Caridad Rivera is an American makeup and wardrobe stylist, commercial-production professional, and creative personality best known as the longtime wife of Matthew Modine, the acclaimed Hollywood actor famous for Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things, and Oppenheimer. Also known as Cari Rivera or Caridad Modine, she was born and raised in New York City’s Lower East Side and comes from a family with Puerto Rican roots. Caridad married Matthew on October 31, 1980, and together they raised two children, Boman and Ruby Modine, who also became involved in the entertainment industry.
Caridad met Matthew before he became a famous actor. At the time, he was working as a cook at a New York restaurant while pursuing his acting dreams.
Their first meeting became a memorable story that Matthew has shared in interviews.
Over the following decades, Caridad supported his career while maintaining her own professional interests in beauty, wardrobe styling, and production.
She has also appeared alongside Matthew at movie premieres, film festivals, award ceremonies, and charity events.
Their marriage is particularly notable because it began before Matthew achieved Hollywood success.
On October 31, 2026, Caridad and Matthew celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary.
Despite this public connection, Caridad generally prefers a private life away from constant entertainment headlines.
Quick Bio: Caridad Rivera
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caridad Rivera |
| Also Known As | Cari Rivera, Caridad Modine |
| Birthplace | Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Family Heritage | Puerto Rican |
| Date of Birth | Not reliably confirmed |
| Age in 2026 | Approximately 70–71, based on earlier reporting |
| Profession | Makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, commercial-production professional |
| Husband | Matthew Modine |
| Wedding Date | October 31, 1980 |
| Years Married in 2026 | 46 |
| Son | Boman Modine |
| Daughter | Ruby Modine |
| Grandchild | Avery, Ruby’s son |
| Mother | Aida, according to Ruby Modine’s account |
| Father | Manuel, according to Ruby Modine’s account |
| Known Production Credit | Plastic Jesus (2012) |
| Professional Work | Makeup, hairstyling, wardrobe, commercial production |
| Current Relationship Status | Married |
| Personal Net Worth | Not independently verified |
Who Is Caridad Rivera?
Caridad Rivera is an American creative professional who has spent much of her adult life connected to entertainment.
She is widely recognized through her marriage to Matthew Modine.
However, her career includes work involving wardrobe, makeup, and other behind-the-scenes production responsibilities.
Unlike her husband, Caridad has never sought the same level of public attention.
She generally appears in entertainment coverage during family occasions and professional events involving Matthew.
She also has a strong connection to New York City.
Her Puerto Rican heritage and childhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side have been discussed by her daughter, Ruby.
Caridad’s marriage has lasted more than four decades, making it a notable long-term relationship in the entertainment industry.
Their children have also developed creative careers.
Her son, Boman, works in filmmaking, while her daughter, Ruby, is an actress and musician.
Caridad Rivera’s Early Life
Caridad Rivera was born and raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in New York City.
Her family lived in the neighborhood commonly associated with Alphabet City.
This area has a long history of immigrant communities, cultural diversity, and artistic activity.
Growing Up in Manhattan
Caridad spent her childhood in a community shaped by families from different cultural backgrounds.
Her neighborhood included longstanding Puerto Rican and Latino communities.
New York City also offered access to theater, music, fashion, and other creative activities.
However, detailed information about Caridad’s individual childhood interests has not been extensively published.
Her Parents
Caridad’s daughter, Ruby Modine, provided important details about the family’s background during a 2017 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Ruby explained that her grandmother Aida was born in Puerto Rico.
Aida later moved to New York with Ruby’s grandfather Manuel.
The couple raised Caridad and her six sisters in Manhattan.
A Family of Seven Daughters
According to Ruby’s account, Caridad grew up with six sisters.
This means her parents raised seven daughters.
The family lived in a neighborhood known for its strong cultural identity.
Although the sisters’ individual names are not widely documented, their shared family history remains an important part of Caridad’s background.
Puerto Rican Heritage
Caridad’s mother was born in Puerto Rico, and her father also had roots in the community.
