View source for Matt Bomer

{{Short description|American actor (born 1977)}}
{{distinguish|Matt Bonner}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name         = Matt Bomer
| image        = File:Matt Bomer Comic-con by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption      = Bomer in 2015
| birth_name   = Matthew Staton Bomer
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1977|10|11}}
| birth_place  = [[Webster Groves, Missouri]], U.S.
| education    = [[Carnegie Mellon University]] ([[Bachelor of Fine Arts|BFA]])
| occupation   = Actor
| years_active = 1994–present
| works        = [[List of roles and awards of Matt Bomer|Roles and awards]]
| spouse       = {{marriage|Simon Halls|2011}}
| children     = 3
}}
'''Matthew Staton Bomer''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|oʊ|m|ər}} {{respell|BOH|mər}}; born October 11, 1977) is an American actor. [[List of roles and awards of Matt Bomer|His works have earned him accolades]] including a [[Golden Globe Award]], a [[Critics' Choice Television Award]], and a [[Peabody Award]], in addition to nominations for two [[Primetime Emmy Awards]].

Bomer made his television debut in 2000 on the long-running soap opera ''[[All My Children]]''. He graduated from [[Carnegie Mellon University]] with a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] degree. Soon after, he had a contract role on ''[[Guiding Light]]'', and appeared on primetime shows, including ''[[Tru Calling]]''. In 2005, Bomer made his film debut in the thriller ''[[Flightplan]]'', then in 2007 gained recognition with his recurring role in the [[NBC]] television series ''[[Chuck (TV series)|Chuck]]''. From 2009 to 2014, he starred as con artist [[Neal Caffrey]] in the [[USA Network]] series ''[[White Collar (TV series)|White Collar]]''.

Bomer had supporting roles in the 2011 thriller ''[[In Time]]'', the 2012 comedy-drama ''[[Magic Mike]]'' and its [[Magic Mike XXL|2015 sequel]], and the 2016 neo-noir film ''[[The Nice Guys]]''. In 2015, he won a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award]] and received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for playing a closeted writer in the television film ''[[The Normal Heart (film)|The Normal Heart]]''. Bomer made a guest appearance on [[American Horror Story: Freak Show|the fourth season]] of [[FX (TV channel)|FX]]'s horror anthology series ''[[American Horror Story]]'', and was upgraded to the main cast for its [[American Horror Story: Hotel|fifth season]]. He has since starred as [[Negative Man|Larry Trainor]] in the [[Max (streaming service)|Max]] series ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'' (2019–2023) and a closeted [[World War II]] veteran in the miniseries ''[[Fellow Travelers (miniseries)|Fellow Travelers]]'' (2023).<ref name="Zalben2019">{{cite web | last=Zalben | first=Alex | title='Doom Patrol': Matt Bomer's Kelly Clarkson Dance Party With a Sentient, Genderqueer Street Was a Series High Point | website=Decider | date=April 5, 2019 | url=https://decider.com/2019/04/05/doom-patrol-danny-patrol-matt-bomer-kelly-clarkson-people-like-us/ | access-date=July 5, 2020 | archive-date=August 6, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806072920/https://decider.com/2019/04/05/doom-patrol-danny-patrol-matt-bomer-kelly-clarkson-people-like-us/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The latter earned him further Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nominations. As an executive producer of ''Fellow Travelers'', Bomer also received a Peabody Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fellow Travelers |url=https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/fellow-travelers/ |access-date=September 24, 2025 |website=The Peabody Awards |language=en-US}}</ref>

On stage, Bomer starred in the [[Dustin Lance Black]] play ''[[8 (play)|8]]'' on [[Broadway theater|Broadway]], and at the [[Wilshire Ebell Theatre]] in Los Angeles as Jeff Zarrillo, a plaintiff in the [[Perry v. Brown|federal case]] that overturned California's [[Proposition 8]]. In 2018 he starred in a revival of the [[Mart Crowley]] play ''[[The Boys in the Band (play)|The Boys in the Band]]'' on Broadway playing Donald; he reprised his role for the [[The Boys in the Band (2020 film)|2020 film of the same name]].

==Early life and education==
Matthew Staton Bomer was born in [[Webster Groves, Missouri]], to Elizabeth Macy ({{Nee|Staton}}) and John O'Neill Bomer IV.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Contra Costa Times|at=sec. Breaking|title=October 11 in History|agency=Associated Press|date=October 10, 2012}}</ref><ref name="boombeat">{{cite web|url=http://www.boomsbeat.com/articles/21724/20150716/50-facts-matt-bomer-–-magic-mike-s-ken.htm|author=People|title=50 Facts About Matt Bomer – Magic Mike's Ken|publisher=Boomsbeat|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812210853/http://www.boomsbeat.com/articles/21724/20150716/50-facts-matt-bomer-%E2%80%93-magic-mike-s-ken.htm|archive-date=August 12, 2017}}</ref> His father, a [[Dallas Cowboys]] draft pick, played for the team from 1972 to 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerb/bome00200.html |title=John Bomer |work=Pro Football Archives |access-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824114227/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerb/bome00200.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Matt has a sister, Megan, and a brother, Neill, who is an engineer.<ref name="boombeat"/> Bomer credits his parents for being understanding when they sensed their child was slightly different from his peers. "I've always had an active imagination", says Bomer.<ref name="bostoncommonmag2017">{{cite web|url=http://bostoncommon-magazine.com/matt-bomer-talks-parenthood-getting-his-start-in-acting-and-his-new-drama-walking-out|first=Carita|last= Rizzo|title=Matt Bomer Talks Parenthood, Getting His Start in Acting, and His New Drama 'Walking Out'|work=Boston Common|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170812210853/http://bostoncommon-magazine.com/matt-bomer-talks-parenthood-getting-his-start-in-acting-and-his-new-drama-walking-out|archive-date= August 12, 2017|df= mdy-all}}</ref> He is a distant cousin to American singer [[Justin Timberlake]].<ref name="boombeat"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.eonline.com/news/572764/are-matt-bomer-and-justin-timberlake-related-find-out-what-the-normal-heart-actor-revealed-at-the-2014-emmys|first=Lily|last= Harrison|title=Are Matt Bomer and Justin Timberlake Related?! Find Out What the Normal Heart Actor Revealed at the 2014 Emmys|publisher=[[E!]]|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170812210853/http://m.eonline.com/news/572764/are-matt-bomer-and-justin-timberlake-related-find-out-what-the-normal-heart-actor-revealed-at-the-2014-emmys|archive-date= August 12, 2017|df= mdy-all}}</ref> Bomer's family is of English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Swiss-German and French descent.<ref name="boombeat"/>

