Matt Roth (actor)

Matt Roth (born September 15, 1964) is an American actor best known for his television roles, including the recurring character of Fisher, the abusive boyfriend of Laurie Metcalf's character on the sitcom Roseanne, as well as guest appearances on series such as Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, and Modern Family. Roth's acting career began in the early 1990s with film roles including Officer Crowe in the thriller Blink (1993) and early television work on shows like Roseanne (1992–1993), where he met his future wife, co-star Laurie Metcalf. He continued with supporting parts in series such as Crisis Center (1997) as Dr. Rick Buckley, The Fighting Fitzgeralds (2001), Lucky (2003), Day Break (2006–2007), and Brothers & Sisters (2007), often portraying intense or dramatic characters in procedurals and family dramas. In films, he appeared in comedies like 'Til There Was You (1997) and View from the Top (2003), as well as the holiday drama Noel (2004) and Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring (2013). Later credits include episodes of Numb3rs (2005–2010), Ghost Whisperer (2005–2010), Chuck (2007–2012), Two and a Half Men (2010–2015), and Mad Men (2012). In his personal life, Roth began a relationship with Roseanne co-star Laurie Metcalf in the early 1990s; the couple married in 2005, after over a decade together. They share three children: son Will (born November 1993), daughter Mae (born 2005), and adopted son Donovan (born 2000, fostered in 2006 and adopted later). Roth and Metcalf separated in November 2008 and finalized their divorce in May 2014, citing irreconcilable differences, with the settlement dividing assets including a tractor and snowmobiles while maintaining joint custody of their minor children at the time.

Acting career

Breakthrough on Roseanne

Matt Roth first gained significant attention for his portrayal of Fisher, the abusive boyfriend of Jackie Harris (played by Laurie Metcalf), in a recurring role across six episodes of the sitcom Roseanne's fifth season, airing from October 1992 to January 1993. Introduced as Jackie's new romantic interest, Fisher was depicted as charming yet increasingly controlling and volatile, embodying traits of emotional and physical manipulation common in portrayals of domestic abusers during the era. His character's arc highlighted the Harris family's dynamics, particularly Jackie's vulnerability and the sisters' bond, as Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) becomes suspicious of the relationship after noticing Jackie's unexplained injuries. The storyline reached its climax in episodes like "Crime and Punishment" (season 5, episode 13, aired January 5, 1993), where Roseanne discovers bruises on Jackie's back caused by Fisher, prompting a raw confrontation about the abuse and leading Dan Conner (John Goodman) to physically assault Fisher in a protective rage, resulting in Dan's arrest. This two-part narrative continued in "War and Peace" (season 5, episode 14, aired January 12, 1993), where the aftermath explores the emotional toll on Jackie and the family's support system, emphasizing themes of intervention and recovery from domestic violence without sensationalizing the violence itself. Fisher's earlier appearances, such as his debut in "Mommy Nearest" (season 5, episode 4, aired October 13, 1992) and casual interactions in "Looking for Loans in All the Wrong Places" (season 5, episode 6, aired October 27, 1992) and "Of Ice and Men" (season 5, episode 7, aired November 3, 1992), built subtle tension through his dismissive attitude toward Jackie, culminating in the explosive revelations. Additionally, in "Like a Bad Girl" (season 5, episode 11, aired December 8, 1992), the relationship begins to fray as Jackie seeks support from Roseanne amid escalating conflicts. Roth's performance as Fisher was noted for its understated menace, effectively contrasting the character's initial likability with his abusive tendencies, which contributed to the episodes' high viewer engagement—the "Crime and Punishment" installment holds an 8.8/10 rating on IMDb based on over 400 user reviews. This role marked Roth's breakthrough in television, providing his first substantial recurring part on a major network series after minor earlier credits, and elevating his visibility in Hollywood by associating him with a critically acclaimed show tackling serious social issues. The arc's focus on domestic abuse was praised for its realistic handling, influencing public discourse on the topic during the early 1990s and solidifying Roseanne's reputation for blending humor with hard-hitting family drama.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