Her Puerto Rican heritage became an important part of her family’s identity.
Ruby has publicly expressed pride in this cultural background.
In the 2017 interview, she explained that her family included Black, Puerto Rican, and Caucasian ancestry.
These details come directly from Ruby’s discussion of her family history.
Entertainment Tonight
How Old Is Caridad Rivera in 2026?
Caridad Rivera’s exact birthday has not been reliably confirmed.
Some celebrity websites claim that she was born in 1956.
Others list different birth years or locations.
These conflicting claims make it difficult to establish a precise date.
What Reliable Reporting Suggests
In June 2015, Us Weekly described Caridad as being 60 years old.
This suggests a birth year around 1954 or 1955.
Other reporting from 2020 described her as 64.
That suggests a birth year around 1955 or 1956.
Taken together, these reports place her at approximately 70 or 71 years old in October 2026.
Why Her Birthday Is Uncertain
Caridad has never made her precise birth date a major part of her public identity.
Some biographies repeat unverified information.
Therefore, the most accurate approach is to identify her age as approximate.
Her wedding date, family relationships, and professional background are much more clearly documented.
Caridad Rivera’s Education
Caridad’s complete educational history has not been widely disclosed.
There are no consistently verified public records identifying her university or academic degree.
Growing Up Around Creativity
Her career later involved makeup and wardrobe styling.
These professions require visual judgment, communication, and an understanding of production environments.
However, there is no dependable evidence establishing exactly where she first learned these skills.
Professional Development
Makeup and wardrobe work can involve formal education, apprenticeships, and practical experience.
Caridad developed expertise in areas connected to film and entertainment production.
Her documented credits demonstrate professional involvement in these fields.
Caridad Rivera’s Career as a Makeup Artist
Caridad is professionally identified as a makeup artist.
This is one of the clearest details about her work outside her marriage.
What Does a Makeup Artist Do?
Makeup artists prepare performers, models, and other subjects for cameras or live appearances.
Their work may involve everyday makeup, character-specific looks, or special effects.
They must understand lighting, skin tones, costumes, and the visual style of a production.
Caridad’s Professional Skills
Caridad has worked in makeup and hairstyling.
Her professional record includes the short film Plastic Jesus, released in 2012.
She received a credit for hair and makeup work on that production.
Why Her Work Matters
Makeup professionals can play an important role in the appearance of a finished film.
Their work helps performers look appropriate for particular characters and scenes.
Although audiences usually notice the actors first, the production depends on many people working behind the cameras.
Caridad’s professional experience reflects this less visible side of entertainment.
Caridad Rivera’s Work in Wardrobe Styling
Caridad has also worked as a wardrobe stylist.
The profession involves selecting, organizing, and maintaining clothing used during productions or professional appearances.
What Is Wardrobe Styling?
Wardrobe specialists help determine how performers and other subjects should look.
They consider the setting, character, period, and visual requirements of a project.
For film productions, the department also helps maintain consistency between scenes.
Caridad’s Wardrobe Experience
Her IMDb profile credits her with wardrobe work on Plastic Jesus.
She is listed under the professional name Caridad Modine.
The same record identifies her marriage to Matthew Modine and their two children.
This connection provides reliable identification of the credit.
Working Behind the Camera
Caridad’s career demonstrates that people connected to successful actors may also work professionally in entertainment.
Her work has involved practical production responsibilities rather than major on-camera roles.
The 2012 credit is documented in the film’s production records.
IMDb+1
Caridad Rivera and Television Commercial Production
Caridad has also been described as a producer of television commercials.
This detail appeared in a 2022 FamilySearch profile connected to Matthew Modine’s appearance at RootsTech.
What Does Commercial Production Involve?
Producing television advertisements requires coordination between creative and technical professionals.
A producer may help arrange schedules, locations, casting, equipment, and other requirements.
Commercial productions often involve tight deadlines.