Bomer was raised in [[Spring, Texas]], and attended [[Klein High School]]; he was a classmate of [[Lee Pace]] and [[Lynn Collins]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Silberman|first=Lindsay|date=February 15, 2012|url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/White-Collar-Matt-Bomer-High-School-1043416.aspx|title=Check out Matt Bomer's High School Yearbook Photo|journal=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724073509/http://www.tvguide.com/news/white-collar-matt-bomer-high-school-1043416/|archive-date=July 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Barker|first=Andrew|date=September 30, 2009|url=https://variety.com/2009/scene/features/bomer-trades-football-for-acting-career-1118009384/|title=Bomer trades football for acting career|journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=July 10, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710000000/https://variety.com/2009/scene/features/bomer-trades-football-for-acting-career-1118009384/|archive-date=July 10, 2023}}</ref> In high school, Bomer played [[wide receiver]] and [[defensive back]] for his school's football team before deciding to concentrate on acting.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://parade.com/983711/danbova/matt-bomer-bill-pullman-the-sinner/ |title="Matt Bomer and Bill Pullman Share Hot Tips for Watching The Super Bowl" &#91;&#91;Parade (magazine)&#93;&#93; Jan. 24, 2020 |newspaper=Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays |date=January 24, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126050015/https://parade.com/983711/danbova/matt-bomer-bill-pullman-the-sinner/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At age 17, he made his stage debut as Young Collector in a production of [[Tennessee Williams]]'s ''[[A Streetcar Named Desire]]'' staged by the [[Alley Theatre]] in downtown Houston. He also appeared in a 1998 production of ''[[Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]]'' and Romeo and Juliet at the [[Utah Shakespeare Festival]] in [[Cedar City, Utah]].<ref>{{cite news|title=From Coward to 'Romeo and Juliet,' festival shines|author=Lincoln, Ivan M.|url=https://www.deseret.com/1998/7/10/19390475/from-coward-to-romeo-and-juliet-festival-shines/|work=Deseret News|date=July 10, 1998|access-date=December 16, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182359/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/640650/From-Coward-to-Romeo-and-Juliet-festival-shines.html?pg=all|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatregold.com/matt-bomer-wins-golden-globe/|author=Theatre Gold|title= Matt Bomer wins Golden Globe|publisher=theatregold.com|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182359/http://www.theatregold.com/matt-bomer-wins-golden-globe/|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="paperMB">{{cite news|title=Beautiful People 2010: Matt Bomer|url=http://www.papermag.com/2010/03/beautiful_people_2010_matt_bomer.php|publisher=Paper|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=March 30, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307194532/http://www.papermag.com/beautiful-people-2010-matt-bomer-1425675427.html|archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref>

Bomer received his [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] degree in drama at [[Carnegie Mellon University]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/innovation/2007/summer/gotta-see-tv.shtml|title=The Best of Primetime|website=[[Carnegie Mellon University]]|access-date=October 23, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817153602/http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/innovation/2007/summer/gotta-see-tv.shtml|archive-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/93877-magic-mike-xxl-stars-matt-bomer-joe-manganiello-have-a-long-bromantic-history-which-includes|title='Magic Mike XXL' Stars Matt Bomer & Joe Manganiello Have A Long Bromantic History Which Includes On-Set Pranks|work=Bustle|date=July 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160308045209/http://www.bustle.com/articles/93877-magic-mike-xxl-stars-matt-bomer-joe-manganiello-have-a-long-bromantic-history-which-includes|archive-date= March 8, 2016|df= mdy-all}}</ref> In 1999, Bomer worked as a bartender while spending a year living in [[Galway]], Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/matt-bomer-after-two-days-in-galway-i-thought-i-ll-just-do-another-lap-around-the-town-1.3915610 |title=Matt Bomer: 'After two days in Galway, I thought: I'll just do another lap around the town' |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=May 12, 2020 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922061205/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/matt-bomer-after-two-days-in-galway-i-thought-i-ll-just-do-another-lap-around-the-town-1.3915610 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Career ==
=== 2000–2004: Early roles ===
Shortly after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, Bomer moved to New York City. His television debut came in 2000 on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network, when he played Ian Kipling on the long running soap opera ''[[All My Children]]''.<ref name="allmy">{{cite news|url=http://soapcentral.com/gl/theactors/bomer_matthew.php|title=About the Actors of GL: Matt Bomer|newspaper=Soapcentral.com |publisher=Soap Central|access-date=February 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120026/http://soapcentral.com/gl/theactors/bomer_matthew.php|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}</ref> Two years later he made a guest appearance in the mystery fantasy series ''[[Relic Hunter]]'' (2002).<ref name="CKMB">{{cite web|url=http://www.celebritykeep.com/2017/07/matt-bomer.html|date=July 11, 2017|title=Matt Bomer {{!}} Celebrity Keep|publisher=Celebrity Keep|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305070514/http://www.celebritykeep.com/2017/07/matt-bomer.html?m=1|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref>

