"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." Matthew joined "General Hospital" in February, 1995.

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."

Matthew and Christina live in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California with their daughter, Grace, who was born in 1992.

VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Davenport, IA
BIRTHDATE: Jan. 29
HEIGHT: 6'1"
HAIR: Light brown
EYES: Blue

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