Matthew Ashford

Ashford was born in Davenport, Iowa. His father was a civil engineer and his mother was an executive secretary.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Candace |date=June 15, 2020 |title=Days of our Lives' Matthew Ashford Celebrates His Parents' Incredible Milestone |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/568840/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-parents-anniversary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205105714/https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/568840/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-parents-anniversary/ |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=soaps.sheknows.com}} He is the sixth of eight children, with three sisters and four brothers. Ashford is of Irish descent. His sisters got him involved in acting when they joined junior theater classes and workshops in Iowa, eventually bringing him along.{{Cite journal |last=Payne |first=Andrea |date=June 19, 1984 |title=Going with the Flow |journal=Soap Opera Digest |volume=9}}

His family moved from Iowa to Fairfax, Virginia when he was thirteen years old. He attended Hayfield Secondary School, where he starred in school plays. He also acted in local theater.{{Cite web |last=Brounstein |first=Diane |date=January 29, 2019 |title=Days of Our Lives Star Matthew Ashford Celebrates Amazing Milestone! |url=https://soaphub.com/days-of-our-lives/days-live-matthew-ashford-celebrates-amazing-milestone/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417230308/https://soaphub.com/days-of-our-lives/days-live-matthew-ashford-celebrates-amazing-milestone/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=Soap Hub}} After graduation, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater. During his college years, Ashford worked as a street performer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and joined the Ragamuffin Magic and Mime Company.{{Cite book |last1=Rout |first1=Nancy E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yzQlimPTTEMC |title=The Soap Opera Book: Who's Who in Daytime Drama |last2=Buckley |first2=Ellen |publisher=Todd Publications |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-915344-23-9 |pages=9}}

After graduating from college, Ashford moved to New York City. In 1982, he was cast as Drew Ralston on One Life to Live. He stayed on the show until 1983, when the character of Drew was killed off.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=November 9, 2003 |title=Former Days star Matthew Ashford moves to Llanview |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/one-life-to-live/news/2003/1110-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019063730/https://www.soapcentral.com/one-life-to-live/news/2003/1110-ashford.php |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Soap Central}}

Ashford was cast on The Hamptons, a 1983 summer replacement series, but he had to turn down the job because he was still under contract with One Life to Live. He joined a touring company production of The Member of the Wedding, co-starring with Esther Rolle. In 1984, Ashford was cast as Cagney McCleary on Search for Tomorrow. He played the role until the show's cancellation in December 1986.{{Cite web |last=Reichardt |first=Nancy M. |date=June 26, 1986 |title='Search' Never Says Die: Celebrates 9,000th Show |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-06-26-ca-21528-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129024642/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-06-26-ca-21528-story.html |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}}

In 1987, Ashford joined the cast of the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, playing Jack Deveraux. The part had previously been played by James Acheson. The character of Jack was initially written as a villain and raped Kayla Brady. After Ashford began playing the role, the character was redeemed. He was paired romantically with Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves).{{Cite web |title=Who's Who in Salem: Jack Deveraux, Sr. |url=https://soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/whoswho/jack.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711221049/https://soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/whoswho/jack.php |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} In 1989, Ashford won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villain.{{Cite web |title=The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1989 |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1989/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809201334/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1989/ |archive-date=August 9, 2004 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} In 1991, he and Melissa Reeves won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Super Couple: Daytime.{{Cite web |title=The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1991 |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1991/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809201338/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1991/ |archive-date=August 9, 2004 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} In 1992, they won Soap Opera Digest Awards for Best Love Story and Best Wedding.{{Cite web |title=The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1992 |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1992/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809201133/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1992/ |archive-date=August 9, 2004 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}}

