Five Fast Facts About Days of Our Lives’ Matthew Ashford

Matthew Ashford has been acting on television and film since he landed his first role at the age of 22. But how much do fans really know about this talented actor? From his first soap opera character to a cause close to is heart, here are five fast facts about Matthew Ashford.

Early Suds 
Ashford was certainly no novice when he joined Days of Our Lives in 1987. His first soap opera role was Drew Ralston on ABC’s One Life to Live and he played Cagney McLeary on Search for Tomorrow from 1984 to the show’s cancellation in 1986.

Entertainment Maker
Aside from acting in front of the camera, Ashford has also transitioned into a film producer. He is part of the NGM Productions company which has produced The Exorcism of Tina Miller and The Unlikeleys (which also starred Ashford as a soap opera star and his doppelganger).

Stage Right
Although Ashford is primarily known as a television actor he is certainly no stranger to the stage. Among his theatrical credits are roles in the North American tour of Mamma Mia! and the Ogunquit Playhouse revival of 9 to 5.

Noble Cause
Since 1997, Ashford has been an advocate for raising awareness about Retinoblastoma a rare form of childhood eye cancer. The cause is especially close to the actor’s heart because his daughter Emma lost her left eye due to the disease. For many years, he has been the spokesperson for the Retinoblastoma International Foundation.

Two Countries, One Man
Since 2010, Ashford has held US/Canada dual citizenship. His father, civil engineer Cecil Ashford, was born in Canada which made the entire Ashford brood eligible to become Canadian citizens without having to relinquish their American citizenship. Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.