Matthew Lillard is an American actor, director, and producer who has built a career spanning three decades. He is best known for playing Stu Macher in Wes Craven’s Scream, voicing Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise, and portraying William Afton in the horror adaptation Five Nights at Freddy’s. Born on January 24, 1970, in Lansing, Michigan, Lillard first gained attention in the mid-1990s and has remained a recognizable face in both live‑action and animation.
His early break came from hosting the Nickelodeon skateboarding show SK8‑TV, followed by small film roles. But it was his performance as the manic Stu Macher in Scream (1996) that turned him into a household name. Two decades later, a new generation discovered him through the Five Nights at Freddy’s film, cementing his status as a genre icon.
What is Matthew Lillard Best Known For?
Matthew Lillard’s career is defined by three major roles that span horror, family entertainment, and video‑game adaptations. The following grid summarises his core biography and professional highlights.
A handful of key insights help illustrate the scope of his work:
- His breakout role as Stu Macher in Scream (1996) defined a generation of horror.
- He transitioned from eccentric live‑action parts (e.g., SLC Punk!) to voicing the beloved Shaggy in Scooby‑Doo.
- His recent turn as William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) introduced him to a new Gen Z audience.
- Beyond acting, he has directed and produced independent films, showing versatility.
The table below presents the most frequently verified biographical facts:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Lyn Lillard |
| Date of birth | January 24, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Lansing, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) – per a cited entertainment biography |
| Spouse | Heather Helm (married 2000) |
| Net worth (estimate) | Around $1.8 million – one biography source, though such figures vary widely |
| Notable roles | Stu Macher (Scream), Shaggy (Scooby‑Doo), William Afton (Five Nights at Freddy’s) |
| Active years | 1994 – present |
Matthew Lillard: Height, Age, and Net Worth
Fans often search for straightforward personal statistics. The information below comes from verified profiles and entertainment databases, though some figures remain estimates.
How tall is Matthew Lillard?
Multiple sources, including a biography from Legit.ng, list Lillard as 6 ft 4 in (about 1.93 m). That height has been consistent across entertainment profiles for years.
The 6 ft 4 in figure appears in several compiled biographies. Unlike net worth, height is a stable, measurable attribute that rarely invites conflicting estimates.
How old was Matthew Lillard in Scream?
Born in January 1970, Lillard was 26 years old when Scream was released in December 1996. That youthful energy contributed to his portrayal of the excitable, menacing Stu Macher.
What is Matthew Lillard’s net worth?
A single biography source estimates his net worth at $1.8 million. But celebrity net‑worth figures often vary widely between outlets, and no official financial disclosure exists. The $1.8 million figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed total.
No verified public filing reports Lillard’s exact earnings. Net‑worth calculators frequently differ because they use different assumptions about residuals, real estate, and production income.
Complete Matthew Lillard Movies and TV Shows List
Lillard’s filmography spans cult classics, major franchises, and recent streaming projects. The following section breaks down his most notable appearances.
Early film roles (1994–1996)
He debuted in John Waters’ Serial Mom (1994) and appeared in Hackers (1995) alongside Angelina Jolie. Both roles established his trademark high‑energy screen presence. He also acted in Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College.
The Scream breakthrough and 1990s work
Scream (1996) made him a recognizable name. He followed it with the cult favourite SLC Punk! (1998), the teen comedy She’s All That (1999), and the sci‑fi film Wing Commander (1999). In the early 2000s he appeared in Thirteen Ghosts (2001) and the comedy Without a Paddle (2004).
The Scooby‑Doo era
Lillard played Shaggy Rogers in the live‑action Scooby‑Doo (2002) and its sequel Scooby‑Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004). After Casey Kasem retired in 2009, Lillard became the permanent voice of Shaggy in animated productions, a role he continues to this day.
Taking over an iconic character like Shaggy required matching the voice while adding his own energy. Lillard has voiced the character in dozens of direct‑to‑video films and the TV series Scooby‑Doo! Mystery Incorporated.
Five Nights at Freddy’s and recent projects
In 2023, Lillard played William Afton in the live‑action adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy’s. Sources also note his participation in the upcoming sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025). He has a supporting role in Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck (2025) and will appear in the Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again (2026).
Matthew Lillard’s Career Timeline: From Scream to FNAF
A chronological view of his career milestones makes the longevity of his work clear.
- 1994 – Film debut in Serial Mom.
- 1996 – Breakthrough role as Stu Macher in Scream.
- 2002 – Plays Shaggy Rogers in the live‑action Scooby‑Doo film.
- 2009 – Takes over as the permanent voice of Shaggy after Casey Kasem’s retirement.
- 2023 – Portrays William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy’s.
- 2025 – Appears in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and The Life of Chuck.
- 2026 – Set to appear in Daredevil: Born Again.
What We Know and What Remains Uncertain About Matthew Lillard
Some facts about Lillard are well documented; others remain less certain.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Place and date of birth (Lansing, Michigan, 24 Jan 1970) | Exact net worth (estimates vary between sources) |
| Filmography credits (confirmed through multiple databases) | Specific future appearances in the FNAF franchise beyond the 2025 sequel |
| Height (6 ft 4 in per a cited entertainment biography) | Individual project salaries or personal investment income |
How Did Matthew Lillard Build a Decades‑Long Career?
Lillard’s trajectory shows a deliberate strategy to avoid typecasting. After the slasher‑villain fame of Scream, he moved into cult comedies and eventually family animation. His voice work as Shaggy gave him a steady presence across generations, while the Five Nights at Freddy’s role re‑introduced him to younger audiences. He has also directed and produced independent films, which may have contributed to his longevity.
Key Sources on Matthew Lillard’s Life and Work
The facts in this article draw from several public, verifiable sources:
- Wikipedia – provides a comprehensive filmography and biographical summary.
- AceShowbiz – includes career highlights and early life details.
- NNDB – lists notable roles and early television work.
- Legit.ng – the source for the height and net‑worth estimate.
- Portuguese Wikipedia – confirms his role in Five Nights at Freddy’s and its sequel.
- AlloCiné – provides details on his breakout in Scream and recent projects.
Matthew Lillard: An Enduring Hollywood Presence
Few actors can claim a career that spans slasher horror, children’s animation, and a modern video‑game adaptation. Matthew Lillard has done exactly that. From Stu Macher’s maniacal laugh to Shaggy’s laid‑back drawl and William Afton’s sinister presence, he has shown range that keeps him relevant. For more on actors who have also played iconic, genre‑defining roles, read the Jeffrey Dean Morgan – Biography, Career & The Boys Role or the Antony Starr – Biography, Career and Homelander Role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Lillard
Is Matthew Lillard married?
Yes, he has been married to Heather Helm since 2000.
Does Matthew Lillard voice Shaggy in Scooby‑Doo?
Yes, he took over the role from Casey Kasem in 2009 and voices Shaggy in animated films and series.
What is Matthew Lillard’s real hair colour?
He is naturally blonde but often dyes his hair for roles.
Why is Matthew Lillard famous?
He rose to fame for playing Stu Macher in Scream (1996) and later became known for voicing Shaggy in Scooby‑Doo.
How old is Matthew Lillard?
Born January 24, 1970, he is 55 years old as of 2025.
What was Matthew Lillard’s first film?
His film debut was in John Waters’ Serial Mom (1994).
Will Matthew Lillard be in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2?
Sources confirm his participation in the 2025 sequel, reprising the role of William Afton.
Does Matthew Lillard appear in Daredevil: Born Again?
Yes, he is listed among the cast for the 2026 series, though his specific role has not been detailed.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.