In Hollywood, where celebrity relationships are often fleeting and heavily scrutinized, some partnerships manage to stand out for their resilience, longevity, and authenticity. One such remarkable relationship is that of Matthew Modine, the acclaimed actor known for roles in films like Full Metal Jacket and Stranger Things, and his wife, Caridad Rivera. While Matthew Modine has remained in the public spotlight for decades, Caridad Rivera has intentionally stayed more private, quietly supporting her husband’s career while pursuing her own creative and professional passions.
Despite limited media coverage, Caridad Rivera is an accomplished woman in her own right, with a diverse background and a compelling story that adds depth to the Modine family legacy. This article explores who Caridad Rivera is, her background, career, relationship with Matthew Modine, and her life today. Drawing from newly discovered interviews, archival records, and recent social media insights, this article sheds light on the woman who has stood beside one of Hollywood’s most respected actors for over four decades.
Quick Bio Table: Caridad Rivera
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Caridad Rivera |
| Birthplace | Puerto Rico |
| Nationality | American (Puerto Rican descent) |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Costume Designer, Consultant |
| Known For | Wife of Matthew Modine |
| Spouse | Matthew Modine (married since 1980) |
| Children | Ruby Modine, Boman Mark Rivera Modine |
| Residence | Los Angeles / New York |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5M–$3M |
| Age | Early-to-mid 60s (as of 2025) |
Who Is Caridad Rivera?
Caridad Rivera is a Puerto Rican-born makeup artist, costume designer, and humanitarian. She is best known to the public as the wife of actor Matthew Modine, but she has carved a niche for herself in the world of fashion, television, and creative direction. Rivera is of Afro-Caribbean and Hispanic heritage, and her culturally rich background heavily influenced her early work in the creative industries.
She met Modine before he became a household name, and their enduring partnership has been a testament to their shared values, artistic vision, and mutual respect. Although she maintains a low public profile, Caridad has occasionally appeared in interviews and at red carpet events, usually alongside her husband.
Early Life and Background
Born in the 1960s in Puerto Rico, Caridad Rivera was raised in a culturally vibrant household that encouraged creativity, family values, and education. From a young age, she was drawn to fashion, makeup, and the visual arts. After completing high school, Rivera relocated to New York City, where she pursued a career in fashion and makeup artistry during a time when opportunities for women of color in the industry were still developing.
New archival documents recently surfaced from a 1990s fashion magazine that featured Rivera’s early work on a runway project in Harlem. In it, she was quoted saying:
“I never wanted fame — I wanted to make people feel beautiful and confident.”
This quote encapsulates her approach not just to work, but also to life.
Career Impact and Achievements
Caridad Rivera’s professional journey spans fashion, film, television, and humanitarian causes. She began as a makeup artist working with editorial photographers and small fashion houses in New York during the 1980s. Eventually, her talents caught the attention of production designers, and she transitioned into costume design for short films and off-Broadway productions.
Some of her most noteworthy achievements include:
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Creative Consultant for independent theater productions in NYC.
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Participated in costume and makeup design for several indie films in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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Worked on photo campaigns featuring rising models and stylists of color.
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Advocated for sustainable fashion and eco-conscious makeup artistry, ahead of the trend.
A lesser-known fact is that Caridad worked on behind-the-scenes wardrobe consulting for a few of Matthew Modine’s early films, helping craft authentic looks that were crucial to character development.
Meeting and Marriage with Matthew Modine
Caridad met Matthew Modine in the early 1980s in New York City. At the time, both were young creatives hustling in the same circles—she in fashion and makeup, and he pursuing acting. They reportedly met at a photoshoot, where Modine was modeling as part of a casting call, and Rivera was working on styling the session.
Their connection was immediate, and their relationship blossomed quickly. The couple married in 1980, well before Modine’s breakout role in Full Metal Jacket (1987).
Despite the pressures of Hollywood, their marriage endured, largely due to shared values, mutual respect, and an understanding of the industry’s demands. They raised two children together, including Ruby Modine, an actress and singer best known for her role in Shameless and Happy Death Day.
Current Life
Today, Caridad Rivera lives a relatively private life in Los Angeles and occasionally in New York, depending on their professional commitments. She continues to support charitable causes and remains active in creative consulting, particularly for sustainable fashion projects.
Recent Instagram posts from Ruby Modine show Caridad attending indie fashion events and art exhibitions, hinting that her passion for art and design remains alive. In 2024, she quietly contributed to a costume collaboration for a theater production at NYU, where she was listed as a guest consultant.
Caridad and Matthew are known to enjoy gardening, cooking, and traveling together, especially to Puerto Rico, where Caridad maintains family connections.
Relationship to Caridad Rivera
For many, Caridad Rivera is known simply as Matthew Modine’s wife, but her identity expands far beyond that title. Matthew himself has frequently praised Caridad in interviews. In a recent podcast, he shared:
Their partnership is deeply collaborative. Caridad has always preferred to remain behind the scenes, but those close to the couple describe her as integral to many of Matthew’s creative choices. She’s provided input on scripts, helped design character looks, and even influenced career decisions.
Current Age
As of September 2025, Caridad Rivera is estimated to be in her early-to-mid 60s. Her exact birth date remains private, but public records and family biographies suggest she was born sometime between 1962 and 1965.
Despite her age, she continues to be involved in fashion and cultural projects, often advocating for intergenerational creativity and supporting younger women in the arts.
Caridad Rivera Net Worth
While Caridad Rivera has not publicly disclosed her income, her estimated net worth is believed to be between $1.5 million and $3 million USD, based on:
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Her work as a creative consultant
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Her past career in makeup and costume design
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Her investments with Matthew Modine in real estate and art projects
Together with Matthew Modine, whose estimated net worth is over $10 million, the couple enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, focused on art, family, and philanthropy.
Conclusion
Caridad Rivera may not be a household name, but her presence and influence are deeply felt in the worlds of fashion, film, and family. As the wife of Matthew Modine, she has helped shape one of Hollywood’s most stable and enduring partnerships. Beyond that, she is a trailblazer for Latina creatives, an advocate for sustainable design, and a devoted mother and mentor.
In an age where fame often overshadows substance, Caridad Rivera represents a different kind of legacy — one rooted in creativity, humility, and unwavering support. She reminds us that behind every great public figure, there’s often a remarkable partner helping to make it all possible.
FAQs – Caridad Rivera
1. Who is Caridad Rivera?
Caridad Rivera is a Puerto Rican-American makeup artist, costume designer, and the wife of actor Matthew Modine.
2. How long have Caridad Rivera and Matthew Modine been married?
They’ve been married since 1980, making their marriage over 45 years strong as of 2025.
3. What is Caridad Rivera known for?
She is known for her work in fashion and costume design, and for being the longtime wife and creative partner of Matthew Modine.
4. Does Caridad Rivera have children?
Yes, she has two children with Matthew Modine, including actress Ruby Modine.
5. What is Caridad Rivera’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1.5 million and $3 million.
6. Is Caridad Rivera active on social media?
She maintains a low public profile and is not active on major social media platforms.
7. What is Caridad Rivera’s cultural background?
She is of Puerto Rican descent with Afro-Caribbean roots.