Caridad’s Professional Background
FamilySearch specifically described Caridad as a Puerto Rican producer of television commercials.
However, a complete public list of advertisements she produced is not available.
It is therefore better not to attribute individual commercial campaigns to her without supporting evidence.
An Independent Career
Her work in commercial production and styling demonstrates that she has professional experience beyond supporting her husband’s acting career.
Her contributions have generally taken place away from public attention.
FamilySearch
How Did Caridad Rivera Meet Matthew Modine?
Caridad and Matthew have one of the more unusual first-meeting stories associated with a Hollywood couple.
They met when Matthew was working at a restaurant in New York City.
At the time, he had not achieved major acting success.
Matthew’s Restaurant Job
Before becoming a famous actor, Matthew worked as a cook at Au Natural, a health-food restaurant.
He gradually took on more responsibilities in the kitchen.
The job provided income while he pursued his goal of becoming an actor.
Caridad’s Food Order
One day, Caridad visited the restaurant and placed an order for takeaway food.
The dish involved fish cooked in parchment paper.
Matthew believed it would not travel well.
He asked the waiter to explain the problem.
Their First Conversation
When Caridad continued requesting the food, Matthew went out to speak with her.
He later recalled being immediately attracted to her.
The encounter developed into a relationship.
Love at First Sight
Matthew has described the meeting as love at first sight.
He was particularly impressed by Caridad’s appearance and personality.
Over time, their relationship grew beyond the restaurant encounter.
Matthew later credited Caridad with encouraging his acting ambitions.
The story was retold during his participation in RootsTech in 2022.
FamilySearch
Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine’s Wedding
Caridad married Matthew Modine on October 31, 1980.
Their marriage began before Matthew became a major Hollywood star.
A Marriage Before Fame
Matthew was still establishing his career.
He had moved to New York to study acting and find professional opportunities.
Caridad supported him during those uncertain early years.
Their Wedding Date
The couple married on Halloween.
This makes October 31 an important date in their family history.
Their anniversary is easy to remember because it falls on a widely celebrated holiday.
Forty-Six Years Together
On October 31, 2026, Caridad and Matthew reach their 46th wedding anniversary.
Their marriage has lasted through decades of professional changes, family milestones, and international fame.
A Supportive Relationship
Matthew has repeatedly described Caridad as an important source of encouragement.
He has also spoken about their friendship and shared interests.
Their relationship is frequently mentioned in interviews about his personal life.
Who Is Matthew Modine?
Matthew Modine is an American actor, director, and producer.
He was born on March 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, California.
He began working professionally during the early 1980s.
Early Acting Success
Matthew gained recognition through films such as Streamers, Birdy, and Vision Quest.
His performances attracted attention for their emotional depth.
Full Metal Jacket
One of his most famous performances came in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, released in 1987.
Matthew portrayed Private Joker, a Marine who becomes a military journalist during the Vietnam War.
The film became one of the most influential war dramas of its era.
Married to the Mob
In 1988, Matthew appeared in Married to the Mob.
The comedy featured Michelle Pfeiffer and Alec Baldwin.
His performance demonstrated his ability to work in a different genre.
Stranger Things
Matthew later became familiar to younger viewers through Netflix’s Stranger Things.
He portrayed Dr. Martin Brenner, the scientist associated with Eleven’s childhood experiments.
The character became an important part of the show’s mythology.
Oppenheimer
In 2023, Matthew appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
He portrayed Vannevar Bush, an American scientist and government adviser.
The film received major critical and commercial recognition.
Throughout these different stages of his career, Caridad remained his wife.
How Caridad Supported Matthew’s Acting Career
Matthew has discussed the encouragement he received from Caridad early in their relationship.
He has credited her with helping him believe in his own abilities.
Believing in His Talent
When Matthew was working in a restaurant, he was still trying to establish himself in acting.
Professional opportunities were uncertain.
Caridad encouraged him to continue pursuing his ambition.
More Than Financial Success
Matthew has emphasized the importance of companionship and shared interests in marriage.