In 2001, he landed a contract role on the soap opera ''[[Guiding Light]]''. He played Ben Reade, a character connected to several core families on the show.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/gl/theactors/bomer_matthew.php |title=About the Actors &#124; Guiding Light on Soap Central |access-date=May 20, 2021 |archive-date=May 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520015628/https://www.soapcentral.com/gl/theactors/bomer_matthew.php |url-status=live }}</ref> When Bomer left the show in 2003, his exit was controversial; Ben was suddenly revealed to be a [[male prostitute]] and [[serial killer]].<ref name="InStyle2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.instyle.com/videos/magic-mike-xxls-matt-bomer-dishes-his-soap-opera-past|first =Joshua|last=Lyon|title=Magic Mike XXL's Matt Bomer Dishes on His Soap Opera Past|work=[[InStyle]]|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=February 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120026/http://www.instyle.com/videos/magic-mike-xxls-matt-bomer-dishes-his-soap-opera-past|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}</ref> Years later in 2015, Bomer talked about his participation in the series: "I told them to just throw the kitchen sink at me, and they did."<ref name="InStyle2015"/>

His next role was in the supernatural drama series ''[[Tru Calling]]'' (2003–2004). Starring alongside [[Eliza Dushku]], Bomer starred as Luc Johnston, the love interest of the protagonist of the series played by Dushku, in the first season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/white-collar-eliza-dushku-1035924/|first=Kate|last=Stanhope|title=Eliza Dushku on Her Steamy White Collar Guest Spot: "I Wanted a Mr. & Mrs Smith Vibe"|work=[[TV Guide]]|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307233807/http://www.tvguide.com/news/white-collar-eliza-dushku-1035924/|archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/01/09/tru-calling-2/|first=Gillian|last=Flynn|title=Tru Calling|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=January 9, 2004|access-date=February 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307233807/http://ew.com/article/2004/01/09/tru-calling-2/|archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> In 2003, Bomer returned to theatre to star in a [[Powerhouse Theater]] production of [[Paul Weitz (filmmaker)|Paul Weitz]]'s play ''Roulette'' in New York.<ref name="Roulette">{{cite web|url=http://collegerelations.vassar.edu/2003/623/|title='Roulette', a new play written by acclaimed film director and playwright Paul Weitz, to premiere as part of Powerhouse Theater's special presentations|publisher=College Relations Vassar|date=August 1, 2003|access-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829052607/http://collegerelations.vassar.edu/2003/623/|archive-date=August 29, 2006}}</ref> A year later, he appeared in the episode ''[[North Shore (2004 TV series)|Bellport]]'' in the primetime TV show of ''[[North Shore (2004 TV series)|North Shore]]''.

=== 2005–2009: Transition to film and breakthrough with ''White Collar'' ===
His screen debut occurred in the 2005 starring in the [[Robert Schwentke]] directed [[Mystery film|mystery]] [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]] ''[[Flightplan]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flightplan/|title=Flightplan (2005)|publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=September 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305070514/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flightplan/|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> opposite [[Jodie Foster]]. Bomer's character was a flight attendant.<ref name="PopSugarFMB">{{cite web|url=https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/photo-gallery/34500374/image/34500416/Matt-Bomer-Flightplan|title=Matt Bomer {{!}} Flightplan: Photos|work=Pop Sugar|date=April 4, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323071057/https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/photo-gallery/34500374/image/34500416/Matt-Bomer-Flightplan|archive-date=March 23, 2016}}</ref> The film grossed $223.3&nbsp;million worldwide, becoming the [[2005 in film|seventeenth highest-grossing film of the year]] and Bomer's most lucrative film so far.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=flightplan.htm|title= Fightplan (2005)|access-date=June 2, 2015|publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081649/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=flightplan.htm|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> In the [[slasher film]] ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning]]'' (2006), Bomer portrayed Eric, a [[Vietnam War]] veteran who is driving across Texas to [[military discharge#Reenlistment Eligibility Code|re-enlist]] after his brother is [[conscription|drafted]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/movies/06chai.html?ref=movies&referer=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-texas-chainsaw-massacre-the-beginning/critic-reviews |title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning – Review – Movies |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 6, 2006 |access-date=February 5, 2018 |last=Lee |first=Nathan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112184424/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/movies/06chai.html?ref=movies&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metacritic.com%2Fmovie%2Fthe-texas-chainsaw-massacre-the-beginning%2Fcritic-reviews |archive-date=January 12, 2015  }}</ref>

He acted in his first television film ''Amy Coyne'' (2006); he played the role of Case. The film tells the story of a young woman who inherits her father's sports agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0807743/?ref_=m_nmfmd_act_22|publisher=IMDb|title= Amy Coyne (2006)|access-date=June 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421194626/http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0807743/?ref_=m_nmfmd_act_22|archive-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> His first leading role was in the series ''[[Traveler (American TV series)|Traveler]]'' (2007), along with [[Logan Marshall-Green]], [[Aaron Stanford]] and [[Viola Davis]], a short-lived [[midseason replacement]] television series which premiered on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] on May 30, 2007, the series tells the story of two graduate students, become suspected of terrorism after a skateboarding race inside a museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/arts/television/10stan.html?referer=https://www.google.com.br/|title=After a Museum Is Bombed, the Real Trouble Beginso|work=The New York Times|date=May 10, 2007|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Alessandra|last=Stanley|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305070514/http://mobile.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/arts/television/10stan.html?referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.br%2F|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref> The series was canceled after eight episodes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2007-05-09-traveler_N.htm|title='Traveler' follows familiar path, but it follows it with style|first=Robert|last=Bianco|work=[[USA Today]]|date=May 10, 2007|access-date=August 27, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809081640/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2007-05-09-traveler_N.htm|archive-date=August 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/television/reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=9166 |title=Traveler |first=Ray |last=Richmond |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 10, 2007|access-date=August 27, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709021808/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/television/reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=9166 |archive-date=July 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/05/10/2007-05-10_lost_lambs_on_the_lam_in_absurd_traveler.html|title=Lost lambs on the lam in absurd 'Traveler'|first=David|last=Bianculli|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|date=May 10, 2007|access-date=August 27, 2008 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120026/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/05/10/2007-05-10_lost_lambs_on_the_lam_in_absurd_traveler.html|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}</ref>