Ashford played Jack Deveraux in the Days of Our Lives television film One Stormy Night (1992).{{Cite web |last=Slate |first=Libby |date=January 10, 1992 |title=For Soap Awards, a Nighttime 'Days' : Television: The special 'Days of Our Lives' episode will precede the first prime-time Soap Opera Digest Awards broadcast. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-01-10-ca-1618-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808182143/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-01-10-ca-1618-story.html |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}} He guest starred on Quantum Leap. He played Jack Deveraux in another Days of Our Lives television film, Night Sins (1993).{{Cite web |title=Days of Our Lives: Night Sins |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/462602/days-of-our-lives-night-sins#credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703032108/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/462602/days-of-our-lives-night-sins#credits |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies}} Ashford won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Comic Performance.{{Cite web |title=The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1993 |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1993/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040809200736/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/awards/1993/ |archive-date=August 9, 2004 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} In September 1993, he left Days of Our Lives when the producers decided not to renew his contract.{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Alan |date=August 20, 1993 |title=Matt Ashford Leaves "Days of Our Lives" |url=http://www.ew.com/article/1993/08/20/matt-ashford-leaves-days-our-lives |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106111347/http://www.ew.com/article/1993/08/20/matt-ashford-leaves-days-our-lives |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite journal |last=Collymore |first=Terrie |date=January 4, 1994 |title=Dazzling Departures: Hasta La Vista Baby! |journal=Soap Opera Digest |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=77}} The role was recast with Mark Valley in 1994 and Steve Wilder in 1997.

Ashford was cast as Tom Hardy on General Hospital, first airing on February 17, 1995. The part had previously been played by David Wallace. Ashford won the role without an audition.{{Cite journal |date=February 28, 1995 |title=Late-Breaking News: Matthew Ashford Checks into GH |journal=Soap Opera Digest |volume=20 |issue=5 |pages=4}} He appeared in the science fiction film Species (1995).{{Cite web |title=Species - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/species/cast/2000347094/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808221448/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/species/cast/2000347094/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=TV Guide}} He guest starred on Burke's Law. He left General Hospital in 1997 and guest starred on Pacific Blue. Ashford played Whitey in the romantic comedy film Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss (1998).{{Cite web |title=Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/442778/billys-hollywood-screen-kiss#credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205105443/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/442778/billys-hollywood-screen-kiss#credits |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies}}{{Cite web |title=Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/billys-hollywood-screen-kiss/cast/2030123156/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808224414/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/billys-hollywood-screen-kiss/cast/2030123156/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=TV Guide}} He guest starred on Charmed and Providence.{{Cite web |title=Matthew Ashford: Credits |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/matthew-ashford/credits/3000084958/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808224825/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/matthew-ashford/credits/3000084958/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=TV Guide}} He played Ron in the action film Paper Bullets (1999).

In December 2000, it was announced that Ashford would be returning to Days of Our Lives as Jack Deveraux. His first airdate was February 6, 2001.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=December 10, 2000 |title=Matthew Ashford will return to Salem |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2000/1211-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808231636/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2000/1211-ashford.php |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Central}}{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2000 |title=Matthew Ashford Returns to 'Days' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/12/30/matthew-ashford-returns-to-days/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809185223/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/12/30/matthew-ashford-returns-to-days/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Chicago Tribune}} He also guest starred on Dharma & Greg in 2001. He stayed on Days of Our Lives until October 2003, when Jack was murdered by a serial killer called The Salem Stalker.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=August 24, 2003 |title=Ashford fired – again |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2003/0825-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808233457/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2003/0825-ashford.php |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} In 2003, Ashford guest starred as himself on Friends.

Ashford returned to One Life to Live on a recurring basis as a new character, Stephen Haver. His first airdate was December 10, 2003. Stephen, a college professor, was discovered to be a serial murderer known as the Music Box Killer. Ashford left the show when the character was killed off in February 2004.{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2004 |title=Matthew Ashford Plays His Last Note as OLTL's Music Box Killer |url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/matthew-ashford-plays-his-last-note-oltls-music-box-killer-0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025150/http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/matthew-ashford-plays-his-last-note-oltls-music-box-killer-0 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} In 2004, Ashford returned to Days of Our Lives when it was revealed that The Salem Stalker's victims, including Jack, were alive and being held captive on a tropical island. Ashford left the show again on September 21, 2006.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=July 13, 2006 |title=Ashford leaving Days after all |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2006/0717-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808233945/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2006/0717-ashford.php |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Central}}

