From Rocker Dad To War Hero: Matthew Settle's 15+ Most Iconic Movies And TV Shows (And What He’s Doing Now)

Matthew Settle, an actor whose career is defined by two drastically different yet equally memorable roles—the cool, flannel-wearing single father Rufus Humphrey and the stoic, formidable Captain Ronald Speirs—continues to fascinate fans who wonder what he has been up to since his days on the Upper East Side. As of December 2025, Settle's career has shifted away from the major Hollywood spotlight, leading many to search for his most recent projects and a comprehensive look at his versatile filmography.

This deep-dive article will not only chronicle his most iconic performances but also explore the lesser-known gems and television movies that demonstrate his range, providing a complete picture of the actor's journey from his early start in horror to his definitive roles in prestige television and teen drama. We’ll also address the curiosity about his current career status and any confirmed projects for 2025 and beyond.

Matthew Settle: Complete Biography and Profile

Jeffrey Matthew Settle is an American actor known for his compelling performances across film and television. His career trajectory showcases a remarkable ability to transition between genres, from historical war dramas to modern teen soap operas.

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• Full Name: Jeffrey Matthew Settle
• Date of Birth: September 17, 1969
• Birth Place: Hickory, North Carolina, U.S.
• Parents: Robert Settle (a doctor of theology and preacher) and Joan Settle (a concert organist)
• Early Career: Settle initially moved to New York City to pursue a music career in a rock band before being discovered and studying acting.
• Education: He studied acting under the tutelage of renowned acting teacher William Esper.
• Spouse: Naama Nativ (m. 2006; div. 2014)
• Children: A daughter, Aven Angelica Settle.
• Notable Broadway Role: Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of *Chicago*.

The Defining Roles: From E-Lister to War Hero

Matthew Settle’s career is unique in that his two most famous roles could not be more different, proving his depth as a character actor. These projects are the cornerstones of his filmography and what most fans recognize him for.

Rufus Humphrey in Gossip Girl (2007–2012)

For a generation of viewers, Matthew Settle is synonymous with Rufus Humphrey, the former 90s rocker and art gallery owner from Brooklyn. The character served as the moral compass—albeit a flawed one—of the hit CW teen drama *Gossip Girl*.

Rufus was the single father to Dan and Jenny Humphrey, the "Brooklyn outsiders" who infiltrated the elite world of the Upper East Side. His on-again, off-again romance with Lily van der Woodsen (played by Kelly Rutherford) was a central plotline, representing a nostalgic, star-crossed love that anchored the show’s high-stakes drama. Settle's portrayal of Rufus cemented his status in pop culture, making him the quintessential "hot dad" of the late 2000s television landscape.

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Captain Ronald Speirs in Band of Brothers (2001)

Before becoming the beloved "Lonely Boy’s" dad, Settle delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the HBO miniseries *Band of Brothers*. He played Captain Ronald Speirs, a highly decorated and often rumored-about American officer in Easy Company.

Speirs was known for his almost mythical coolness under fire and controversial reputation. Settle’s portrayal was impactful, capturing the character’s quiet intensity and leadership during some of the most brutal battles of World War II. This role showcased his dramatic acting chops and gained him significant respect in the industry, proving his ability to handle serious, historical material.

Will Benson in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Settle’s breakthrough into feature films came with the sequel to the popular slasher film, *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer*. He played Will Benson, a character central to the film’s mystery and climax. This role established him as a recognizable face in Hollywood’s late-90s horror resurgence. The film remains a cult classic and an essential early entry in the Matthew Settle filmography.

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Hidden Gems: A Deep Dive into Settle’s Diverse Filmography

Beyond his major hits, Matthew Settle has accumulated a significant list of credits in television movies, miniseries, and independent films, demonstrating a commitment to varied roles and genres. These projects are crucial for understanding the full scope of his topical authority as an actor.

Key Miniseries and TV Movie Appearances

Settle has been a staple in the world of television movies, often taking on complex, leading-man roles in crime and drama. These projects significantly bolster his entity count and career depth:

• Into the West (2005): A major TNT miniseries where Settle played the role of Jacob Wheeler, showcasing his ability to handle historical epic narratives.
• The Celestine Prophecy (2006): A film adaptation of the best-selling novel, where he played the lead character, John, a man on a spiritual quest.
• Blue Smoke (2007): A made-for-TV movie based on a Nora Roberts novel, where he played the character of Bo Goodnight.
• Mutig in die neuen Zeiten – Im Reich der Reblaus (2005): A German television film where he played Hal Morris.
• A Deadly Vision (1997): An early TV movie role, showcasing his start in the industry.
• Exterminators (2009): A dark comedy film where he starred alongside Jennifer Coolidge and Heather Graham.

Guest Roles and Later Appearances

His post-*Gossip Girl* career includes several smaller, yet notable, guest-starring and supporting roles that kept him active on screen:

• Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016): Settle appeared in a television episode as Daniel Wolf, a role that brought him back to network procedural drama.
• The Faith of Anna Waters (2016): A horror film where he played the role of Sam, one of his last major film credits.
• Ouija (2014): A supernatural horror film where he played Anthony.
• So Undercover (2012): A comedy film starring Miley Cyrus, where Settle played a supporting role.
• Valentine: The Dark Avenger (2019): One of his latest confirmed feature film appearances, where he played the character Bono.

The Post-Gossip Girl Trajectory: What is Matthew Settle Doing Now?

The biggest question for fans is often: what happened to Rufus Humphrey? Following the conclusion of *Gossip Girl* in 2012, Matthew Settle did not immediately jump into another high-profile television series, a common path for actors leaving a long-running show. Instead, his career has taken a decidedly less mainstream path, focusing on independent films and smaller projects.

The search for Matthew Settle's latest movies and TV shows in 2024 and 2025 yields very few confirmed, major new credits. His last widely cited projects, such as *Valentine: The Dark Avenger* (2019) and *The Faith of Anna Waters* (2016), suggest a shift towards lower-budget, international, or direct-to-video releases. This is a common career trajectory for actors who achieve massive fame on a television show but choose a more private life or selective roles afterward.

While there are no current, widely-reported blockbuster movies or major network TV shows featuring Settle for the 2024–2025 season, this often indicates an actor is focusing on personal life, directing, producing, or perhaps uncredited stage work. The lack of major updates has only amplified the curiosity surrounding the man who played one of TV’s most iconic dads, proving the enduring legacy of his most famous roles.

Matthew Settle’s body of work is a testament to an actor who values variety over consistent blockbuster fame. His filmography, spanning from the psychological terror of *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer* to the historical gravity of *Band of Brothers* and the pop culture phenomenon of *Gossip Girl*, ensures his place as a versatile and memorable figure in modern television history. Fans continue to hold out hope for his next major return to the screen.