somberjpg]

His voice is so soothing

[@bodyslamchannel]

Papa is a genius character. I would take a spin-off with him. It’s the role made for him as he is such a sensitive and bright personality

[@taylorjones6716]

I'd take a spin off for multiple people

[@anasshahid224]

Matthew Modine stole the show in Season 4 as Papa, really glad they brought his character back 👏👏👏👏

[@Beelzebub-kj7nw]

He was awesome this season. Everybody was. He may not be the character you love but his acting was great.

[@bigblack7x3]

after watching this you can't be scared of him anymore!! he's such a sweet nice guy

[@SaltheartFoamfollower]

Vision Quest with Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino was a fav of mine as a teenager.

[@AshaSelfsDemoFilms]

4:27 Most diplomatic - leave her alone I've ever heard. Chef's kiss😗👌

[@clairealderwood1928]

I loved the movie ‘Birdy’. The posture of ‘Papa’ on the ground at the end of Stranger Things 4x8 is IDENTICAL to the posture of Modine’s character in ‘Birdy.’

[@christymomma]

I audibly heard no clapping when he said Vision Quest, Lordy. I hope one day it’s rediscovered.

[@drooshmaroosh8261]

I was clapping here at home as I remember that movie.

[@austinspace]

I thought he paused for a brief moment hoping someone would clap. What an amazing movie--filmed in my city of Spokane, Washington, based on a book by Terry Davis, who taught at Eastern Washington University...where I work.

[@ColinPoole]

Wow this interview flew by! I was so sad when it ended I'm off to find more Matthew Modine interviews in hopes they are this good! What a funny kind dude.

[@loco_logic]

ikr, I could listen to this guy tell stories all day

[@Afak6]

Awww, Matthew Modine is so damn adorable and endearing! I had no idea

[@swankybutters8371]

Love Matthew Modine...All his movies and FMJ...

[@juliettemunda5894]

Every time I think there’s a guest on who isn’t relevant to me but end up watching the clip anyway, I am frequently surprised by how much I enjoy it. Seth is really a wonderful interviewer and has such a great ability to bring out the best in every guest. And this person seems lovely.

[@fruitgum9619]

Yeah I do that sometimes. It's fun to discover new people, and especially if you end up liking them

[@rockierocket]

So good to see Matthew…. Always loved him but never saw/heard his real life self. Now I know why I was so attracted to him. What a kind soul. 🥰♥️

[@Akshara_here]

I've loved him as Dr.Brenner in S1, so I loved to hear that he will be returning. Mathew is such a great actor and such a great personality. Also i love watching his interactions and videos with Millie..😇

[@adematti]

Matthew is so lovely and well spoken! Really enjoyed this chat ❤

[@Blahbevava]

I still can't get over the fact he played Louden the main teenage character in the 80's movie "Vision Quest" blows my mind!

[@tammystockley-loughlin7680]

As someone who also talks to myself, I appreciate Seth for making me feel less odd. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times

[@filmbotreviews]

Vision Quest has got to be one of the best movies ever! Awesome interview!

[@Yasminm99]

I loved the interview ❤️ he’s wonderful and he does have gorgeous hair 😍

[@vermont741]

I loved Matthew Modine since 'Birdy!

[@Cookies_crumbs]

Me too. Two jaw-dropping performances by Modine and Nicholas Cage.

[@valr561]

He’s so handsome still. The white hair is so 😫😫

[@passingthrough5102]

beautiful

[@DocDarkness]

He loves Millie so much. I have not seen a single interview where he doesn't lift her up and sing her praises. Classy guy.

[@Loisaidalisa]

Love him, used to see him around my old NYC neighbourhood and he always seemed like the sweetest, most humble of men.

[@GIBKEL]

‘Birdie’ with Matthew Modine and Nicholas Cage was the first film I saw him in and absolutely killed me when it came out. I never thought of war/combat the same way again. I was of two minds, one where glory is there for the man who steps up, and my friends father who suffered terribly from his experiences in Vietnam. We didn’t quite know what that entailed but everyone knew. Great performances. Then Full Metal Jacket. What can you say. So great to see him again.

