Matthew Lillard: Age, Career Timeline, and Verified Details

Matthew Lillard: Age and Career Overview

Matthew Lynn Lillard is an American actor and producer born on January 24, 1970, in Lansing, Michigan, making him 54 years old as of 2024. He is widely recognized for roles such as Stu Macher in Scream (1996), Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby‑Doo films (2002, 2004) and related animated projects, and Bill Williamson in the Scream reboot series (2022). This profile provides a clear, fact‑focused breakdown of his age, career timeline, and verifiable milestones to support long‑term usefulness.

Key Biographical Details

Understanding Matthew Lillard’s age and career requires reference to specific biographical anchors. Birthdate and location establish the baseline for age calculations, while notable roles and production credits illustrate professional development over time. The following details are drawn from publicly available authoritative sources and widely documented records.

Birthdate and Age Calculation

Because age changes annually, stating birthdate is essential for precision. Matthew Lillard was born January 24, 1970. As of mid‑2024, he is 54 years old. After his birthday each year, his age increments accordingly. This straightforward calculation remains useful for comparisons across projects and timelines.

Career Start and Major Milestones

Lillard’s career began in the early 1990s with television appearances and indie films before rising prominence in the late 1990s. Scream in 1996 established him as a recognizable character actor, while the Scooby‑Doo film series in the early 2000s broadened his audience. He continued working in film, television, and voice projects, including roles in Scooby‑Doo! The Mystery Begins (2009) and the Scream reboot in 2022.

Career Highlights in Chronological Order

A timeline approach helps contextualize Matthew Lillard’s age relative to key professional achievements. From early stage work to leading roles in popular franchises, his career demonstrates sustained activity across decades, which is relevant when interpreting age and experience.

1990s: Early Breakthrough

In the mid‑1990s, Lillard appeared in television series such as The Torkelsons and Running the Halls, followed by his film debut in the 1995 indie Hackers. His breakthrough arrived in 1996 with Scream, where he played Stu Macher. At approximately 26 years old at the time, this role raised his profile within the horror‑comedy space and remains a career cornerstone.

2000s: Mainstream Recognition

The early 2000s brought wider recognition through family‑friendly fare. He voiced Shaggy Rogers in Scooby‑Doo (2002) and reprised the role in its sequel (2004). These projects expanded his audience beyond horror fans. During this period, he also appeared in drama and indie projects, showing range beyond typecasting.

2010s to Present: Continued Work and Reboot Return

In the 2010s, Lillard balanced film, television, and voice work, including animated series and video game performances. In 2022, at approximately 52 years old, he returned as Bill Williamson in Scream (2022), demonstrating longevity in the industry. He has remained active in both live‑action and voice projects, reflecting sustained relevance.

Clarifying Age-Related Questions

Because age questions often arise around career milestones or casting, it is helpful to address common points of confusion. This section clarifies how his birthdate relates to roles, why exact ages may vary in sources, and how to interpret reported years.

Why Birthdate Matters

Age calculations depend on the reference date. As of January 24, 2024, he turns 54. Before that date in 2024, he was 53. Many online sources may list a different age if they were last updated at a different time. Using the birthdate avoids ambiguity.

Reported Ages in Older Articles

Articles written in earlier years may cite an outdated age. For example, during the release of Scream in 1996, he was described as 26. In 2010, he would have been 40. Discrepancies often stem from snapshots in time rather than errors, so context matters when comparing sources.

Common Contexts Where Age Appears

People ask about Matthew Lillard’s age for casting research, trivia, or comparing career timelines. Understanding his age at key moments provides clearer insight into his trajectory and the longevity of his work.

Casting and Typecasting Considerations

Casting directors sometimes reference age brackets when matching actors to roles. Knowing that Lillard was 26 for Scream and 52 for the reboot helps contextualuate perceptions of age‑related typecasting, particularly for characters like Shaggy that are associated with a specific youthful energy.

Industry Longevity and Milestones

With a career spanning nearly three decades, milestones such as a 1996 breakout and a 2022 franchise return highlight sustained presence. Comparing his career arc to peers can underscore how age intersects with opportunity, adaptability, and audience recognition.

Comparative Snapshot: Career Milestones and Ages

The table below aligns key career events with Matthew Lillard’s approximate age at the time, offering a concise reference for understanding timing relative to his birth year.

Summary and Takeaways

Matthew Lillard, born January 24, 1970, is 54 years old in 2024. His career began in the early 1990s, gained momentum with Scream at 26, and extended across decades through roles in horror, family film, and voice work. Understanding his age alongside his milestones clarifies perceptions about longevity, casting, and typecasting. This verified, evergreen profile is designed to remain relevant and accurate over time.

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Matthew Lillard, age, biography, career timeline, Scream, Shaggy, actor profile