He had a supporting role in the [[NBC]] [[action comedy TV series|action comedy]] [[Spy fiction|spy-drama]] ''[[Chuck (TV series)|Chuck]]'' (2007–09).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.eonline.com/photos/4389/chuck-s-geekiest-and-greatest-guest-stars/164523|title=Matt Bomer & Yvonne Strahovski Bomer as Bryce Larkin (Season one and two)|publisher=[[E!]]|access-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216091741/http://www.eonline.com/photos/4389/chuck-s-geekiest-and-greatest-guest-stars/164523|archive-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref> In 2007, Bomer took on the role of Ernest Hemingway in a [[Williamstown Theatre Festival]] production of Crispin Whittell's play ''Villa America'' in [[Massachusetts]], starring in it with [[Jennifer Mudge]] and [[Nate Corddry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtfestival.org/main-events/villa-america/|title=Villa America (2007)|publisher=Williamstown Theatre Festival|access-date=April 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205816/http://wtfestival.org/main-events/villa-america/|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2007/legit/reviews/villa-america-1200557828/|first=Frank|last=Rizzo|title=Villa America (2007) – Review|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 15, 2007|access-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217033534/http://variety.com/2007/legit/reviews/villa-america-1200557828/|archive-date=February 17, 2018}}</ref>

2009 marked a significant turning point in Bomer's career as he starred as the [[con artist]] [[Neal Caffrey]] in the [[police procedural]] drama series ''[[White Collar (TV series)|White Collar]]''.<ref name="newpilot">{{cite journal|last=Eng|first=Joyce|date=October 22, 2008|url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Matthew-Bomer-Tim-27508.aspx|title=Chuck's Matthew Bomer Spies New Series|journal=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=October 23, 2009|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508192837/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Matthew-Bomer-Tim-27508.aspx|archive-date= May 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usanetwork.com/whitecollar/cast/matt-bomer-as-neal-caffrey|title=White Collar: Cast & Crew {{!}} Neal Caffrey played by Matt Bomer|work=USA Network |publisher=[[USA Network]]|access-date=July 24, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303090152/http://www.usanetwork.com/whitecollar/cast/matt-bomer-as-neal-caffrey|archive-date=March 3, 2016|date=May 23, 2013}}</ref> ''White Collar'' premiered on August 23, 2009, on [[USA Network]] and was watched by more than 5.40&nbsp;million people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/27/cable-ratings-football-baseball-monk-white-collar-jeff-dunham-and-sons-of-anarchy-top-weekly-cable-chart/31697|title=Cable ratings for the week ending October 25, 2009|last=Seidman|first=Robert|publisher=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]|date=October 27, 2009|access-date=November 29, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303090152/http://www.tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/27/cable-ratings-football-baseball-monk-white-collar-jeff-dunham-and-sons-of-anarchy-top-weekly-cable-chart/31697|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> The show was received with popular and critical acclaim. [[Mary McNamara]] of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote: "terrific acting, crackling dialogue and geek-hip crime are not the only things that make this the most electric drama to premiere this fall."<ref name="WCreviewMary"/> She also liked the performance of the two leads together saying they "are so easy" and "perfect together".<ref name="WCreviewMary">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-23-et-whitecollar23-story.html|last=McNamara|first=Mary|author-link=Mary McNamara|title=Television Review: White Collar on USA Network|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 23, 2009|access-date=February 20, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508192837/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/oct/23/entertainment/et-whitecollar23|archive-date= May 8, 2013 }}</ref> Bomer won a [[People's Choice Award]] at the [[41st People's Choice Awards|2015 ceremony]].<ref>{{cite web|title=People's Choice Awards 2015: Full List Of Winners|url=http://peopleschoice.com/2015/01/07/peoples-choice-awards-2015-winners-list/|publisher=[[People's Choice Awards]]|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=August 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802041031/http://peopleschoice.com/2015/01/07/peoples-choice-awards-2015-winners-list/|archive-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref> Additionally, Bomer produced 19 episodes of ''White Collar'' along with costar [[Tim DeKay]].

=== 2010–2015: Recognition ===
In the beginning of 2010 Bomer was invited to sing with actress and [[Tony Award]] winning singer [[Kelli O'Hara]] at the [[Kennedy Center Honors]].<ref name="7timesMB">{{cite web|url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2015-06-19/matt-bomer-singing-clips-glee-broadway/|first=Peggy|last=Truong|title= 7 Times Matt Bomer Blessed Us With Song|publisher=[[Celebuzz]]|date=June 19, 2015|access-date=February 1, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.celebuzz.com/2015-06-19/matt-bomer-singing-clips-glee-broadway/|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> In September 2011, Bomer starred in [[Dustin Lance Black]]'s play, ''[[8 (play)|8]]'', a staged re-enactment of the [[Perry v. Brown|federal trial]] that overturned California's [[Proposition 8]]. Bomer starred as Jeff Zarrillo.<ref name="Mbbroadway">{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt-Bomer-Joins-Upcoming-Reading-of-Dustin-Lance-Black-Prop-8-Play-as-Husband-to-Cheyenne-Jackson-20110901|author=<!--Not stated-->|title=Matt Bomer Joins Upcoming Reading of Dustin Lance Black Prop 8 Play as Husband to Cheyenne Jackson|publisher=Broadway World|date=September 1, 2011|access-date=February 27, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt-Bomer-Joins-Upcoming-Reading-of-Dustin-Lance-Black-Prop-8-Play-as-Husband-to-Cheyenne-Jackson-20110901|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> The production was directed by actor [[Joe Mantello]] and presented at the [[Eugene O'Neill Theatre]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Kinser, Jeremy|title=Matt Bomer Joins Black's Prop. 8 Play|url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/31/Matt_Bomer_Joins_Blacks_Prop_8_Play/|journal=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=December 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117050747/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/31/Matt_Bomer_Joins_Blacks_Prop_8_Play/|archive-date=January 17, 2013}}</ref> In March 2012, he was featured in the [[Wilshire Ebell Theatre]] production as well.<ref name=";0">{{cite web|url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/157509/john-lithgow-bradley-whitford-and-matt-bomer-join-morgan-freeman-and-more-in-starry-reading-of-8/|title=John Lithgow, Bradley Whitford and Matt Bomer Join Morgan Freeman and More in Starry Reading of 8|publisher=[[Broadway.com]]|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/157509/john-lithgow-bradley-whitford-and-matt-bomer-join-morgan-freeman-and-more-in-starry-reading-of-8|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref><ref name="8m">{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/chris-colfer-george-clooney-brad-pitt-and-more-bring-the-prop-8-trial-to-life/03/2012/|title=Chris Colfer, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and More Bring the Prop 8 Trial To Life|publisher=[[NewNowNext]]|first=Ed|last=Kennedy|date=April 3, 2013|access-date=December 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.newnownext.com/chris-colfer-george-clooney-brad-pitt-and-more-bring-the-prop-8-trial-to-life/03/2012/|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref>

