Matt McGorry Bio
Matthew David McGorry (born April 12, 1986) is an American actor and activist best known for his roles on television, including John Bennett in Orange Is the New Black and Asher Millstone in How to Get Away with Murder. Beyond his acting career, McGorry is recognized for his advocacy work as a police and prison abolitionist and feminist. He began his professional journey as a personal trainer and fitness writer before transitioning to acting in 2011.
Early Life and Background
McGorry was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. He discovered his passion for performing at age nine and began pursuing it seriously during his school years. McGorry attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York City, an institution renowned for nurturing young talent in the performing arts.
After completing high school, McGorry continued his education at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from the college in 2008, equipped with formal training that would later support his transition into professional acting.
Path to Acting
Before entering the entertainment industry, McGorry built a career in the fitness world. He worked as a personal trainer, served as a fitness writer for Men’s Journal, and competed as a bodybuilder. These experiences provided him with discipline and a strong work ethic that would later benefit his acting career.
McGorry made his acting debut in 2011 on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live. Following this initial breakthrough, he appeared in guest-starring roles on several popular television series, including Person of Interest, Gossip Girl, and Royal Pains. These roles helped him develop his craft and establish connections within the industry.
Matt McGorry Career
Early Career (2011–2013)
McGorry began his professional acting career in 2011 with his debut on One Life to Live. He subsequently appeared in guest-starring roles on Person of Interest, Gossip Girl, and Royal Pains, building his credentials before landing more substantial positions. These early roles allowed him to refine his acting skills and gain valuable on-screen experience.
Breakthrough (2013–2020)
In 2013, McGorry landed his breakthrough role as corrections officer John Bennett in the Netflix dramedy series Orange Is the New Black. He played the character in a recurring capacity from 2013 to 2015, becoming a memorable part of the ensemble cast of this critically acclaimed series. The show, set in a women’s prison, addressed numerous social issues and garnered significant critical attention.
That same year, McGorry was cast as Asher Millstone in Shonda Rhimes’ legal drama series How to Get Away with Murder. He portrayed this character for approximately 90 episodes from 2014 until 2020, marking the most substantial role of his career to date. The show, which premiered on ABC in 2014, became a cultural phenomenon and further elevated McGorry’s profile in the entertainment industry.
During this period, McGorry also starred in the independent drama film How He Fell in Love, showcasing his versatility across both screen and independent productions.
Notable Works and Milestones
McGorry’s most notable works include Orange Is the New Black, where he played John Bennett, and How to Get Away with Murder, where he portrayed Asher Millstone for six seasons. His performance in these series established him as a reliable television actor capable of handling both dramatic and comedic roles. The cumulative viewership and cultural impact of these shows significantly contributed to his recognition within the industry.
Matt McGorry Family
Information about Matt McGorry’s family background, including his parents and siblings, remains private and has not been publicly disclosed. He has not spoken extensively about his family life in interviews or public appearances.
Personal Life
Matt McGorry has been open about various aspects of his personal life. He has publicly identified as heterosexual and polyamorous. In discussions about his experiences, he has shared that he experimented with same-sex encounters during his youth, describing these experiences as common among young people. McGorry has spoken about the shame he felt regarding these experiences and has advocated for destigmatizing such explorations.
Beyond his career, McGorry is deeply engaged in social activism. He is a vocal advocate for police and prison abolition and identifies as a feminist. He actively uses his platform to raise awareness about various social justice issues. In 2024, McGorry publicly revealed that he was diagnosed with long COVID, sharing this health update with his audience.