[@whiskybrush3219]

I've only seen it once and it was a translation so i was nonplussed by it. Would love to see it again with older eyes and in its original language . The soundtrack however was for the longest time my all time most favourite movie soundtrack. It's since been supplanted by Interstellar, but its still in the top 5.

[@tracyfox466]

I loved Matthew Modine in Pacific Heights!❤️ One of my favorite movies ever!!😍

[@djameson5576]

Love Matthew Modine! His performance in "And the Band Played On" is flawless.❤

[@kookamunga4714]

Imagine you're Val Kilmer of all people, envious of Matthew Modine. It's good to be Matthew Modine.

[@sallyscrive]

I had such a crush on him when he did "Married to the Mob". He's still so charming and sweet 💙

[@seanpaulson9098]

You know he's a good actor when even seeing him out of character makes you shutter lol

[@BMXanddirtbikekid99]

I wasnt expecting his voice/the way he talked to sound so much like dr brenner lol

[@aiden6487]

@@BMXanddirtbikekid99 same😭

[@stynershiner1854]

Shudder*.

[@brooklyncurrys]

matthew yas king! 🙌 him and millie’s scenes together are perfect 🔥

[@jeswilde6188]

LOVE finding out Seth talks to himself on the streets of New York :D hahaaa he would

[@MikeStAmant-fm8mx]

Man I was 8 or 9 when I first seen Matthew Modine in VISION QUEST and that was right when I started wrestling in elementary school. He was my idol back then. What an awesome guy!!!!

[@copiouscareerist]

I've ALWAYS adored this actor, Matthew Modine. Been watching his wonderful work his entire career and he's one of a kind. 💗💫

[@MsCCarolinee]

The show really did him justice ❤️

[@xpsidedown3626]

I love him so much he’s such an Angel.

[@photoflo78]

Loved him in Vision Quest and Gross Anatomy.

[@milesharbord9339]

I love FMJ, but for me it'll always be BIRDY, I was obsessed with that film.

[@nehashrestha738]

Such a Handsome Man he is,such a beautiful smile. So pleasant to listen to

[@robertbeger4275]

Matthew Modine has been a favorite since Birdy and Vision Quest is still one of my all time favorite films I could watch over and over.

[@austinspace]

Loved Birdy too. When he says "What?" at the end totally floored me, was not expecting that!

[@chrisp1355]

Wonderful to see him!

[@nugboy420]

I literally started the whole series at my 12 year old daughter’s request last week. Also the fact I was confused for a second as to who he played cuz it was a super quick watch through. But I will deff be rewatching the series. My daughter had seen seasons 1-3 so I watched what I could with her but wound up watching more without her and have stopped at episode one of the first part of season 4. Had a feeling he was coming back after season 2 reveal but was surprised to get thru all of season three without seeing him. Tho the main baddie in season 2 seemed to redeem his self by the end and popped up back up at the end of season 3. Anyway yeah.

[@justmejenny7986]

Vision Quest is one of my favorite movies. Great soundtrack too.

[@Leslie58]

One of my favorite made for TV movies was “What the Deaf Man Heard” with Matthew Modine.

[@plantsbyhailey8326]

i love how Seth actually lets his guests talk and go on tangents... the Jimmy's make it al about them and barely let the actors get a word in... but Seth makes it all about the actors

[@MoonbearStartiger]

He's got a really great energy I can't describe - he's interesting. Makes the character "Papa" so complex - you wanna hate him, but it's hard - he seems so charming and genuine at times.

[@Dennis-66]

One of my favorite actors ever, Full Metal Jacket, Pacific Heights (him, Keaton & Melanie Griffith are all amazing in that movie), Gross Anatomy (love him in this one), Bye Bye Love (for me this one is so underrated). One of the few actors I would pay good money to meet & just bs with for a while.