In 2011, Bomer was cast as a 105-year-old man in [[Andrew Niccol]]'s science fiction thriller film ''[[In Time]]'', starring alongside [[Justin Timberlake]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/in_time/| title=In Time (2011)| work = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | access-date = May 1, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/in_time/|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> On April 10, 2012, Bomer made a guest appearance in the [[Glee season 3|third season]] of the television series ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]'', playing [[Blaine Anderson|Blaine]]'s older brother, Cooper Anderson, a Hollywood commercials actor who comes to Lima for a visit, and while in town gives an acting masterclass to New Directions.<ref name="WPGleeMB:0">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/glee-by-the-musical-numbers-a-very-matt-bomer-episode/2012/04/11/gIQADExMAT_blog.html|title='Glee' by the musical numbers: A very Matt Bomer episode|newspaper= [[The Washington Post]]|date=April 11, 2012|access-date=July 24, 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220030807/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/glee-by-the-musical-numbers-a-very-matt-bomer-episode/2012/04/11/gIQADExMAT_blog.html|archive-date=February 20, 2015 }}</ref> His performance on ''Glee'' received critical acclaim; critic [[Emily St. James]] of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' described his performance as "absolutely fantastic."<ref name="AV">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/glee-big-brother-1798172332|title= Big Brother |first=Emily|last=VanDerWerff|work=[[The Onion]]|publisher=[[The A.V. Club]]|date= April 11, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220030807/http://www.avclub.com/articles/big-brother,72137/|archive-date=February 20, 2015 }}</ref> Crystal Bell of the ''[[Huffington Post]]'' called his appearance "perfectly cast" and Bomer as one of her favorite guest stars.<ref name="WPGleeMB:0"/>

[[File:6.7.11MattBomerByLuigiNovi2.jpg|thumb|upright|Bomer in 2011]]
For his next film, Bomer starred opposite [[Channing Tatum]] in [[Steven Soderbergh]]'s comedy drama ''[[Magic Mike]]'' (2012). He studied with a group called Hollywood Men in Los Angeles to prepare for the role.<ref name="Vulture MMMB">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/01/matt-bomer-on-playing-a-stripping-ken-doll-and-getting-licked-in-magic-mike.html|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|title=Matt Bomer on Playing a Stripping Ken Doll and Getting Licked in Magic Mike|work=[[New York (magazine)|Vulture.com]] |date=January 18, 2012|access-date=February 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.vulture.com/2012/01/matt-bomer-on-playing-a-stripping-ken-doll-and-getting-licked-in-magic-mike.html|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> The film premiered as the closing film at the [[Los Angeles Film Festival]] on June 24, 2012. ''Magic Mike'' was a critical and commercial success and Bomer's performance was praised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/magic_mike/ |title=Magic Mike |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=August 26, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/magic_mike/|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> Bomer and Tatum were nominated for 'Best Musical Moment' at the [[2013 MTV Movie Awards|2013]] [[MTV Movie & TV Awards]].<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/14/mtv-movie-awards-winners-2013/|first=Denise|last= Warner|title=2013 MTV Movie Awards winners list|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=April 14, 2013|access-date=September 2, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003357/http://ew.com/article/2013/04/14/mtv-movie-awards-winners-2013/|archive-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/django-and-ted-lead-mtv-movie-awards-nominations-twilight-nearly-shut-out |title=Django and Ted lead MTV Movie Awards nominations as Twilight nearly shut out |work=[[HitFix]] |date=March 5, 2013 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |last=Tapley |first=Kristopher |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220030807/http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/django-and-ted-lead-mtv-movie-awards-nominations-twilight-nearly-shut-out |archive-date=February 20, 2015 }}</ref>

Bomer made two appearances in 2013. The first was as a guest performer on the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[The New Normal (TV series)|The New Normal]]'', portraying the role of Monty, the ex-boyfriend of the protagonist of the series, Bryan Collins, played by [[Andrew Rannells]]. The second was to voice [[Superman]] in the direct to video ''[[Superman: Unbound]]'', based on the 2008 comic book story "[[Brainiac (story arc)|Superman: Brainiac]]" by [[Geoff Johns]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Jim |url=http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2013/03/blu-ray-dvd-package-artwork-for-superman-unbound-animated-feature-release/ |title=Blu-Ray, DVD Package Artwork For "Superman: Unbound" Animated Feature Release|publisher=Worldsfinestonline.com|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508192837/http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/2013/03/blu-ray-dvd-package-artwork-for-superman-unbound-animated-feature-release/|archive-date= May 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2012/10/10/new-normal-matt-bomer/|title=The New Normal Casts White Collar's Matt Bomer as Bryan's 'Sexy Ex'|work=TVLine|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Vlada|last=Gelman|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320020039/http://tvline.com/2012/10/10/new-normal-matt-bomer|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref> His voiceover earned him an invitation to the [[Voice acting|Behind the Voice Actors Awards]] in 2013.<ref name="BTVAA">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/btva-awards/2013/other/|author=BTVAA|title=3rd Annual BTVA Awards Voice Acting 2013|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=September 2, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514195029/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/btva-awards/2013/other/|archive-date=May 14, 2017}}</ref>