In September 2006, he played Senator Fipp in Urinetown at the Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=September 16, 2006 |title=Urinetown — Starring Tony Winner Rubinstein — Opens Sept. 16 |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/urinetown-starring-tony-winner-rubinstein-opens-sept-16-com-134948 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025172710/https://www.playbill.com/article/urinetown-starring-tony-winner-rubinstein-opens-sept-16-com-134948 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Daryl H. |date=September 22, 2006 |title=Smaller, but still a whole lot of fun |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-22-et-urinetown22-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812215743/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-22-et-urinetown22-story.html |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}} Ashford returned to Days of Our Lives for a short time in April 2007.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=February 1, 2007 |title=Matthew Ashford gets another shot as DAYS's Jack |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2007/0205-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808230722/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2007/0205-ashford.php |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} In May 2007, Ashford played Mike in No Strings at the Freud Playhouse in Los Angeles. He co-starred with Scott Bakula.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=May 8, 2007 |title=Reprise! No Strings — with Bakula, Brown, Ashford and Williamson — Begins May 8 |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/reprise-no-strings-with-bakula-brown-ashford-and-williamson-begins-may-8-com-140623 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115180736/https://www.playbill.com/article/reprise-no-strings-with-bakula-brown-ashford-and-williamson-begins-may-8-com-140623 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Playbill}} He played Father Michael in the horror film Chronicles of an Exorcism (2008). He was also one of the film's producers.{{Cite web |title=Chronicles of an Exorcism - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/chronicles-of-an-exorcism/cast/2000357451/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809155903/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/chronicles-of-an-exorcism/cast/2000357451/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=TV Guide}} In July 2008, Ashford played Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh.{{Cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=July 22, 2008 |title=Annie Get Your Gun, with Colella and Ashford, Begins Pittsburgh CLO Run July 22 |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/annie-get-your-gun-with-colella-and-ashford-begins-pittsburgh-clo-run-july-22-com-151820 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511145113/https://www.playbill.com/article/annie-get-your-gun-with-colella-and-ashford-begins-pittsburgh-clo-run-july-22-com-151820 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Conley |first=Patti |date=July 24, 2008 |title=Annie gets your attention |url=https://www.timesonline.com/story/entertainment/2008/07/24/annie-gets-your-attention/18359968007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812215034/https://www.timesonline.com/story/entertainment/2008/07/24/annie-gets-your-attention/18359968007/ |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=timesonline.com}} In July 2009, he played Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at the Wells Fargo Pavilion in Sacramento.{{Cite web |last=Nicolson-Singh |first=Saunthy |date=July 23, 2009 |title='Guys and Dolls' struts its stuff on Sacramento stage |url=https://www.appeal-democrat.com/guys-and-dolls-struts-its-stuff-on-sacramento-stage/article_e26d2a94-9280-5f82-90a9-893bdbc3bd4a.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812222852/https://www.appeal-democrat.com/guys-and-dolls-struts-its-stuff-on-sacramento-stage/article_e26d2a94-9280-5f82-90a9-893bdbc3bd4a.html |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=Appeal-Democrat}}