Guest roles and later television work

Following his breakthrough recurring role on Roseanne, Matt Roth transitioned to a steady stream of guest appearances on prominent television series, primarily in the procedural, medical, and drama genres. In the mid-2000s, he frequently portrayed authority figures or antagonists, such as detectives, doctors, and suspicious neighbors, showcasing his ability to add tension or depth to ensemble casts. Unlike the extended character arc he played on Roseanne, these roles were typically episodic or short recurring, reflecting a career built on versatility rather than long-term commitments, with no notable awards or nominations during this period.^[5] One of Roth's more prominent later television arcs came on Desperate Housewives in 2006, where he portrayed Art Shepherd, a mysterious new resident on Wisteria Lane and neighbor to Lynette Scavo. Appearing in four episodes across season 3—from "Bang" (3x07) to "The Miracle Song" (3x10)—Shepherd was introduced as a seemingly ordinary family man whose involvement in a supermarket shooting plot heightened the show's suspense, ultimately revealing his role in a larger neighborhood conspiracy. This recurring stint highlighted Roth's skill in playing enigmatic supporting characters who drive dramatic tension in family-oriented dramas.^[7][8] Roth also made impactful guest appearances in medical procedurals, including Grey's Anatomy in 2006 as Michael Beglight, a patient entangled in a high-stakes surgical dilemma in the season 2 episode "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" (2x13). His performance as the beleaguered Beglight underscored themes of medical ethics and personal crisis, fitting the series' focus on intense emotional narratives. Similarly, on Numb3rs in 2006, Roth guest-starred as Mike Belweather in the episode "Undercurrents" (2x23), portraying a figure connected to a bird flu investigation involving washed-up bodies, adding layers to the show's blend of crime-solving and scientific intrigue.^[9] In the late 2000s, Roth continued this pattern with roles like Greg, a single father from a support group who reveals his sexuality, on Two and a Half Men in the 2007 episode "Tucked, Taped and Gorgeous" (4x21), contributing to the sitcom's comedic exploration of identity. He appeared as Ted, a corporate executive, on Big Shots in the 2008 episode "Who's the Boss?" (1x09), embodying the authoritative antagonist typical of workplace dramas. On Ghost Whisperer that same year, Roth played Derek Benjamin, a troubled father dealing with supernatural elements in the episode "Slam" (3x11), enhancing the series' ghostly family dynamics.^[10][11] Roth's television work extended into the 2010s with guest spots on family comedies and crime shows, often as supporting or antagonistic figures. He recurred briefly on Modern Family as Skip Woosnum in two episodes: "Tableau Vivant" (3x23, 2012), where he appeared as a neighbor in a chaotic community event, and "Commencement" (10x21, 2019), tying into the show's ensemble humor. In procedurals, he portrayed Dr. Roger Chase, a psychologist, on Stalker in the 2014 episode "Tell All" (1x11); Philip Dagmar, a suspect, on Castle in 2014 (7x07, "Once Upon a Time in the West"); and Brendan Voss, a possessed individual, on Perception in the 2014 episode "Possession" (3x04). These roles exemplified Roth's consistent presence in television's crime and mystery subgenres throughout the decade, with appearances averaging several per year in the 2000s before tapering in the 2010s.^[12]

Film appearances

Matt Roth's foray into feature films marked a brief departure from his more prominent television work in the early 2000s, showcasing his versatility in supporting roles within comedies and ensemble pieces.^[13] His most notable film appearance came in the 2003 romantic comedy View from the Top, directed by Bruno Barreto and produced by Miramax Films, where he portrayed Greg, a supportive figure in the story of an aspiring flight attendant's journey.^[14] Co-starring alongside Gwyneth Paltrow in the lead role, Mike Myers as a flamboyant instructor, and Christina Applegate as a rival colleague, Roth's character contributed to the film's lighthearted exploration of ambition and workplace dynamics in the airline industry. The production, filmed primarily in Los Angeles and Cleveland, emphasized ensemble humor but received mixed reviews for its formulaic script, with Roth's performance noted for its understated reliability in a crowded cast. Beyond View from the Top, Roth's film credits consist primarily of minor roles in independent and ensemble films during the late 1990s. In the 1994 thriller Blink, directed by Michael Apted, he played Officer Crowe, a small but pivotal police role in the story of a blind woman's regained sight and ensuing mysteries, sharing screen time with Madeleine Stowe and Aidan Quinn. Earlier ensemble efforts included 'Til There Was You (1997), a romantic comedy where he appeared in a supporting capacity amid stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Dylan McDermott, focusing on missed connections in New York City.^[15] He also featured as a male ad executive in the 1997 anthology film Chicago Cab (also known as Hellcab), an indie project directed by Mary Cybulski that captured vignettes of Chicago taxi rides with a cast including Paul Dillon and John Cusack in a cameo. Additional minor appearances followed in Where's Marlowe? (1998), a neo-noir comedy with John Belushi's son Robert, and Pups (1999), a quirky indie about children discovering a nuclear device, where Roth played a bank worker.^[5] Overall, Roth's film output remains secondary to his extensive television portfolio, with these roles highlighting his ability to blend into diverse ensemble dynamics rather than lead narratives, often in low-budget or character-driven projects that underscored his stage-honed improvisational skills from Chicago theater roots.^[16] This limited cinematic presence reflects a career prioritization of episodic television, where his recurring and guest spots allowed for more consistent visibility.^[17]

Personal life

Early life and background

Matt Roth was born on September 15, 1964, in the United States.^[5] Specific details regarding the location of his birth and his family background remain limited in public records, with no widely available information on his parents or siblings.^[16] Roth grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he developed an interest in acting during his formative years. He pursued formal training at DePaul University's Goodman School of Drama, graduating as an alumnus of the program known for its rigorous theater education.^[16][18] This period marked his initial entry into the performing arts, focusing on stage work before transitioning to professional opportunities. Little is documented about his childhood experiences or early influences beyond his Chicago roots, highlighting a sparsity of biographical details available for further exploration.^[16]

