Matthew Davis

{{Infobox person

| name = Matt Davis

| image = Matthew "Matt" W. Davis on June 15, 2013.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Davis in 2013

| alt =

| birth_name = Matthew Wadsworth Davis

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|5|8}}

| birth_place = Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.

| occupation = actor

| years_active = 2000–present

| partner =

| children = 2

| parents =

| relatives =

| education =

| alma_mater = University of Utah

| website =

| spouse = {{marriage|Kiley Casciano|2018|2024|end=divorced}}

}}

Matthew Wadsworth Davis (born May 8, 1978) is an American actor. He is mostly known for his roles as Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde, Adam Hillman on the ABC comedy-drama What About Brian (2006–2007) and Alaric Saltzman on The CW fantasy drama The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) as well as the spin-off series Legacies (2018–2022).

Davis starred on the short-lived CW mystery and horror drama Cult as Jeff Sefton, and had a recurring role on the CBS police drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Sean Yeager.

Early life

Davis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended Woods Cross High School{{cite news |first=Scott D. |last=Pierce |title=Another lovable jerk — Actor/Utah native Matthew Davis plays bad guys you love to hate |date=April 13, 2006 |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/635199441/Another-lovable-jerk--ActorUtah-native-Matthew-Davis-plays-bad-guys-you-love-to-hate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611025938/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/635199441/Another-lovable-jerk--ActorUtah-native-Matthew-Davis-plays-bad-guys-you-love-to-hate.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |work=Deseret News |access-date=December 27, 2009}} and the University of Utah.

Career

In 2000, Davis was cast in the Vietnam War film, Tigerland as Private Jim Paxton opposite Colin Farrell and in a dual role as Travis / Trevor Stark in the second installment of Urban Legend film series.{{cite web |title=Trouble shooter |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/may/26/features2 |website=The Guardian |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=25 May 2001}}{{cite web |last1=Chute |first1=David |title='Final Cut' Isn't Last Word in Stalker Films |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-22-ca-24782-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=22 September 2000}} The following year, Davis co-starred with Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair in the comedy Legally Blonde (2001), as Witherspoon's love interest Warner Huntington III.{{cite web |title=Scene from Legally Blonde featuring Matthew Davis and Reese Witherspoon |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/legally-blonde/video/f198e270bdd3d36793325317abbf51af |website=Herald Sun |access-date=4 February 2024}}{{cite web |title=Warner from "Legally Blonde" Had a HUGE Crush on This Co-Star |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/legally-blonde-matthew-davis-on-set-crush |website=Teen Vogue |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=5 September 2017}} The film was a commercial success and garnered generally positive reviews from critics, grossing over $96.5 million in North America and $141.7 million worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=legallyblonde.htm|title=Legally Blonde (2001) - Box Office Mojo|website=www.boxofficemojo.com}} He also appeared in Michael Bay's war drama, Pearl Harbor as Second Lieutenant Joe McKinnon in 2001.{{cite web |last1=Grubbs |first1=Jefferson |title=14 Things I Noticed Rewatching 'Pearl Harbor' As An Adult |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/105811-14-things-i-noticed-rewatching-pearl-harbor-as-an-adult |website=Bustle |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=25 February 2016}} Davis then played the role of Matt Tollman in the 2002 surfing movie Blue Crush.{{cite web |last1=Horn |first1=Steven |title=Interview with Matthew Davis |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/14/interview-with-matthew-davis |website=IGN |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=14 August 2002}}

He continued with appearances in films such as Seeing Other People (2004), Heights (2004), Into the Sun (2005), BloodRayne (2005) and Bottoms Up (2006). That same year he began starring in the ABC comedy drama television series What about Brian as Adam Hillman, a lawyer and the best friend of the titular character.{{cite news |last1=Stanley |first1=Alessandra |title=In 'What About Brian,' a Hopelessly Single Guy Has a Dirty Little Secret |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/15/arts/television/15bria.html |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=15 April 2006}} He was in the show for two seasons until it ended in 2007.