From February to June 2010, he played Bill Austin in the North American tour of Mamma Mia!.{{Cite web |title=Ex-Days of our Lives' Matthew Ashford Touring With Mamma Mia! |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/8501/exdays-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-touring-with/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809185911/https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/8501/exdays-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-touring-with/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=soaps.sheknows.com}}{{Cite web |last=Hawley |first=David |date=March 10, 2010 |title=Comic roles rule in touring 'Mamma Mia'! |url=https://www.minnpost.com/arts-arena/2010/03/comic-roles-rule-touring-mamma-mia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527231816/https://www.minnpost.com/arts-arena/2010/03/comic-roles-rule-touring-mamma-mia/ |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=minnpost.com}} The final performances were cut short due to security concerns with the G20 Summit in Toronto, which was held nearby.{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2010 |title=Mamma Mia! Closes at the Toronto At The Princess of Wales Theatre 6/6 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/article/MAMMA-MIA-Closes-at-the-Toronto-At-The-Princess-of-Wales-Theatre-66-20100606 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726064112/https://www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/article/MAMMA-MIA-Closes-at-the-Toronto-At-The-Princess-of-Wales-Theatre-66-20100606 |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=BroadwayWorld}}{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2010 |title=G20 security fence going up in downtown Toronto |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/g20-security-fence-going-up-in-downtown-toronto-1.520107?cache=qtdjrvikpa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810001858/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/g20-security-fence-going-up-in-downtown-toronto-1.520107?cache=qtdjrvikpa |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |website=toronto.ctvnews.ca}} He guest starred on 90210.{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2012 |title='Days of Our Lives' Matthew Ashford joins the 9 to 5 the Musical |url=https://www.fosters.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/09/13/days-our-lives-matthew/49411593007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809191410/https://www.fosters.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/09/13/days-our-lives-matthew/49411593007/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Foster's Daily Democrat}} He began playing the role of Steve Jensen on the web series The Bay, co-starring with his former Days of Our Lives castmate Mary Beth Evans.{{cite web |last=Logan |first=Michael |authorlink=Michael Logan (journalist) |date=February 18, 2011 |title=Exclusive: Online Soap The Bay Looking For a TV Home |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/soap-the-bay-1029617/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206112326/https://www.tvguide.com/news/soap-the-bay-1029617/ |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |accessdate=August 9, 2024 |work=TV Guide}}{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2010 |title=Matt Ashford joins the cast of The Bay! Reunites with Mary Beth Evans! |url=https://michaelfairmantv.com/matt-ashford-joins-the-cast-of-the-bay-reunites-with-mary-beth-evans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811175748/https://michaelfairmantv.com/matt-ashford-joins-the-cast-of-the-bay-reunites-with-mary-beth-evans/ |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=michaelfairmantv.com}} Ashford is also a producer on the series, which has received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.{{Cite web |last=Papadatos |first=Markos |date=December 30, 2020 |title=Matthew Ashford talks 'The Bay,' 'Days of Our Lives,' and success (Includes interview) |url=https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/matthew-ashford-talks-the-bay-days-of-our-lives-and-success/article/583216 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811003845/https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/matthew-ashford-talks-the-bay-days-of-our-lives-and-success/article/583216 |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |website=digitaljournal.com}}

He appeared in the science fiction short film The Historian Paradox (2011).{{Cite web |title=The Historian Paradox |url=http://www.adornstudios.org/films/id7.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203174806/http://www.adornstudios.org/films/id7.html |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |website=adornstudios.org}} In April 2011, he starred as the male lead in Antony and Cleopatra at the Mesa Arts Center. He co-starred with Lana Buss.{{Cite web |last=Curcio |first=Chris |date=April 21, 2011 |title="Antony and Cleopatra" - Southwest Shakespeare Company |url=https://curtainupphoenix.com/2011/04/21/antony-and-cleopatra-southwest-shakespeare-company/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522011918/https://curtainupphoenix.com/2011/04/21/antony-and-cleopatra-southwest-shakespeare-company/ |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=curtainupphoenix.com}}

Ashford returned to Days of Our Lives, first airing September 23, 2011.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=May 17, 2011 |title=Matthew Ashford brings Jack back to Salem |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2011/0517-ashford.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809195101/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2011/0517-ashford.php |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on Days.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2012 |title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2012: The Winners List |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/daytime-emmy-awards-2012-winners-nominees-341308/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108121906/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/daytime-emmy-awards-2012-winners-nominees-341308/ |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} In April 2012, it was announced that he had been dismissed from his role on Days, along with three other actors.{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2012 |title=Huge Exits at Days! |url=https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/huge-exits-days/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227111840/https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/huge-exits-days/ |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} His last airdate was August 15, 2012. The character of Jack died when an elevator crashed with him inside.