In 2014, Bomer appeared in five projects. His first release of the year, ''[[Winter's Tale (film)|Winter's Tale]]'', was a romantic and supernatural fantasy drama, written and directed by [[Akiva Goldsman]], and based on [[Mark Helprin]]'s novel ''[[Winter's Tale (novel)|Winter's Tale]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sheila|last=O'Malley|date=February 14, 2014|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/winters-tale-2014|work=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=January 2, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/winters-tale-2014|title= 'Winter's Tale' (2014) – Review|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> Bomer plays the young father of [[Colin Farrell]]'s character.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|url=https://deadline.com/2012/09/akiva-goldsmans-winters-tale-sets-matt-bomer-lucy-griffiths-eva-marie-saint-340789/|title=Akiva Goldsman's 'Winter's Tale' Sets Matt Bomer, Lucy Griffiths, Eva Marie Saint|date= September 21, 2012|access-date=March 4, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://deadline.com/2012/09/akiva-goldsmans-winters-tale-sets-matt-bomer-lucy-griffiths-eva-marie-saint-340789/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> ''Winter's Tale'' received negative reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/winters_tale_2014/ |title=Winter's Tale (2014) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=May 4, 2014|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/winters_tale_2014/|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> His second release of the year was in the black space fiction comedy ''[[Space Station 76]]'' by [[Jack Plotnick]], alongside [[Liv Tyler]] and [[Patrick Wilson]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/03/sony-acquires-international-on-space-station-76-695266/|title=Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Nabs International Rights To Jack Plotnick's'Space Station 76'|access-date=March 8, 2014|date=March 7, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/sony-acquires-international-on-space-station-76/|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> James Rocchi of ''[[The Wrap]]'' said; "all the performers are game" and the performance of Bomer; "as a melancholy engineer with a prosthetic hand that looks like a Nintendo Power Glove".<ref>{{cite news|first=James|last=Rocchi|url=https://www.thewrap.com/space-station-76-review-liv-tyler-matt-bomer-patrick-wilson/|title='Space Station 76' Review: Liv Tyler and Matt Bomer Find Lust in Space in This Parody-Melodrama|access-date=March 5, 2018|date=September 15, 2014|publisher=[[TheWrap]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/https://www.thewrap.com/space-station-76-review-liv-tyler-matt-bomer-patrick-wilson/|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>

Bomer's next project involved [[Ryan Murphy (producer)|Ryan Murphy]] casting him opposite [[Mark Ruffalo]], [[Jim Parsons]] and [[Julia Roberts]] in the drama romance film ''[[The Normal Heart (film)|The Normal Heart]]'' (2014). Based on [[Larry Kramer]]'s [[The Normal Heart (play)|play of the same name]], it featured Bomer as a closeted writer of ''[[The New York Times]]'' and love interest of Ruffalo's character.<ref name="savedlifeindiewire">{{cite news|first=Casey |last=Cipriani|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/matt-bomer-reveals-how-the-normal-heart-saved-his-life-26482/|title=Matt Bomer Reveals How 'The Normal Heart' Saved His Life|access-date=March 5, 2018|date=May 20, 2014|publisher=[[Indiewire]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://www.indiewire.com/2014/05/matt-bomer-reveals-how-the-normal-heart-saved-his-life-26482/|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> The film shows the rise of the [[HIV/AIDS in the United States|HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City]] between 1981 and 1984, as seen through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks (Ruffalo), the founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group.<ref name="savedlifeindiewire"/> The production of ''The Normal Heart'' stopped for a few months while he was on a diet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/05/matt-bomer-the-normal-heart-weight-loss.html|title=Matt Bomer on The Normal Heart and How His Kids Reacted to His Weight Loss|work=[[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]]|date=May 23, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Kyle|last=Buchanan|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220194416/http://www.vulture.com/2014/05/matt-bomer-the-normal-heart-weight-loss.html|archive-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> Bomer's performance was praised by a reviewer for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', who considered his acting as the highlight of the production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/normal-heart-review-anger-history-706237|first=Tim|last=Goodman|title='The Normal Heart': TV Review|access-date=February 6, 2018|date=May 21, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213223217/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/normal-heart-review-anger-history-706237|archive-date=February 13, 2016}}</ref> Matthew Gilbert of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' praised that Bomer is: "quite simply, devastating in this movie, his beauty adding resonance because it begins to fade so suddenly, as his cheeks protrude and lesions gather." Gilbert also lauded the chemistry between Bomer and Ruffalo saying that: "is among the movie's strengths, too, as it provides the core of love and compassion amid all the acrimony."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2014/05/22/the-normal-heart-shattering-war/MAff7hUuIzCbqBDUGKS5VJ/story.html|title='The Normal Heart': A shattering war|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=May 22, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Matthew|last=Gilbert|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523015940/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2014/05/22/the-normal-heart-shattering-war/MAff7hUuIzCbqBDUGKS5VJ/story.html|archive-date=May 23, 2014 }}</ref> Bomer received his first [[Golden Globe Award]] in the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Best Supporting Actor]] category and his first [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s nomination.<ref>{{cite web|title=72nd Golden Globe Awards (2015) Winners and Nominees |work=Golden Globes |url=http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2015 |publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]] (HFPA)|access-date=November 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207205454/http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2015 |archive-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/news/a592429/emmy-awards-2014-full-list-of-the-winners-and-nominees/|first=Jamie|last=Harris|title=Emmy Awards 2014: Full list of the winners and nominees|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207011854/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/news/a592429/emmy-awards-2014-full-list-of-the-winners-and-nominees/|archive-date=February 7, 2018}}</ref>