His comments suggest that he values Caridad as a partner rather than simply as someone who supported his career.
A Lasting Friendship
In interviews, Matthew has described their relationship as a close friendship.
He believes that enjoying one another’s company has been important to their marriage.
A Personal Connection
Their bond developed before his fame, allowing their relationship to begin outside the pressures associated with Hollywood success.
This history has become one of the reasons people remain interested in their marriage.
Caridad Rivera’s Son, Boman Modine
Caridad and Matthew welcomed their first child, Boman Modine, on November 8, 1985.
He became involved in filmmaking.
Growing Up in a Creative Family
Boman grew up with a father working in film and television and a mother involved in production-related creative work.
This introduced him to the entertainment industry from an early age.
A Career Behind the Camera
Boman works as a director, producer, and writer.
He has developed projects involving independent filmmaking.
His professional credits also include assistant-directing work.
Working With His Father
Boman has collaborated with Matthew on film projects.
In a 2015 Us Weekly interview, Matthew discussed appearing in the short film Merry Xmas, which Boman directed.
Developing His Own Identity
Although Boman comes from a famous family, he has pursued a career involving the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking.
His work demonstrates another side of the family’s involvement in entertainment.
Caridad Rivera’s Daughter, Ruby Modine
Caridad and Matthew welcomed their daughter, Ruby Wylder Rivera Modine, on July 31, 1990.
Ruby became an actress and singer.
Ruby’s Early Life
Ruby was born in Los Angeles, California.
She grew up around film productions and artistic activities.
Her family encouraged creative expression.
Shameless
Ruby became widely recognized for playing Sierra Morton in the Showtime series Shameless.
The character appeared during the show’s later seasons.
Happy Death Day
Ruby appeared in the 2017 horror-comedy Happy Death Day.
She portrayed Lori Spengler.
The movie became a commercial success.
She reprised the role in the 2019 sequel, Happy Death Day 2U.
A Career in Music
Ruby is also a singer.
Her musical activities have included performing with her band, Ruby Modine and the Disease.
Pride in Her Mother
Ruby has publicly discussed Caridad’s Puerto Rican heritage.
In her 2017 interview, she explained the importance of her mother’s family history.
The comments provide one of the clearest firsthand descriptions of Caridad’s background.
Caridad Rivera as a Grandmother
Caridad is also a grandmother.
Ruby welcomed a son named Avery in 2020.
A New Generation
Avery’s birth introduced another generation to the Modine family.
Caridad and Matthew became grandparents.
Family Privacy
Although Ruby has shared some information about motherhood, the family generally protects the child’s privacy.
There is no need to speculate about his everyday activities or personal details.
A Family Connected Through Creativity
The family includes actors, writers, directors, musicians, and production professionals.
Caridad’s children have developed careers reflecting different aspects of the entertainment industry.
Caridad Rivera’s Public Appearances
Caridad has accompanied Matthew to numerous professional and charitable events.
Her appearances provide some of the most recognizable photographs of her.
Signs Premiere in 2002
On July 29, 2002, Caridad and Matthew attended the world premiere of Signs in New York City.
They posed together at Alice Tully Hall.
The event photographs documented their appearance during an important period of Matthew’s film career.
Tomorrow Is Tonight Benefit in 2005
The couple attended the eighth annual Tomorrow Is Tonight benefit in New York on October 24, 2005.
The event supported Project A.L.S.
Caridad was photographed alongside Matthew.
BAFTA Awards in 2014
On February 16, 2014, Caridad accompanied Matthew to the British Academy Film Awards in London.
She wore a pale pink evening gown.
Matthew wore a black tuxedo.
Their appearance was photographed by Getty Images.
Why These Photographs Matter
These images document Caridad’s public life across several decades.
They also show that she attended professional events while continuing to maintain a relatively private identity.
Is Caridad Rivera an Actress?
Caridad is sometimes described as an actress in online biographies.
However, the available evidence requires some caution.