In September 2012, Ashford played Franklin Hart Jr. in the musical 9 to 5 at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. He co-starred with Sally Struthers. He appeared on the web series Outside the Box.{{Cite web |last=Diamond |first=Robert |date=November 19, 2012 |title=TV Exclusive: Outside the Box - Season 1, Episode 6 - Matthew Ashford & More! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/BWW-TV-Exclusive-OUTSIDE-THE-BOX-Season-1-Episode-6-Matthew-Ashford-More-20121119 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810230340/https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/BWW-TV-Exclusive-OUTSIDE-THE-BOX-Season-1-Episode-6-Matthew-Ashford-More-20121119 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |website=BroadwayWorld}} He played Chris Valentine in the film Fuzz Track City (2012).{{Cite web |title=Fuzz Track City - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/fuzz-track-city/cast/2030305512/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809160743/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/fuzz-track-city/cast/2030305512/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=TV Guide}} He played Dr. Stringer in the film Bad Blood (2012).{{Cite web |title=Days of our Lives: Matthew Ashford in Guys and Dolls! |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/4639/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-in-guys-and-doll/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809184835/https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/4639/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-in-guys-and-doll/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=soaps.sheknows.com}} Ashford starred as Coach Loren DeJong in Winning Favor (2012), a film based on the true story of a group of friends in Iowa who became basketball players.{{Cite web |title=Winning Favor - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/winning-favor/cast/2000139083/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809162255/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/winning-favor/cast/2000139083/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=TV Guide}}{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=LeAnn |date=February 19, 2010 |title=Durham's new film hits Orange City: Movie follows Iowan basketball team |url=https://beacon.nwciowa.edu/durhams-new-film-hits-orange-city-movie-follows-iowan-basketball-team/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707132842/https://beacon.nwciowa.edu/durhams-new-film-hits-orange-city-movie-follows-iowan-basketball-team/ |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=beacon.nwciowa.edu}}{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Tim |date=October 7, 2012 |title=Gallagher: Orange City Film Finds Winning Mix |url=https://siouxcityjournal.com/life-entertainment/gallagher-orange-city-film-finds-winning-mix/article_36ee3c22-124e-58dd-a27f-03f3b878ff92.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809183854/https://siouxcityjournal.com/life-entertainment/gallagher-orange-city-film-finds-winning-mix/article_36ee3c22-124e-58dd-a27f-03f3b878ff92.html |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Sioux City Journal}} He appeared in the television film The Good Mother (2013).{{Cite web |title=The Good Mother |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/2006655/the-good-mother#credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203205409/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/2006655/the-good-mother#credits |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies}} Ashford and his former Days co-star Deidre Hall guest starred on the web series Dating in the Middle Ages.{{Cite web |last=Deese |first=Hollie |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Interviews: Dating In The Middle Ages Season Two Debut |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/soaps/news/34381/interviews-dating-in-the-middle-ages-season-two-de/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128153537/https://soaps.sheknows.com/soaps/news/34381/interviews-dating-in-the-middle-ages-season-two-de/ |archive-date=November 28, 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=soaps.sheknows.com}}

