Matthew Richard Cardarople is an American actor and comedian known for his distinctive deadpan delivery and memorable supporting roles in major films and television series. The 6-foot-4 entertainer has built a successful career playing socially awkward and nerdy characters in productions like Stranger Things, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Free Guy, and Jurassic World. His journey from a personal assistant to a working actor who appears in dozens of commercials and shows has made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
Quick Wiki/Bio About Matty Cardarople
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Matthew Richard Cardarople |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | February 9, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of January 2026, turning 43 in February 2026) |
| Place of birth | Exeter, New Hampshire, United States |
| Current residence | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 178 lbs (81 kg) |
| Hair colour | Dark brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Lauren Cardarople (m. 2017) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Alma mater | Exeter High School, New York Film Academy, The Beverly Hills Playhouse |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, author, content creator |
| Net worth | $2 million (estimated) |
Who is Matty Cardarople?
Matty Cardarople is a prolific American actor who has become one of the hardest-working performers in Hollywood.
Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, he has carved out a unique niche playing quirky, awkward characters that audiences instantly recognize.
His breakthrough came with recurring roles in hit Netflix series including Stranger Things, where he played Keith the arcade worker and video store employee, and A Series of Unfortunate Events, where he portrayed the Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender in Count Olaf’s troupe.
Cardarople’s filmography spans over 30 films and 20 television series. He appeared in the blockbuster Jurassic World as the Gyrosphere operator and played Keith in the Ryan Reynolds action-comedy Free Guy.
His television credits include Reservation Dogs, Fallout, NCIS: Los Angeles, Scrubs, and Made for Love. He also voiced Preston in the animated series Archibald’s Next Big Thing.
The actor has overcome remarkable health challenges. Born deaf, he gained hearing at age three. At 18, doctors diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome and told him he wouldn’t live past 25.
He underwent successful heart surgery at 27 and was declared healthy. In March 2021, he suffered a stroke caused by a hole in his heart but made a complete recovery, returning to work within months.
How old is Matty Cardarople? Age and birthday
Matty Cardarople is 42 years old as of January 2026 (turning 43 in February 2026). He was born on February 9, 1983, in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.
Matty Cardarople’s height and weight
Matty Cardarople stands 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and weighs around 178 pounds (81 kg). His distinctive height and lanky build have become part of his comedic persona and contributed to his typecasting as awkward characters. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Career
Early beginnings
After graduating from Exeter High School in 2001, Cardarople moved to Los Angeles to pursue his entertainment dreams. He attended the New York Film Academy and studied acting at The Beverly Hills Playhouse under renowned coach Lesly Kahn.
To support himself, he worked as a personal assistant to actor Luke Wilson, who became instrumental in launching his career.
Luke and Owen Wilson helped Cardarople land his first speaking roles in films. His early credits included appearances in Blonde Ambition (2007) and Drillbit Taylor (2008). These small parts allowed him to build experience and connections in the industry.
Breakthrough roles
Cardarople’s career gained traction with his role in the 2014 comedy Dumb and Dumber To, where he fulfilled a childhood dream by working alongside his idol Jim Carrey.
In 2015, he appeared in Jurassic World as the memorable Gyrosphere ride operator who delivers the line “I’m enjoying the ride.” The film grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, giving him global exposure.
His television breakthrough came in 2014 with ABC’s Selfie, where he played Charlie in eight episodes. This led to recurring roles on popular shows including Comedy Bang! Bang!, New Girl, and Angie Tribeca.
Netflix success
Cardarople became a Netflix favorite starting in 2016. He joined Stranger Things Season 2 as Keith, the sarcastic Palace Arcade employee who later works at Family Video. He reprised this role in Season 3, becoming a fan-favorite character known for his deadpan delivery and inappropriate interest in Steve’s coworker Robin.
From 2017 to 2019, he starred as Orlando, the Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender, in all three seasons of A Series of Unfortunate Events opposite Neil Patrick Harris. This marked his first major recurring role, appearing in 18 episodes.
Film and television work
Cardarople appeared in Michael Showalter’s critically acclaimed 2017 film The Big Sick as a fast-food cashier in a memorable meltdown scene.
He also featured in Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky (2017) and the indie films The 4th, Itsy Bitsy, and I Am Woman.
In 2021, he played Keith (a different character) in Free Guy, the Ryan Reynolds video game comedy that grossed over $331 million worldwide.
He had recurring roles in Reservation Dogs (2021-2023) as Ansel and appeared in multiple episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles as Danny.
Recent projects include playing Huey in Amazon Prime’s Fallout series (2024) and Kyle in the Netflix SpongeBob movie Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024), which reached the #1 spot globally.