File:Matt Davis (9111901774).jpg

Davis starred in The CW fantasy drama The Vampire Diaries, as Alaric Saltzman since 2009. He also played the role of Jeff Drake, an award-winning director of adult films in the comedy film Finding Bliss in June 2010.{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Philiana |title='Cult': Matt Davis Breaks Down Premise, 'Vampire' Similarities and Talks Media Manipulation |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cult-matt-davis-vampire-diaries-422355/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=19 February 2013}}{{cite news |last1=Kaufman |first1=Amy |title=You'll find Spokane, porn in 'Finding Bliss' |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jun/25/youll-find-spokane-porn-in-finding-bliss/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Spokesman Review |date=June 25, 2010}} In April 2012, Davis was cast as Jeff Sefton, a journalist blogger on the short-lived CW psychological thriller series Cult.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='Vampire Diaries' Co-Star Matt Davis Cast As The Male Lead In CW Drama Pilot 'Cult' |url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/matt-davis-cult-jessica-lucas-cw-drama-pilot-243474/ |website=Deadline |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=13 March 2012}}{{cite news|title=The Faces of TV Pilot Season 2012-13|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/faces-tv-pilot-season-2012-312523#33|access-date=May 6, 2012 | work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=April 17, 2012}} He also had a recurring role in the CBS police drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from 2013 to 2014 in the 14th season, as swing shift CSI Sean Yeager.{{cite web |title='Vampire Diaries' Alum Joins 'CSI' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/matt-davis-csi-season-14_n_3896747 |website=Huffington Post |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en |date=10 September 2013}}{{cite web |title=Matt Davis lands major 'CSI' role |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a513842/vampire-diaries-star-matt-davis-lands-major-csi-role/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=9 September 2013}} He appeared in the sixth episode titled "Passed Pawns", the eighth episode titled "Helpless", and the 13th episode titled "Boston Brakes".{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2013/09/09/csi-matt-davis-season-14-cast/ |title='CSI' Season 14: Matt Davis Joins Cast - TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |work=TVLine}} He later returned to the hit The CW show The Vampire Diaries for its sixth season as Alaric Saltzman once again as a series regular.{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Philiana |title='Vampire Diaries': Matt Davis Returning as Regular for Season 6 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/vampire-diaries-matt-davis-season-6-704732/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=15 May 2014}}

Davis starred in The CW series Legacies, a spin-off of The Originals, from 2018 to 2022 where he reprised his role as Alaric Saltzman.{{cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title='The Originals' Spinoff Moves Forward at CW With Danielle Rose Russell, Matt Davis Set to Star |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/the-originals-spinoff-hope-danielle-rose-russell-matt-davis-1202719896/ |website=Variety |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=6 March 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='TVD/The Originals' Universe Spinoff: Matt Davis & Danielle Rose Russell Lead Cast of Hope-Centric Series In Works At the CW |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/the-vampire-diaries-the-originals-universe-spinoff-matt-davis-danielle-rose-russell-cast-hope-centric-series-the-cw-aria-shahghasemi-quincy-fouse-jenny-boyd-and-kaylee-bryant-1202312569/ |website=Deadline|access-date=20 September 2023 |date=6 March 2018}} He also starred as Nick Sinclair in the 2019 Hallmark Christmas film, Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses alongside Jill Wagner.{{cite web |author1=Britt Lawrence |title=The Vampire Diaries' Matt Davis To Star In His First Hallmark Christmas Movie |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2468499/the-vampire-diaries-matt-davis-to-star-in-his-first-hallmark-christmas-movie |website=CINEMABLEND |access-date=20 September 2023 |language=en |date=16 March 2019}}

In April 2024, it was announced that Davis would star in the NBC drama series Grosse Pointe Garden Society.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Matthew Davis & Alexander Hodge Join 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society' NBC Drama Pilot |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/matthew-davis-alexander-hodge-grosse-pointe-garden-society-nbc-pilot-1235883293/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=11 May 2024 |date=12 April 2024}}

Personal life

Davis was married to actress Kiley Casciano on December 23, 2018, and their two daughters were born in 2020 and 2022, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://people.com/movies/matthew-davis-legally-blonde-weds-girlfriend-afters-after-proposal/ |title=Legally Blonde{{'}}s Matthew Davis Ties the Knot Hours After Proposing: 'A Very Married Christmas' |work=People |date=December 24, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1136398/vampire-diaries-matthew-davis-welcomes-baby-girl-with-wife-kiley-casciano|title=Vampire Diaries' Matthew Davis Welcomes Baby Girl With Kiley Casciano|date=April 1, 2020|website=E! Online}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/vampire-diaries-star-matthew-davis-welcomes-baby-girl-with-wife-kiley-casciano-144024|title='Vampire Diaries' Star Matthew Davis Welcomes Baby Girl|website=Entertainment Tonight}}{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/matthew-davis-and-wife-kiley-casciano-welcome-baby-girl/|title=Vampire Diaries' Matthew Davis and Wife Kiley Casciano Welcome Baby Girl|website=PEOPLE.com}} The couple's marriage ended in February 2024. Davis and Casciano share joint custody of their daughters.{{Cite web |title=DeKalb County - Judicial Information System |url=https://portal-gadekalb.tylertech.cloud/portal/DocumentViewer/Index/_0mRe6utYq_9wQNG3Ew4aKYshE-h-qzza0EquxeEDXU_tRu8z_nZH9VAcHH2KEi6vdltFKZg8wdWQx1qfOzZrqdeXQTSFOhKGzk0KNQ5fh01?caseNum=23FM1762&docType=Superior%20Court%20Document&docName=Final%20Judgment%20and%20Decree%20Order&eventName=Final%20Judgment%20and%20Decree&docTypeId=19&isVersionId=False |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=portal-gadekalb.tylertech.cloud}}