In November 2015, it was announced that he would return to Days of Our Lives as the ghost of Jack, airing in a 2016 episode.{{Cite web |last=Iannuci |first=Rebecca |date=November 30, 2015 |title=TVLine Items: Days Brings Jack Back, Transparent Arrives Early and More |url=https://tvline.com/casting-news/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-returning-jack-deveraux-662809/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809200631/https://tvline.com/casting-news/days-of-our-lives-matthew-ashford-returning-jack-deveraux-662809/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=tvline.com}} He made another return as a ghost in December 2017.{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Kambra |date=December 14, 2017 |title=Matthew Ashford returns to Days for life and death storyline |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2017/1215-matthew_ashford_return_suicide.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810234047/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2017/1215-matthew_ashford_return_suicide.php |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} In 2017, Ashford was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting or Guest Actor in a Digital Daytime Drama Series for his work on The Bay.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Dan J. |date=April 28, 2017 |title=Technically speaking, Days comes out on top |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/daytime-emmys/news/2017/0428-emmy_coverage_creative.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809235904/https://www.soapcentral.com/daytime-emmys/news/2017/0428-emmy_coverage_creative.php |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Central}} He played Valentine in the action film The Fuzz.{{Cite web |title=The Fuzz - Full Cast & Crew |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-fuzz/cast/2000046901/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809184415/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-fuzz/cast/2000046901/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=TV Guide}}

In November 2018, it was announced that Ashford would be returning to Days of Our Lives as a regular cast member. Jack returned from the dead in the New Year's Eve episode.{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Kambra |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Matthew Ashford teases Days return, says storyline ahead is "really good" |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2018/1113-matthew_ashford_returns.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016141833/https://www.soapcentral.com/days-of-our-lives/news/2018/1113-matthew_ashford_returns.php |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Central}}{{Cite web |last=Di Lauro |first=Janet |date=January 8, 2019 |title=ICYMI: Matthew Ashford Interview |url=https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-matthew-ashford-interview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803235957/https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-matthew-ashford-interview/ |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}} In 2020, Ashford guest starred on NCIS.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Candace |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Episode Date Change for Matthew Ashford's 'NCIS' Appearance Involving a Dead Body Floating in a Lake |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/560719/days-matthew-ashford-guest-appearance-ncis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321144903/https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/560719/days-matthew-ashford-guest-appearance-ncis/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=soaps.sheknows.com}} He left Days of Our Lives in March 2023, but he returned on a recurring basis in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Di Lauro |first=Janet |date=July 25, 2024 |title=Exclusive: Matthew Ashford Reflects on his Days Return as Jack |url=https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/exclusive-matthew-ashford-reflects-on-his-days-return-as-jack/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805065954/https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/exclusive-matthew-ashford-reflects-on-his-days-return-as-jack/ |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=Soap Opera Digest}}

Ashford met singer-actress Christina Saffran in 1985, when he auditioned for the World Peace Festival, a production she was choreographing. They were married on June 6, 1987. They have since divorced.{{cite web|url=http://abc.soapsindepth.com/2015/07/baby-on-board-2.html|title=Baby On Board!|work=ABC Soap's In Depth|last=|first=|date=August 28, 2015|accessdate=July 17, 2015}} They have two daughters, born in 1992 and 1997.

In 1998, their youngest daughter, Emma Ashford, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. She received chemotherapy.{{Cite web |date=September 16, 1998 |title=The Eyes Have It: The importance of... |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/09/16/the-eyes-have-it-the-importance-of/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811005917/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/09/16/the-eyes-have-it-the-importance-of/ |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |website=Chicago Tribune}} She is now healthy and working as an actress. Because of his daughter's illness, Ashford helped form Retinoblastoma International. He is a spokesperson for the organization.

In May 2010, while on tour in Toronto, he obtained U.S.-Canadian dual citizenship. Ashford's father was born in Canada, which made him and his siblings eligible to become Canadians without relinquishing their American citizenship.{{Cite web |last=Brounstein |first=Diane |date=May 14, 2019 |title=Five Fast Facts About Days of Our Lives Star Matthew Ashford |url=https://soaphub.com/days-of-our-lives/five-fast-facts-days-lives-star-matt-ashford/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529152329/https://soaphub.com/days-of-our-lives/five-fast-facts-days-lives-star-matt-ashford/ |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=Soap Hub}}

Ashford met actress Lana Buss when they played the title roles in a stage production of Antony and Cleopatra in 2011. They were married in November 2016. They have a son, born in May 2013, and a daughter, born in December 2015.

• Days of Our Lives
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Category:1960 births

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