Marriage and family

Roth met Laurie Metcalf on the set of the television series Roseanne in 1992, where he portrayed Fisher, the abusive boyfriend of her character Jackie Harris, and their professional collaboration soon evolved into a romantic relationship.^[19] After over a decade together, the couple married in 2005.^[20] Their real-life partnership notably contrasted with the tumultuous on-screen dynamic, as Roth's character was depicted as physically and emotionally abusive toward Metcalf's, yet their off-screen bond lasted for years and resulted in a family.^[21] Roth and Metcalf welcomed their first child, son Will Theron Roth, in November 1993.^[22] Their second son, Donovan Roth, was born around 2000; the couple fostered him at age six in 2006 before formally adopting him.^[23] In 2005, shortly before their marriage, they had daughter Mae Akins Roth via surrogate.^[24] The couple separated on November 26, 2008, and Roth filed for divorce in September 2011, citing irreconcilable differences.^[25] The divorce was finalized on May 14, 2014.^[20] Post-divorce, Roth and Metcalf maintained an amicable relationship focused on co-parenting their children, agreeing to joint physical and legal custody of Donovan and Mae, while their adult son Will navigated independently.^[26]

Filmography

Television credits

Matt Roth has appeared in numerous television series throughout his career, primarily in guest and recurring roles across drama, comedy, and procedural genres. His credits span from the early 1990s to the late 2010s, with notable recurring work on sitcoms and one-off appearances on popular network shows. The following is a selected list of his television appearances, organized chronologically by premiere year of the series, highlighting key roles and episode counts where applicable. This compilation draws from established filmography databases and may not include every minor guest spot due to varying source documentation.^[5]

1990s

• Goodnight, Sweet Wife: A Murder in Boston (1990, TV movie): Michael Stuart (1 episode).^[5]
• The Antagonists (1991): Clark Munsinger, main cast (9 episodes).^[5]
• Melrose Place (1992): Paul Brubecker (1 episode).^[5]
• Roseanne (1992–1993): Fisher, recurring abusive boyfriend of Jackie Harris (6 episodes).^[27]
• Tribeca (1993): Nestor (1 episode).^[5]
• Sisters (1993): Victor Salazar (1 episode).^[5]
• Murder One (1995): Dale Clubb (1 episode).^[5]
• Chicago Hope (1996): Dr. Ken Heaney (1 episode).^[5]
• Early Edition (1997): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The Practice (1997): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Any Day Now (1998): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• ER (1998): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Buddy Faro (1998): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Turks (1999): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]

2000s

• Family Law (2000): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The District (2000): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Yes, Dear (2001): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Without a Trace (2002): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Boomtown (2002): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The Lyon's Den (2003): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Las Vegas (2003): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Desperate Housewives (2004–2006): Art Shepherd, neighbor and friend (recurring, 4 episodes).^[5]
• Two and a Half Men (2003): Greg (1 episode, 2007).^[10]
• Grey's Anatomy (2005): Michael Beglight (1 episode, 2006).^[28]
• Numb3rs (2005): Mike Belweather (1 episode, 2006).^[9]
• Ghost Whisperer (2005): Derek Benjamin (1 episode, 2008).^[11]
• Chuck (2007): Buy More Employee (1 episode, 2009).^[29]
• Crossing Jordan (2007): Dave Gilbert (1 episode).^[13]
• Big Shots (2007): Guest role (1 episode).^[13]
• Boston Legal (2008): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Life (2008): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Eleventh Hour (2008): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The Mentalist (2008): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]

2010s

• Castle (2010): Guest role (1 episode).^[30]
• No Ordinary Family (2010): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The Whole Truth (2010): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Off the Map (2011): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Awake (2012): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Longmire (2012): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Vegas (2012): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Perception (2012): Guest role (1 episode).^[30]
• Modern Family (2012, 2019): Skip Woosnum (2 episodes).^[31]
• Mob City (2013): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Stalker (2014): Guest role (1 episode).^[30]
• Murder in the First (2014): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• The Grinder (2015): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Rosewood (2015): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Code Black (2015): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Limitless (2015): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Chicago Med (2015): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]
• Bones (2017): Guest role (1 episode).^[5]

Roth's television work often featured him in supporting or character roles, with a focus on dramatic series in the 2000s and procedurals later on. This filmography is based on available databases as of November 2025, with no additional credits identified post-2019.^[5]

Film credits

Matt Roth's feature film appearances are sparse, with most roles being minor or supporting parts in independent and studio comedies and thrillers spanning the 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting a career emphasis on television work.^[32] Sources suggest this limited filmography may overlook some lesser-known indie projects, though confirmed credits remain few.^[17]