After narrating the documentary ''[[Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia]]'', following [[LGBTQ]] people in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-hunted-the-war-against-gays-in-russia-1201318622/|title=TV Review: 'Hunted: The War Against Gays In Russia'|work=Variety|date=October 3, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Brian|last= Lowry|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015044002/http://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-hunted-the-war-against-gays-in-russia-1201318622/|archive-date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> later that year, Bomer was cast by Murphy in "[[Pink Cupcakes]]", an episode in the [[American Horror Story: Freakshow|fourth season]] of ''[[American Horror Story]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2014/11/05/ahs-freak-show-recap-episode-5-matt-bomer/|title=American Horror Story: Freak Show Recap: How to Get Away with Murder|work=TVLine|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Andy|last=Patrick|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109182802/http://tvline.com/2014/11/05/ahs-freak-show-recap-episode-5-matt-bomer/|archive-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref> His participation was described by Lauren Piester of [[E!|E! Online]] as "one of the show's most shocking moments".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.eonline.com/news/595384/matt-bomer-s-ahs-freak-show-appearance-joins-the-show-s-most-shocking-moments|title=Matt Bomer's AHS: Freak Show Appearance Joins the Show's Most Shocking Moments|publisher=[[E!]]|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Lauren|last= Piester|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015044002/http://m.eonline.com/news/595384/matt-bomer-s-ahs-freak-show-appearance-joins-the-show-s-most-shocking-moments|archive-date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> Bomer's first release of 2015 was ''[[Magic Mike XXL]]'', a sequel to [[Magic Mike|the popular 2012 film]], again featuring Channing Tatum and [[Joe Manganiello]]. ''Magic Mike XXL'' grossed $122&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref name="BOMMMXXL15">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=magicmike2.htm|title=Magic Mike XXL (2015)|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=December 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222152147/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=magicmike2.htm|archive-date=February 22, 2016}}</ref> Reviewing the film for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', Peter Travers noted that; "the movie is just a rambling, loosey-goosey road trip, with Bomer and Manganiello getting extra time to shine."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/magic-mike-xxl-20150701|title=Magic Mike XXL|first=Peter|last=Travers|author-link=Peter Travers|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=March 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222152147/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/magic-mike-xxl-20150701|archive-date=February 22, 2016}}</ref> He also sang two songs for the film's soundtrack: "[[Heaven (Bryan Adams song)|Heaven]]" and "[[Untitled (How Does It Feel)]]".<ref name="Itunes Apple">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/br/album/magic-mike-xxl-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/id1007667331|title=Magic Mike XXL (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|date=June 30, 2015 |publisher= [[iTunes]]. [[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122083657/https://itunes.apple.com/br/album/magic-mike-xxl-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/id1007667331|archive-date=November 22, 2017 }}</ref> After Bomer's participation in ''[[American Horror Story: Freak Show]]''; Murphy put him in the main cast of the fifth season, ''[[American Horror Story: Hotel]]''.<ref name="VarietyAHSHMB"/> Bomer plays the son of [[List of American Horror Story: Hotel characters#Iris|Iris]] ([[Kathy Bates]]) and the lover of the [[List of American Horror Story: Hotel characters#The Countess|Countess]] ([[Lady Gaga]]).<ref name="VarietyAHSHMB">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/american-horror-story-matt-bomer-lady-gaga-1201612426/|title='American Horror Story: Hotel' Star Matt Bomer Previews the Scares Ahead|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 7, 2014|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Whitney|last=Friedlander|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222152147/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/american-horror-story-matt-bomer-lady-gaga-1201612426/|archive-date=February 22, 2016}}</ref>

=== 2016–present: Professional expansion, independent films and Broadway ===
[[File:Matt Bomer by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|upright|Bomer at the 2015 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]]]
Bomer appeared in two films in 2016. He played for the first time a villain in the movie ''[[The Nice Guys]]'', as a psycho killer named John Boy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-nice-guys-20160518|title='The Nice Guys' Movie review|first=Peter|last=Travers|author-link=Peter Travers|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=March 31, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-nice-guys-20160518|archive-date=February 3, 2013 }}</ref> Directed by [[Shane Black]], starring [[Ryan Gosling]] and [[Russell Crowe]]. Gosling and Bomer were at the film's premiere at the [[2016 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/573377a931358e68498f5e56/ryan-gosling-and-matt-bom/|title=Two handsome: 'Nice Guys' costars Ryan Gosling and Matt Bomer at the premiere of their film at Cannes|work=[[Forbes]]|access-date=March 31, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/573377a931358e68498f5e56/ryan-gosling-and-matt-bom/|archive-date=February 3, 2013 }}</ref> ''The Nice Guys'' generated positive reviews and enjoyed moderate box office success.<ref name="BOMTNG">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=niceguys.htm|title=The Nice Guys (2016)|publisher= [[Box Office Mojo]]. [[IMDb]] |access-date=October 25, 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=niceguys.htm|archive-date=February 3, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_nice_guys/ |title=The Nice Guys (2016) |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=February 26, 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_nice_guys/|archive-date=February 3, 2013 }}</ref> His next role was as Matthew Cullen in [[Antoine Fuqua]]'s [[Western (genre)|Western]] action film ''[[The Magnificent Seven (2016 film)|The Magnificent Seven]]'',<ref name="TMSTHR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/matt-bomer-joining-denzel-washington-795659|first=Borys|last=Kit|title=Matt Bomer Joining Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt in 'Magnificent Seven' (Exclusive)|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 14, 2015|access-date=August 18, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516193208/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/matt-bomer-joining-denzel-washington-795659|archive-date=May 16, 2015}}</ref> playing [[Haley Bennett|the farmer husband of Haley Bennett]]'s character.<ref name="TMSTHR"/> The film received mixed reviews from critics, although the cast and action sequences were praised, and grossed $162.4&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref name=RTTMS16>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_magnificent_seven_2016/ |title=The Magnificent Seven (2016) |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=December 15, 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820170835/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_magnificent_seven_2016/|archive-date=August 20, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="BOMTMS16">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=themagnificentseven.htm |title=The Magnificent Seven (2016) |publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]]. [[IMDb]] |access-date=December 22, 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810071734/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=themagnificentseven.htm|archive-date=August 10, 2015 }}</ref> He was cast as Monroe Stahr, the lead in [[Billy Ray (screenwriter)|Billy Ray's]] 2016 series ''[[The Last Tycoon (TV series)|The Last Tycoon]]'', loosely based on the [[F. Scott Fitzgerald]] [[The Last Tycoon|novel of the same name]], along with actors [[Kelsey Grammer]], [[Lily Collins]], and [[Dominique McElligott]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/29/the-last-tycoon-review-amazon-prime-f-scott-fitzgerald-kelsey-grammer#img-1|title=The Last Tycoon review – glamour, glitter and Nazism in Hollywood's golden age|first=Emine|last=Saner|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=July 29, 2017|access-date=March 31, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729084656/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/29/the-last-tycoon-review-amazon-prime-f-scott-fitzgerald-kelsey-grammer#img-1|archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref> He also made a voice-only and uncredited appearance as a narrator of a crime docuseries in [[American Horror Story: Roanoke|Roanoke]]. This marked his third appearance across the [[American Horror Story]] series.