He appeared in the horror comedy Carved (2024) and played Matty Costello in the independent drama A Farewell To Youth (2025), which had its world premiere at the SOHO International Film Festival on October 11, 2025, followed by a post-screening Q&A with the cast and crew.
The 120-minute Canadian feature, written and directed by Adam Jack, explores themes of addiction, fatherhood, and redemption, showcasing Cardarople’s dramatic range beyond his typical comedic roles. The film has been described as a “coming of middle age story” similar to “Sideways meets Knocked Up.”
Completed in 2025 is The Man with the Bag, a Christmas action-comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson, where Cardarople plays Stage Manager Joe. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film follows Santa recruiting a former thief to retrieve his stolen magic bag.
Originally scheduled for October 2025 release, the film has been delayed and is now expected to release in late 2026 for the Christmas season. In a December 2025 Q&A, Cardarople confirmed completing work on this major studio project with Schwarzenegger.
He also has a role in Quarter (2026), an upcoming coming-of-age feature, and has been attached to the rom-com I Married Myself, optioned by director Louise Alston in January 2026.
Beyond acting, Cardarople continues his active convention circuit, with confirmed appearances scheduled for The Nostalgia Con in Houston, Texas, April 10-12, 2026, where he meets fans and discusses his work on Stranger Things and other beloved projects.
Commercial work and residuals
Beyond scripted content, Cardarople has appeared in numerous national commercials for brands including GEICO, Target, and Hyundai.
These commercial appearances provide substantial residual income that has contributed significantly to his financial stability as a working actor.
Author and content creator
Cardarople has self-published multiple poetry books available on Amazon, including “Space Cadet: A Guide to the Universe” and “Happy Birthday Everyday.”
He developed an interest in NFTs and launched a collection called “Brain Blips” to support stroke awareness after his 2021 health scare.
He maintains an active social media presence with 572,000 followers on Instagram and 1.5 million followers on TikTok as of January 2026. In his New Year’s message on December 31, 2025, he announced plans to triple his video output in 2026.
He creates comedy skits, behind-the-scenes content, and inspirational posts about perseverance through health challenges. In September 2025, he launched “Matty’s Arcade Podcast” on YouTube, with Episode 1 featuring Nathan Barnatt.
What is Matty Cardarople’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Matty Cardarople’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $2.2 million. The actor has built this wealth through diverse income streams including television roles, films, commercial work, voice acting, social media content, and convention appearances.
His consistent work across major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime), blockbuster films (Jurassic World, Free Guy), and ongoing residual income from over 50 national commercials have contributed to steady financial growth throughout his two-decade career.
Television and film earnings
Cardarople earned substantial income from his recurring role in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (18 episodes, 2017-2019), where supporting cast members typically make $20,000 to $65,000 per episode.
His appearances in Stranger Things as Keith likely paid between $5,000 to $15,000 per episode, following SAG-AFTRA guest star rates.
His film work includes major blockbusters like Jurassic World ($1.6 billion box office) and Free Guy ($331.5 million box office), where supporting actors earn $15,000 to $50,000 per role. He has appeared in over 30 films and 20 television series throughout his career.
Commercial residuals: Primary income source
Cardarople revealed that commercial residuals account for “a quarter of my income,” stating “I survive on residuals.” He has appeared in over 50 national commercials for brands including GEICO, Target, Hyundai, Clark Pest Control, and Skittles. This translates to approximately $400,000 to $500,000 annually from residual payments alone.
National commercials pay SAG-AFTRA actors $600 to $2,000 per shoot day, with residuals ranging from $5,000 to $100,000+ over the commercial’s lifetime depending on airtime and network placement. His 2025 Hyundai Mall Cop commercial and Target’s Stranger Things campaign continue generating ongoing payments.
Additional income streams
Cardarople voices Preston in Netflix’s animated series Archibald’s Next Big Thing (12 episodes), earning between $1,000 to $3,500 per episode. His social media presence generates income through brand partnerships, with 1.5 million TikTok followers and 572,000 Instagram followers as of January 2026.
He offers personalized videos on Cameo (typically $50-$200 per request), appears at fan conventions ($2,000-$10,000 per event), and has self-published poetry books on Amazon. These supplementary income sources add an estimated $30,000 to $80,000 annually.
His diversified approach places him in the upper tier of working character actors, earning $250,000 to $450,000 annually—significantly above the average Hollywood actor salary of $56,903.
Is Matty Cardarople married? Wife and relationship status
Matty Cardarople is married to his wife Lauren Cardarople. The couple tied the knot on January 29, 2017, and will celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on January 29, 2026.
Lauren, who uses the Instagram handle @lbubdove, graduated with a degree in political science and later completed studies in acupuncture in 2022.
