‘Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments’

Role: Alec Lightwood (Series Regular, 2016-2019)

The role of Alec Lightwood is, without question, the performance that defined Matthew Daddario’s early career and cemented his status as a global star. As the eldest Lightwood sibling, Alec begins the series as a rigid, duty-bound, and deeply closeted Shadowhunter. Daddario’s challenge was immense: to portray a character whose primary conflict was internal. His performance was a masterwork of subtlety. For the entire first season, he communicated Alec’s turmoil not through dialogue, but through a guarded posture, a clenched jaw, and eyes that held a storm of fear, duty, and yearning.

Daddario’s portrayal of Alec’s coming-out journey became a cultural touchstone. The relationship between Alec and Magnus Bane (“Malec”) was not treated as a subplot, but as the central emotional heart of the entire series. His chemistry with co-star Harry Shum Jr. was celebrated for its authenticity, maturity, and genuine tenderness. Daddario navigated this arc with profound respect, never playing a stereotype, but instead portraying a man learning to reconcile his identity with his responsibilities. He transformed Alec from a brooding soldier into a confident, compassionate leader and, in doing so, provided one of the most powerful and positive representations of an LGBTQ+ character in modern fantasy television, earning the show and his performance multiple awards.

‘Why Women Kill’ (Season 2)

Role: Scooter (Recurring Guest Star, 2021)

Following the intense drama of *Shadowhunters*, Daddario made a sharp and brilliant pivot to comedy in the second season of Marc Cherry’s anthology series, *Why Women Kill*. He played Scooter, a handsome, aspiring-but-dim-witted actor and the “kept man” of a wealthy older woman. The role was a complete 180-degree turn from the noble, heroic Alec Lightwood, and it was a necessary one.

Daddario demonstrated impeccable comedic timing, fully embracing Scooter’s vanity, naivety, and opportunistic charm. He was hilarious, charismatic, and perfectly pathetic, holding his own against comedic veterans. This role proved his versatility, shattering any risk of typecasting and showcasing a light, playful side to his craft. It was a refreshing performance that proved he was equally comfortable in sharp, fast-paced comedy as he was in high-stakes drama.

‘The Last Ember’

Role: Silas (Lead, Upcoming 2026)

This upcoming independent thriller marks Daddario’s anticipated return to a leading-man role in film. He is cast as ‘Silas’, a reclusive historian who, while working on a routine estate appraisal, uncovers a dangerous secret tied to an ancient artifact. The role is described as “intense” and “intellectual,” requiring a performance built on quiet tension and paranoia. This project continues his deliberate post-*Shadowhunters* trajectory, focusing on character-driven, story-rich independent films that prioritize craft.

‘Trust’

Role: Owen (Lead, 2021)

In this tense psychological drama, Daddario played Owen, a man whose marriage is tested by temptation and suspicion. The film largely takes place in a single location, functioning almost as a stage play. His performance was subtle and grounded, relying on subtext and atmosphere rather than overt action. He effectively portrayed the complexities of a man grappling with his own infidelity while suspecting his wife of the same.

‘Cabin Fever’

Role: Jeff (Lead, 2016)

Released the same year *Shadowhunters* premiered, this remake of the cult classic horror film saw Daddario in a traditional genre role. As Jeff, one of a group of college friends whose vacation is destroyed by a flesh-eating virus, he played the “party-guy” archetype. It was a standard horror role that showed his willingness to engage with genre work early in his career.

‘When the Game Stands Tall’

Role: Danny Ladouceur (Supporting, 2014)

In this inspiring sports drama based on a true story, Daddario played Danny Ladouceur, the son of the legendary coach Bob Ladouceur. His role was pivotal, portraying the internal struggle of a player trying to live up to his father’s legacy while forging his own path. It was a strong, heartfelt supporting performance in a major studio film.

‘Delivery Man’

Role: Channing (Supporting, 2013)

His major studio film debut. Daddario played Channing, one of the 533 children fathered by Vince Vaughn’s character. Though a small role, it was a significant first step, placing him in a high-profile comedy alongside established stars.

‘The Debut’ (Short Film, 2012)

One of his very first credited roles, this short film was a student project that showed his early interest in acting while still studying business.

‘Breathe In’ (Film, 2013)

A small, uncredited role as ‘Aaron’ in this Drake Doremus-directed independent drama. This early work placed him in the indie film world that he would later return to.