Conflicting Film Credits
Several websites attribute appearances in The Red Room (2007), Theater of Horror (2018), and Lost Cos (2022) to Caridad.
An IMDb page under the name Caridad Rivera lists some acting credits.
However, that profile does not clearly establish that the performer is Matthew Modine’s wife.
A Different Professional Record
IMDb also maintains a profile for Caridad Modine that specifically identifies Matthew as her husband.
That profile lists work in makeup and wardrobe.
The verified connection makes these production credits more dependable for her biography.
Her Main Profession
Caridad is most reliably identified as a makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and commercial-production professional.
It would be inaccurate to describe her as an established Hollywood actress based only on ambiguous records.
Why Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine’s Marriage Is Famous
The couple’s relationship has attracted attention because they married long before Matthew became a household name.
Their marriage has also lasted much longer than many celebrity relationships.
Meeting Before Success
Caridad knew Matthew when he was working in a restaurant.
He was still an aspiring actor.
Their relationship therefore began before his success could influence the way people viewed him.
Shared Interests
Matthew has described the importance of being friends with a romantic partner.
He appreciates Caridad’s intelligence, encouragement, and personality.
Raising a Family
Together, they raised two children who eventually pursued careers in entertainment.
Their shared family history includes decades of professional and personal changes.
Maintaining Privacy
Caridad has not regularly sought attention through interviews or celebrity projects.
This has allowed much of the relationship to remain personal.
Caridad Rivera’s Personal Life
Caridad maintains a relatively private lifestyle despite her connections to Hollywood.
She occasionally attends events with Matthew but does not appear to seek constant publicity.
Family Connections
Her personal life includes her husband, children, and grandchild.
Family relationships have remained important throughout her marriage.
Puerto Rican Identity
Her cultural background continues to be part of the family’s identity.
Ruby has spoken about the importance of recognizing her mother’s heritage.
Public and Private Life
Caridad’s public appearances usually involve professional events or family occasions.
Her private daily activities are not extensively documented.
Caridad Rivera’s Net Worth in 2026
Caridad Rivera’s individual net worth has not been independently verified.
Some celebrity websites publish estimates, but their calculations lack reliable financial evidence.
Income From Styling
Caridad has worked in makeup, hairstyling, and wardrobe.
These professions can provide income through individual production contracts and other arrangements.
However, her exact earnings have not been disclosed.
Commercial Production
She has also been described as working in television-commercial production.
Details of her individual contracts and compensation remain private.
Matthew Modine’s Wealth
Matthew has earned income through a long career in film and television.
However, his earnings should not automatically be presented as Caridad’s individual net worth.
Her exact assets and financial arrangements are not public.
Where Is Caridad Rivera Now in 2026?
As of October 2026, Caridad Rivera remains publicly known as Matthew Modine’s wife and a creative professional with experience in makeup, wardrobe, and commercial production.
She has maintained a relatively low public profile.
Is She Still Married to Matthew Modine?
Yes.
The couple married on October 31, 1980, and reach their 46th wedding anniversary on October 31, 2026.
There has been no verified public announcement of a separation or divorce.
Is She Still Working in Entertainment?
Her documented credits establish experience in the industry.
However, no major new production project for 2026 has been independently confirmed.
Where Does She Live?
Caridad and Matthew have longstanding connections to New York and Los Angeles.
Their precise current residential arrangements have not been reliably established through recent reporting.
Does She Use Social Media?
No widely verified public social media account has been conclusively established as belonging to her.
She remains more visible through family-related photographs and interviews.
