The fifth of eight children, Matthew Ashford grew up in Davenport, Iowa. His family moved to Fairfax, Virginia when he was a teenager, where he began acting at Hayfield High School. Upon graduation, Matthew North Carolina School of the Arts and earned his first professional paycheck during the summer months as a street performer in Myrtle Beach.

New York City was his first stop after graduation and 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. There 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 that daytime series. In 1995 Matthew joined "General Hospital" in the role of Dr. Tom Hardy.

Matthew's additional credits include the science-fiction thriller, "Species," with Ben Kingsley; and playing the lead in a theatrical production of "Dracula." He has also had featured guest roles on such series as "Quantum Leap," "Burke's Law," and "Providence." 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."

Matthew and Christina live in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California with their daughters, Grace and Emma. 

Mr. Ashford appears with Radford University Theatre & Cinema through the courtesy of the Actor Equity Association.