Coronation Street

Background:

British actor and singer Matthew Marsden is recognized for playing Chris Collins on the hit soap opera “Coronation Street” (1997-1998), from which he took home a National Television Award. He went on to establish a career as a singer and produced hits with the singles “The Heart's Lone Desire” and “She's Gone” before heading to America where he is now best recognized as a movie actor. Marsden's more recent and upcoming credits include “Black Hawk Down” (2001), “Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid” (2004), “DOA: Dead or Alive” (2006), “Resident Evil: Extinction” (2007), “Rambo” (2008), “The Lost Gold of Khan” (2008), “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009), “Madso’s War” (2010, TV), “Atlas Shrugged” (2011), “Jacob” (2010) and “The Lost Gold of Khan” (2011). He also starred as Paris in the USA network epic miniseries “Helen of Troy” (2003).

“I live like a hermit. In the insanity that can be Hollywood, it is great to have your own little castle. There is nothing more important than your family.” Matthew Marsden

Marsden resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife Nadine Micallef, whom he has been married to since 2005, and their son Finn. He is also the father of Connor, whose mother is Rachel John. Marsden's love life has also been linked to singers Heavenli Abdi and Dannii Minogue, model Carley Carter and model Nadine Gordon.

Father of 2

Childhood and Family:

Matthew Marsden was born in West Bromwich, West Midlands, England, on March 3, 1973. His father left his mother when Matthew was 10 years old to marry another woman. After this, he and his older sister, Leanne, were raised by their mother in Walsall.

Matthew attended Dartmouth High School in Great Barr. He later joined the National Youth Theater. He attended Middlesex University to pursue a performing arts degree. At the time, he supported himself working at his uncle's shoe stall at Birmingham Market.

Matthew married Nadine Micallef, a former ballerina, in 2005. The couple has a son named Finn (born in 2006). Matthew also has a son named Connor (born 1998) with his ex-girlfriend Rachel John.

The Lost Gold of Khan

Career:

Modeling gave Marsden his first taste of fame when after he signed to Models 1, he became one of the most sought-after models thanks to his noted appearance in an advertisement for Impulse body spray. After two years, he quit modeling to pursue acting professionally.

Marsden made his film acting debut in a bit part in the British drama “The Young Americans” (1993), starring Harvey Keitel and Iain Glen. Two years later, he broke into the small screen with a regular role in the ITV soap opera “Emmerdale,” playing Linda Glover's boyfriend Daniel Weir. His character was written out of the show after three months.

Marsden was next cast in the starring role of Philip Kennedy, a surfer, in the teen drama “Island” (1996) and appeared in the French movie “The Sun Sisters” (1997). However, it was his subsequent TV assignment that brought the actor true fame. Playing mechanic Chris Collins on the long running soap “Coronation Street” from 1997 to 1998, he was handed a 1997 National Television for Most Popular Newcomer.

After leaving “Coronation Street,” Marsden branched out to music. Signed with Columbia Records, he released his first single, “The Heart's Lone Desire,” in July 1998 and it peaked at No. 13 on the U.K. charts. The sophomore effort, “She's Gone,” followed in November with backup vocals from Destiny's Child. It went to No. 24 on the U.K. charts. A third single, “Walk My Way,” and a debut album, “Say Who,” had been recorded but Marsden put his singing career on the backburner after leaving the record label.

Back to acting, Marsden took the supporting role of Eddie Simpson in the boxing film “Shiner” (2000), starring Michael Caine and Martin Landau, and a two episode part in the British series “North Square” (also 2000). After relocating to America, he was cast opposite Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor and Tom Sizemore in “Black Hawk Down” (2001), a box office hit directed by Ridley Scott. He then starred as Sam Maddux in the TV film “The Legacy” (2002) and portrayed Paris in the Emmy nominated miniseries “Helen of Troy” (2003), opposite Sienna Guillory as Helen.

Marsden next starred as Dr. Jack Byron in “Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid” (2004), the sequel to “Anaconda,” Bill Natolly in the Jeremy Haft directed “Tamara” (2005), alongside Jenna Dewan, and Max in “DOA: Dead or Alive” (2006), with Jaime Pressly. He then supported Milla Jovovich in “Resident Evil: Extinction” (2007), in which he played Slater. Marsden also guest starred in episodes of “CSI: Miami,” “Emily's Reasons Why Not, “Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service” and “Ghost Whisperer.”

Recently also appearing in “Rambo” (2008), he will portray Yukon Millier in “The Lost Gold of Khan” (2011), an adventure film helmed by Mark Roemmich, and James in “Jacob,” which also stars Tim Curry and Hazel D’Jan.

Awards:

• National Television: Most Popular Newcomer, “Coronation Street,” 1997