Interesting Facts About Caridad Rivera
1. She grew up in Manhattan. Her childhood home was on New York’s Lower East Side.
2. She has Puerto Rican roots. Her daughter Ruby has publicly described the family’s heritage.
3. She has six sisters. Ruby shared this detail in a 2017 interview.
4. She met Matthew in a restaurant. He was working as a cook when their paths crossed.
5. She married on Halloween. Their wedding took place on October 31, 1980.
6. She has two children. Boman and Ruby both work in entertainment.
7. She is a makeup and wardrobe stylist. Her credits include Plastic Jesus (2012).
8. She has worked in commercial production. FamilySearch identified her as a producer of television advertisements.
9. She is a grandmother. Her daughter Ruby welcomed a son named Avery.
10. Her marriage has lasted 46 years. The couple celebrate the milestone in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caridad Rivera
1. Who is Caridad Rivera?
Caridad Rivera is an American makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and commercial-production professional best known as Matthew Modine’s wife.
2. What is Caridad Rivera’s full name?
She is professionally known as Caridad Rivera and has also used the name Caridad Modine.
3. What is Caridad Rivera’s nickname?
Her nickname is Cari.
4. How old is Caridad Rivera in 2026?
Earlier reporting suggests she is approximately 70 or 71, although her exact birthday remains unverified.
5. Where was Caridad Rivera born?
She was born on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in New York City.
6. What is Caridad Rivera’s nationality?
She is American.
7. Is Caridad Rivera Puerto Rican?
She has Puerto Rican family heritage. Her daughter Ruby has discussed their family’s roots.
8. Who is Caridad Rivera’s husband?
Her husband is American actor Matthew Modine.
9. When did Caridad Rivera marry Matthew Modine?
They married on October 31, 1980.
10. How long have Caridad and Matthew been married?
They celebrate 46 years of marriage on October 31, 2026.
11. How did Caridad meet Matthew Modine?
They met at a New York restaurant where Matthew worked as a cook.
12. Was Matthew Modine famous when they met?
No. He was still pursuing his acting career.
13. What does Caridad Rivera do for a living?
She has worked as a makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and commercial-production professional.
14. Is Caridad Rivera an actress?
Some websites attribute acting credits to a person with her name, but those records are not conclusively linked to Matthew Modine’s wife.
15. What movie did Caridad work on?
Her verified professional credits include makeup, hairstyling, and wardrobe work on Plastic Jesus (2012).
16. How many children does Caridad Rivera have?
She has two children.
17. Who are Caridad Rivera’s children?
Her children are Boman Modine and Ruby Modine.
18. What does Boman Modine do?
Boman works as a director, producer, and writer.
19. What is Ruby Modine famous for?
Ruby is known for playing Sierra Morton in Shameless and Lori Spengler in Happy Death Day.
20. Does Caridad Rivera have grandchildren?
Yes. Her daughter Ruby has a son named Avery.
21. Did Caridad attend the BAFTA Awards?
Yes. She attended the 2014 ceremony with Matthew Modine.
22. What is Caridad Rivera’s net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been independently verified.
23. Is Caridad Rivera still married in 2026?
Yes. She remains married to Matthew Modine.
24. Does Caridad Rivera have Instagram?
No clearly verified public account has been established as hers.
25. Where is Caridad Rivera now?
She maintains a relatively private life while remaining known for her styling work, family, and longstanding marriage to Matthew Modine.
Final Thoughts
Caridad Rivera has spent decades connected to the entertainment industry while maintaining a strong sense of privacy.
Born and raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she grew up in a family with Puerto Rican roots.
She later developed professional experience in makeup, wardrobe styling, and commercial production.
Her life changed when she met Matthew Modine at a New York restaurant where he worked as a cook.
Their relationship began before he became famous.
They married on October 31, 1980, and built a family together.
Their children, Boman and Ruby Modine, later developed creative careers of their own.
Caridad has also supported Matthew through decades of acting success, including Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things, and Oppenheimer.
Although she occasionally appears on red carpets, she has generally avoided the pressures of celebrity publicity.
In October 2026, Caridad and Matthew celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary.
Their story remains notable because of its longevity, shared creative interests, and beginnings before Hollywood fame.
Caridad Rivera is therefore more than Matthew Modine’s wife. She is a creative professional, mother, grandmother, and an important part of a family with longstanding connections to film and entertainment.
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