[@sorrykarkat4865]

Aww bless his soul he's so cute!

[@thebl4ckd0g]

Such a great actor - also loved him in Full Metal Jacket & Memphis Belle. :)

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Thank you… we could all use more of Modine!

[@bbqjuan]

damn i didnt realize he was the guy from full metal jacket, sick

[@slipnorris5882]

vision quest was one of my favorite movies growing up

[@Hamzakhan-dt3gv]

One of my favourite actors

[@timothyward6644]

Sometimes I wonder how many Marines joined because of this man. I wanted to be Joker but ended up being a Pyle.

[@jeanettesmith765]

His performance in Stranger Things was excellent.

[@leona5167]

This is so fun, I love more matthew modine interview

[@pinguplays1]

the way he pronounces "emoji" is so cute

[@biatch1966]

I loved him in the movie with Michelle Phiffer called Married to the Mob

[@MrDemodamian]

oh woaw....they both have the same voice......Seth can do a great impression of him...

[@peao_d_obra_3586]

That story of him being in Full Metal Jacket is amazing! And the funny thing, Val Kilmer wanted his role so bad in Full Metal Jacket and audtion for it, he says that in his documentary. Relly nice!

[@wayk3585]

Modine is such a great actor...

[@Wetknees]

I had no idea he was Joker. I feel like that’s the highest compliment. You can pay an actor. He was instantly recognizable, but only in the face.

[@giordanotirelli6028]

Happy birthday matthew from italian boy live in rome

[@rendirahman5609]

he has a voice of the nicest guy ever.

[@geoffreyfeinberg9792]

He's a good actor. Full Metal Jacket is a classic.

[@natashawall8131]

He is STILL one of the most handsome men in the world. I'm so glad young people get to see his remarkable talents. His IG account is so sweet and nice. He likes the fans and he likes his cohorts. Perfect.

[@kle2217]

I remember watching Mathew Modine when he was in Cutthroat Island with Geena Davis. (I was one of the few who enjoyed that movie.) Man he had a lot less white hair back then! It was probably the last movie I had seen him in until he showed up in Stranger Things.

[@carols.8103]

disappointed the band didn't play "Big Poppa" for his entrance bc that would've been **chef's kiss**

[@doro626]

I need more of his sitting with david Alan Greer and Val Kilmer. I also want to know if he still speaks to Vincent Denofrio often.

[@purpleninja6024]

good to see him in the public eye now. his movie private school w phoebe cates was hilarious.

[@juanitajones6900]

I've been aware of Matthew Modine since "Full Metal Jacket" and "Married to the Mob" (which is an odd movie, by the way)., back in the late 80s.

[@mikemckinney7031]

I'm glad they mentioned Viso Quest, it's a forgotten gem of the 80's. I always thought it would have been a great nod to Matthew Modine to have Journey's Only the Young in the Stranger Things soundtrack.

[@vincentpadovano7855]

God...I remember his first film...VISION QUEST...Great movie.

[@flowerpower9401]

He was so good as Dr. Brenner!!

[@thebandboy]

dude you slayed it! you know actors are good when they actually make you hate the character lol. But i also kind of sympothized with the charazter in this weird way. Anyways great performance again!

[@steffie17]

Seth really does look like that emojíí lmao 😂

[@aliagaz8274]

i love himmm

[@Halibut118]

The series he was filming in Italy was likely Sanctuary, which he was also terrific in. Wish more people saw it

[@colmastro4373]

Jack and the beanstalk: the real story was/is an incredible film and sooooo underrated, best tv movie ever made, back in 2000 when tv movies were a B-movie staple.

[@agathacccc2710]

I cant believe I never realized he was Joker in Full Metal Jacket Omg 😂 what a career !

[@niall2451]

SPOILER ALERT honestly in s4 i feel like he really was the good guy, you actually begin rooting for him