Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Matt Newton was raised in Guilford, Connecticut. He is of English and Czech descent and began performing musicals and plays at local theaters while in high school. Following graduation from high school, Newton studied at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and Vassar College, from which he graduated with a BA in Drama. Newton moved to New York City in 1999 and landed roles in various television series, including that of Alan, the blind football player, in the Comedy Central hit Strangers With Candy, and guest appearances on Judging Amy and Gilmore Girls. His first film role was opposite Jeremy Renner and Bruce Davison in the critically acclaimed independent film Dahmer (2002), which was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
Newton's most recent television appearances have been on ABC's Ugly Betty in the recurring role of Marc St. James's love interest. In addition to his television series and film appearances, Newton appears in nationally-broadcast commercials for companies that include McDonald's and Volkswagen. He is active in New York theater and in 2007 was featured in "Seascape with Sharks and Dancer" at the Where Eagles Dare theater. In 2009 Newton won a best actor award at the Philadelphia FirstGlance Film Festival for his role in the short film Peace of Mind, written and directed by Nathan Crooker.
