Who Is Caridad Rivera? The Amazing Woman Behind Stranger Things Star Matthew Modine
Caridad Rivera is a talented makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and actress who has been married to Hollywood actor Matthew Modine for more than 45 years. While her famous husband has starred in big movies like Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises, and the hit Netflix show Stranger Things, Caridad has quietly built her own career behind the scenes. She is known for her creative work in film and fashion, her strong family values, and her Puerto Rican heritage. Together with Matthew, she has raised two successful children who also work in the entertainment industry.
Biography Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caridad Rivera |
| Nickname | Cari |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1956 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York |
| Ethnicity | Puerto Rican-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Weight | 132 pounds (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Wardrobe Stylist, Actress |
| Husband | Matthew Modine (married 1980) |
| Children | Boman Modine (son), Ruby Modine (daughter) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
Early Life and Background
Caridad Rivera was born on January 1, 1956, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. Her father, Manuel, came from Puerto Rico and moved to the United States with her mother before Caridad was born. She grew up in a large family with six siblings. Her Puerto Rican roots played an important role in shaping who she is today.
Growing up in New York City, Caridad was surrounded by art, music, and culture. This environment helped her develop a love for creativity and fashion from a young age. She spent her early years learning about makeup, styling, and the arts. These interests later became the foundation of her professional career in the entertainment industry.
Career as a Makeup Artist and Stylist
Caridad Rivera started her career in the 1980s as a makeup artist and wardrobe stylist. She worked on many different projects, including movies, television shows, photo shoots, and commercials. Her attention to detail and creative eye made her popular among directors and producers.
Throughout her career, Caridad has worked with some big names in Hollywood. She has collaborated with actors like Nicolas Cage, Liam Neeson, Jennifer Beals, and Allison Janney. Her work helps bring characters to life on screen. Even though she works behind the camera, her contributions are very important to any film or TV production.
Acting Career
While Caridad is best known for her work behind the scenes, she has also appeared in front of the camera. She has acting credits in a few independent films. Her movie appearances include The Red Room (2007), Theatre of Horror (2018), and Los Cos (2022).
These roles show her versatility and willingness to try new things. Caridad did not seek fame as an actress, but she enjoyed exploring this creative side of herself. Her performances in these independent films received positive attention from audiences who appreciated her natural talent.
How Caridad Met Matthew Modine
The love story between Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine is sweet and simple. They met in New York City during the late 1970s. At that time, Matthew was working as a chef at a health food restaurant called Au Natural. Caridad came to the restaurant and ordered food to take away.
Matthew saw her and was immediately attracted to her beauty. He came out of the kitchen to talk to her, and they felt an instant connection. In an interview, Matthew said he was “completely smitten” when he first saw her. They started dating soon after that first meeting, and their relationship grew stronger every day.
Marriage and Family Life
Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine got married on October 31, 1980. They chose Halloween as their wedding day, which makes their anniversary easy to remember! Their marriage has lasted more than 45 years, which is very rare in Hollywood.
The couple has two children together. Their son, Boman Mark Rivera Modine, was born on November 8, 1985. He works as a film director and producer. Their daughter, Ruby Wylder Rivera Modine, was born on July 31, 1990. Ruby is an actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for her role in the TV show Shameless. Both children followed their parents into the entertainment industry.
The Secret to Their Long Marriage
Matthew Modine often talks about how important Caridad is in his life. He calls her his “rock” and says she is the secret to his success. In interviews, he has said that having a supportive partner helped him stay focused on his career while avoiding the troubles that affected some of his Hollywood friends.
Matthew once said, “With the stability and strength Cari has given me, sometimes I don’t even think I’d be alive if I hadn’t met her.” He believes that sharing interests, challenging each other, and being true friends are the keys to their long and happy marriage. Caridad has always supported Matthew through the ups and downs of his acting career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Caridad Rivera has an estimated net worth of about $1 million. She earned this money through her work as a makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and occasional actress. Her husband, Matthew Modine, has a net worth of approximately $10 million from his long career in movies and television.
Despite their wealth, Caridad and Matthew live a simple and private life. They do not seek attention from the media and prefer to focus on their family and creative work. Caridad does not have public social media accounts. She values her privacy and keeps her personal life away from the spotlight.
Caridad Rivera Today
In 2026, Caridad Rivera continues to live a quiet but fulfilling life. She supports her husband at movie premieres and award shows. The couple often appears together at red carpet events, including the BAFTA Awards and various film festivals around the world.
Caridad remains close to her children and enjoys watching their careers grow. She has built a legacy based on creativity, family, and hard work. While she may not be as famous as her husband, she is respected by those who know her for her talent, kindness, and dedication.
Conclusion
Caridad Rivera is much more than just Matthew Modine’s wife. She is a talented artist, a devoted mother, and a woman who has built her own successful career in Hollywood. Her 45-year marriage to Matthew is a beautiful example of love, support, and partnership. Caridad shows us that you can be successful without seeking the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Caridad Rivera?
Caridad Rivera is an American makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and actress. She is best known as the wife of actor Matthew Modine from Stranger Things and Full Metal Jacket.
2. How long have Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine been married?
They got married on October 31, 1980. As of 2026, they have been married for more than 45 years.
3. Does Caridad Rivera have children?
Yes, she has two children. Her son Boman is a film director and producer. Her daughter Ruby is an actress known for her role in the TV show Shameless.
4. What is Caridad Rivera’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $1 million from her career in makeup artistry, styling, and acting.
5. Where is Caridad Rivera from?
She was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. Her family has Puerto Rican roots.
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