Cardarople frequently posts about his wife on social media, calling her “my queen” and “my lifeline.” The couple resides in Los Angeles with their cats. Their beloved rescue Pomeranian, Azoun, passed away on November 20, 2022 (the same day as Matty’s father Richard).
They met around 2014, and Cardarople credits Lauren with supporting him through his health challenges, including his heart surgery and 2021 stroke recovery. The couple does not appear to have children as of 2026.
Health challenges and recovery
Cardarople’s life has been marked by remarkable health obstacles that he has overcome with resilience. He was born completely deaf and miraculously gained his hearing at age three through medical intervention.
At 18, doctors diagnosed him with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue that can cause life-threatening heart complications. Medical professionals told the teenager he would not survive past age 25.
This condition also affects his physical appearance, contributing to his distinctive tall, thin frame. Other famous people who had Marfan syndrome include Joey Ramone of The Ramones and President Abraham Lincoln.
At 27, Cardarople underwent major heart surgery to correct a severe cardiac condition initially misdiagnosed as an oversized heart. The procedure was successful, and doctors declared him “100% healthy.”
His most recent health scare occurred on March 1, 2021, when he suffered a stroke caused by a hole in his heart. At 38 years old, the stroke could have ended his career or life.
He underwent treatment and made a complete recovery. Within a year, he was back to his full work schedule, appearing in Free Guy and booking numerous other projects.
Cardarople speaks openly about living with ADHD and how his health experiences have shaped his perspective.
He uses his platform to raise awareness about Marfan syndrome and stroke recovery, launching his “Brain Blips” NFT collection to support these causes. His story has become an inspiration to fans who face their own health battles.
Social media presence
As of January 2026, Matty Cardarople maintains a strong social media presence across multiple platforms. His Instagram account @mattycardarople has 572,000 followers, where he posts behind-the-scenes content from sets, personal moments with his wife and pets, comedy skits, and motivational messages about perseverance. His bio reads “Dedicated to bringing you joy and learning and evolving.”
On TikTok, he has amassed 1.5 million followers by creating comedy content, actor interviews, day-in-the-life videos, and collaborations with other creators.
His videos often go viral, with some reaching millions of views. He also maintains an active Facebook page with over 104,000 followers.
Cardarople uses social media not just for promotion but to connect authentically with fans, sharing his acting journey, poetry, and messages about overcoming health challenges.
His approach blends humor with vulnerability, making him relatable to audiences who appreciate his openness about the ups and downs of being a working actor in Hollywood.
Fast facts about Matty Cardarople
- Matty Cardarople’s parents divorced when he was young, and his father Richard Dennis Cardarople passed away on November 20, 2022, after a brief battle with ALS. A Mass of Christian Burial was held in his honor.
- He cites Jim Carrey as his childhood idol and ultimate inspiration for pursuing comedy and acting, making working with him on Dumb and Dumber To a career highlight.
- The actor has appeared in over 50 national commercials for major brands, with these residual payments providing financial stability throughout his career.
- He graduated from Exeter High School in 2001 before moving to Los Angeles at age 20 with dreams of becoming an entertainer.
- Cardarople has also worked behind the camera as a director, writer, and producer on independent projects and is developing his own content.
- His unusual last name is of Italian origin, and he often jokes about people mispronouncing it throughout his life and career.
- He has voiced animated characters including Preston in Netflix’s Archibald’s Next Big Thing, expanding his range beyond live-action roles.
- Cardarople is a self-published poet with multiple books available on Amazon, showcasing his creative talents beyond acting.
- His role in Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie marked his entry into the SpongeBob SquarePants universe, a franchise he grew up watching.
- He often describes himself as a “professional idiot” in reference to his character work and comedic specialization in playing awkward, nerdy roles.
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Wrapping up
Matty Cardarople has built an impressive career as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
From overcoming serious health challenges including deafness, Marfan syndrome, heart surgery, and a stroke, to appearing in major franchises like Jurassic World and Stranger Things, his journey exemplifies perseverance and dedication.
With a net worth of $2 million, a supportive wife, and a thriving social media presence, the 42-year-old actor continues to work steadily in films, television, and commercials while inspiring others with his story of resilience.
References
- Wikipedia. “Matty Cardarople”.
- IMDb. “Matty Cardarople”.
- Adweek. “Matty Cardarople Is the Hardest Working Actor You Know but Don’t Know”. March 1, 2022.
- Sweetyhigh. “Interview With Matty Cardarople on Saving Bikini Bottom”.
- Television Academy. “Living in His Own World”. April 18, 2017
- Instagram. “MATTY CARDAROPLE (@mattycardarople)”.
- Shoutout LA. “Meet Matty Cardarople: Working Actor and Filmmaker”. January 29, 2024.
- Los Angeles Times UK. “Matty Cardarople Net Worth: All You Need To Know About The Life”. May 13, 2025.
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