Matt Shively
A Nickelodeon staple who grew up on screen, transitioning from wisecracking sidekicks to leading roles with relatable charm.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actor·Birthday: September 15·Millennials
Biography
Matt Shively became a familiar face to a generation of kids by mastering the art of the hilarious best friend. His breakout role as the scheming, scene-stealing Ryan Laserbeam on Nickelodeon's "True Jackson, VP" showcased a natural comedic timing that felt both exaggerated and genuine. Nickelodeon quickly capitalized, casting him in live-action shows like "The Troop" and even as the voice of Prince Sky in "Winx Club." As he aged out of teen roles, Shively didn't disappear; he smoothly pivoted to network television. His role as Jimmy, the awkwardly sincere love interest on ABC's "The Real O'Neals," demonstrated a warmer, more nuanced side. His career arc isn't about explosive fame, but rather a consistent, steady presence—an actor who reliably delivers laughs and heart, whether he's the zany sidekick or the romantic lead, proving his durability in the fickle world of television comedy.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the recurring role of Ryan Laserbeam on the hit Nickelodeon series "True Jackson, VP" for its entire run.
- Starred as a series regular, Jimmy, on the ABC sitcom "The Real O'Neals" for two seasons.
- Voiced the character of Prince Sky in the Nickelodeon animated series "Winx Club."
- Co-starred in the Paramount+ original film "The Thundermans Return" (2024).
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished drummer and has played in bands.
He originally auditioned for the role of Ben on "The Real O'Neals" before being cast as Jimmy.
He is a big fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
He has a twin sister named Michelle.
“Comedy is about commitment; you have to fully believe in the ridiculous moment.”
