Though he had already been acting on screen for a while, it wasn’t until 2007 that Matthew Settle truly stepped into the spotlight. That’s when he joined the cast of Gossip Girl (The CW, 2007–13), one of the most talked-about teen dramas of the decade. Playing Rufus Humphrey—an ex-rocker turned art gallery owner—Matthew Settle brought a laid-back yet magnetic charm to the role. His character’s cool, understated vibe resonated with fans, and suddenly, Matthew Settle was everywhere.
Of course, calling him an “overnight sensation” doesn’t quite tell the full story. In reality, Matthew Settle had been steadily building his career for years. After an early attempt at a music career in New York City didn’t pan out, fate stepped in during the mid-90s. Jay Julien, Robert De Niro’s lawyer and a well-known talent scout, spotted Matthew Settle and encouraged him to pursue acting. From there, Matthew Settle trained rigorously in New York, honing his craft before landing small roles on TV and in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer (1998).
His big break came with A Band of Brothers (HBO, 2001), the critically acclaimed WWII miniseries where he portrayed a member of the 101st Airborne Division. That role put him on the map and led to more high-profile appearances in both television and film. Still, it was Gossip Girl that cemented Matthew Settle as a household name. Over time, Matthew Settle became synonymous with that perfect blend of rugged charisma and quiet intensity—proving that even “overnight” success is usually anything but.
So, when it comes to Matthew Settle’s filmography, one standout is definitely U-571 from 2000—that’s widely regarded as Matthew Settle’s highest-rated movie. It really showcased his talent and earned a solid reputation among critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, also released in the same year, there’s Attraction, which ended up being Matthew Settle’s lowest-rated film. While it didn’t resonate as well, it’s still part of his diverse acting journey. All in all, Matthew Settle has had his ups and downs, but moments like U-571 definitely highlight the stronger points in his career.