In regards to his political views, Davis has publicly described himself as a social libertarian and a fiscal conservative.{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/vampire-diaries-stars-paul-wesley-matthew-davis-argued-over-vp-debate|title="Vampire Diaries" Stars Paul Wesley, Matthew Davis Argued Over VP Debate|work=TeenVogue.com|first=Kara K.|last=Nesvig|date=October 9, 2020|accessdate=June 3, 2025}}

In April 2020, the headline #matthewdavisisoverparty trended on Twitter following a series of controversial posts by Davis that many fans had deemed racist and xenophobic. In response, he tweeted: "What I am NOT: is a racist, bigot, xenophobic, transphobic, homophobic, white supremacist, pedophile. All vile names I’ve been called by those on the Tolerant Left. Anyone who knows me knows these slanderous and despicable accusations are flagrantly untrue."{{Cite web |title=Matthew Davis Is in Hot Water With 'Vampire Diaries' Fans |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/what-did-matthew-davis-do |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Distractify }}{{Cite web |title=Matt Davis: The Issue |url=https://aminoapps.com/c/the-originals-1/page/blog/matt-davis-the-issue/g0j0_LeMC6uGdKmr6djrME6JYojJxnPGmlv |access-date=2024-07-31 }}

Filmography

File:Matthew Davis 2010 b.jpg]]

=Film=

class="wikitable sortable"
Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" \| Notes
rowspan="2" \| 2000 \| Tigerland \| Private Jim Paxton \|
Urban Legends: Final Cut \| Travis Stark / Trevor Stark \|
rowspan="2" \| 2001 \| Pearl Harbor \| Joe McKinnon \|
Legally Blonde \| Warner Huntington III \|
rowspan="3" \| 2002 \| Lone Star State of Mind \| Jimbo \|
Blue Crush \| Matt Tollman \|
Below \| Odell \|
2003 \| Something Better \| Skip \|
rowspan="3" \| 2004 \| Seeing Other People \| Donald \|
Shadow of Fear \| Harrison French \|
Heights \| Mark \|
rowspan="2" \| 2005 \| Into the Sun \| Sean Mack \|
BloodRayne \| Sebastian \|
rowspan="2" \| 2006 \| Mentor \| Carter \|
Bottoms Up \| Johnny Cocktail \|
2007 \| Wasting Away \| Mike \|
rowspan="2" \| 2009 \| Finding Bliss \| Jeff Drake \|
S. Darko \| Pastor John Wayne \|
2010 \| Waiting for Forever \| Aaron \|

class="wikitable sortable"

Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

rowspan="2" | 2000

| Tigerland

| Private Jim Paxton

Urban Legends: Final Cut

| Travis Stark / Trevor Stark

rowspan="2" | 2001

| Pearl Harbor

| Joe McKinnon

Legally Blonde

| Warner Huntington III

rowspan="3" | 2002

| Lone Star State of Mind

| Jimbo

Blue Crush

| Matt Tollman

Below

| Odell

2003

| Something Better

| Skip

rowspan="3" | 2004

| Seeing Other People

| Donald

Shadow of Fear

| Harrison French

Heights

| Mark

rowspan="2" | 2005

| Into the Sun

| Sean Mack

BloodRayne

| Sebastian

rowspan="2" | 2006

| Mentor

| Carter

Bottoms Up

| Johnny Cocktail

2007

| Wasting Away

| Mike

rowspan="2" | 2009

| Finding Bliss

| Jeff Drake

S. Darko

| Pastor John Wayne

2010

| Waiting for Forever

| Aaron

=Television=

class="wikitable sortable"
Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" \| Notes
2006–2007 \| What About Brian \| Adam Hillman \| Main role
2008 \| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit \| Pearson Junior "PJ" Bartlett \| Episode: "Trade"
rowspan="2" \| 2009 \| Limelight \| David \| Television film
In Plain Sight \| Lewis Folwer \| Episode: "Rubble With A Cause"; as Matt Davis
2009–2010 \| Damages \| Josh Reston \| Recurring role
2009–2017 \| The Vampire Diaries \| Alaric Saltzman \| Main role (seasons 1–3, 6–8); Recurring role (season 4-5)
2013 \| Cult \| Jeff Sefton \| Main role
2013–2014 \| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation \| Sean Yeager \| 3 episodes
2017–2018 \| The Originals \| Alaric Saltzman \| Special guest star (seasons 4–5)
2018–2022 \| Legacies \| Alaric Saltzman \| Main role
2019 \| Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses \| Nick Sinclair \|Main role
2025 \|Grosse Pointe Garden Society \|Joel \|Main Role

class="wikitable sortable"

Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2006–2007

| What About Brian

| Adam Hillman

| Main role

2008

| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

| Pearson Junior "PJ" Bartlett