Matthew Nile Ashford
Salem Presence
Jack Deveraux (1987 to 1993; February 6th, 2001 to October 2003; 2004 to Present)
At a Glance
As an actor, Matthew Ashford is very familiar with change of the personal, professional and spiritual kinds. His joy is found in the growth that these changes provoke.
"Tom's been through some life-altering experiences -- he's really been away in the wilds, living a very gritty life -- that allow him to look at this town and these people again from a new perspective," explains Mr. Ashford. "That makes it much more gratifying for me as an actor to play him."
The fifth of eight children, Matthew Ashford grew up in Davenport, Iowa. When he was a teenager, his family relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, where he began acting in high school productions. Upon graduation, Matthew attended the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. He earned his first professional paycheck during the summer months as a street performer in Myrtle Beach.
New York City was the next stop after graduation. He almost immediately was put under contract by ABC-TV, playing the role of Drew Ralston on "One Life to Live" from 1982-83. He then was cast on the daytime drama, "Search for Tomorrow," from 1984-86.
In 1987, Mr. Ashford married singer/actress Christina Saffran and moved to Los Angeles. He was soon cast in the role of Jack Deveraux on "Days of our Lives" and received three Soap Opera Digest Awards for his work during his six years on the daytime series.
Matthew's additional credits include the science-fiction thriller, "Species," with Ben Kingsley; and playing the lead in a theatrical production of "Dracula." Mr. Ashford is most proud of his work with the Interact Theatre company of North Hollywood. He recently co-starred with John Rubenstein in their critically acclaimed production of "Counselor At Law."
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
One Life to Live
Stephen Haver
December 10th, 2003 to March 2004
General Hospital
Dr. Tom Hardy [#3]
1995 - 1997
Days of our Lives
Jack Deveraux [#3]
1987 - 1993; 2001 - October 2003; 2004 to Present
Search For Tomorrow
Cagney McCleary
1984 - 1986
One Life to Live
Drew Ralston
1982 - 1983
Acting Portfolio
GUEST APPEARANCES
Friends
Himself
The One With The Soap Opera Party (2003)
Dharma & Greg
Trey
Dharma Does Dallas (2001)
Providence
Mr. Henderson
Home for the Holidays (1999)
Charmed
Roger
Something Wicca This Way Comes (1998)
Pacific Blue
Thomas Leffler / Antonio / Ted Miller / Jeff Armstrong
Soul Mate (1997)
Burke's Law (1994)
Who Killed the Tennis Ace? (1995)
Quantum Leap
TV Husband
Moments to Live - May 4, 1985 (1992)
Drop the Dead Donkey
Despatch Rider
Hoax (1991)
Acting Portfolio
FILM
Paper Bullets
Ron
1999
Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss
Whitey
1998
Species
Guy in Club
1995
Awards & Acclaim
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor (2006)
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actor (2003)
Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Best Villain (1989)
Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Super Couple (1991)
Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Best Wedding (1992)
Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Best Comedic Performance (1992)
Vital Statistics
FULLNAME: Matthew Nile Ashford
BIRTHPLACE: Davenport, Iowa
BIRTHDATE: January 29th, 1960
MARITAL STATUS: Married; Christina Saffran (June 6th, 1987)
CHILDREN: Two; Grace Saffran Ashford (June 15th, 1992), Emma Ashford (1997)
News Archives
News Archive: Ashford to return to DAYS after long hiatus [Dec 11th, 2000]
News Archive: Ashford's Jack to be killed by DAYS' serial killer [Aug 25th, 2003]
News Archive: Ashford re-joins OLTL, this time as a profiler. [Nov 10th, 2003]
News Archive: Reeves exiting, Ashford offered new contract. [Jun 19th, 2006]
News Archive: Despite new contract, Ashford will exit DAYS. [Jul 13th, 2006]