In 2017, he starred in Alex & Andrew Smith's drama ''[[Walking Out]]'', as an estranged father to a 14-year-old son (played by [[Josh Wiggins]]). He said that he related to the character "in a profound way."<ref name="bostoncommonmag2017"/> ''Walking Out'' was screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section of the [[2017 Sundance Film Festival]] and was released on October 6, 2017.<ref name="Sundance">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/sundance-2017-competition-next-lineups-1201750752/ |title=Sundance 2017 Announces Competition and NEXT Lineups, Including Returning Favorites and Major Contenders |publisher=[[IndieWire]] |first=Kate |last=Erbland| date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/http://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/sundance-2017-competition-next-lineups-1201750752/|archive-date=February 3, 2013}}</ref> [[Justin Chang]] of ''Los Angeles Times'' noted that he "steps confidently into the boots of a rugged, know-it-all mountain man whose idea of tough love can turn unexpectedly toward tenderness around a flickering campfire."<ref name="Justin LAT">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-walking-out-review-20171012-story.html|title='Walking Out' is a brutal, hauntingly beautiful survival drama |first=Justin |last=Chang|author-link=Justin Chang|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 12, 2017 |access-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203234822/http://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/sundance-2017-competition-next-lineups-1201750752/|archive-date=February 3, 2013}}</ref> David Ehrlich of ''[[IndieWire]]'' stated that Bomer fortunately plays against his "pretty boy type so convincingly that you might forget where you've even seen him before",<ref name="IndieWireWO">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/10/walking-out-review-matt-bomer-josh-wiggins-1201884487/|first=David|last= Ehrlich|title= 'Walking Out' Review: A Brilliant Matt Bomer Helps This Coming-of-Age Story Survive Its Setbacks|publisher=[[IndieWire]]|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235854/http://www.indiewire.com/2017/10/walking-out-review-matt-bomer-josh-wiggins-1201884487/|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> concluding that Bomer "gives a commanding performance in a movie that fails to realize how evocative he is, the Smiths defaulting to flashbacks that show us less about cowboys and gender codes than we can glean from the wild look in its lead actor's face.<ref name="IndieWireWO"/> ''[[The Village Voice]]'' included his performance in the film in a list of the 17 Most Overlooked Performances of 2017.<ref name="The Village Voice WO">{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2017/12/27/the-17-most-overlooked-performances-of-2017/|first=Bilge|last= Ebiri|title= The 17 Most Overlooked Performances of 2017 |work= [[The Village Voice]] |date=December 27, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235854/https://www.villagevoice.com/2017/12/27/the-17-most-overlooked-performances-of-2017/|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref>

Timothy McNeil's drama ''[[Anything (film)|Anything]]'' marked Bomer's final film release of 2017 and McNeil making his feature directorial debut.<ref name="Variety Anything">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/matt-bomer-john-carroll-lynch-transgender-movie-anything-1201846886/|first= Dave|last= McNary|title= Matt Bomer, John Carroll Lynch to Star in Transgender Drama 'Anything' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235854/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/matt-bomer-john-carroll-lynch-transgender-movie-anything-1201846886/|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> Bomer was cast as Freda Von Rhenburg, a transgender sex worker who lives in Los Angeles and begins a relationship with her neighbor, Early Landry (played by [[John Carroll Lynch]]).<ref name="Variety Anything"/> ''Anything'' is based on McNeil's play of the same name.<ref name="Variety Anything"/> He has received some criticism from the [[transgender community]] for the casting of a [[cisgender man]], to play a [[transgender woman]].<ref name="Vanity Fair Anything">{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/08/matt-bomer-transgender-mark-ruffalo|first= Julie|last= Miller|title= Mark Ruffalo Responds to Outrage over Matt Bomer Being Cast as Transgender Character|work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|date=August 31, 2016|access-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710104145/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/08/matt-bomer-transgender-mark-ruffalo|archive-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/transgender-matt-bomer-anything-mark-ruffalo-924976 |title=Mark Ruffalo Defends Matt Bomer Amid Transgender Casting Criticism |author=<!--Not stated-->|date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2018|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235854/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/transgender-matt-bomer-anything-mark-ruffalo-924976|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> Jon Frosch of ''The Hollywood Reporter'' felt that Bomer: "gives a performance of real warmth and delicacy," saying that: "rather than play Freda as a force of nature or a collection of mannerisms—the typical default modes of actors playing trans women—Bomer renders her fully dimensional: an unpredictable tangle of impulses, by turns defensive and tender."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/anything-1014600 |title='Anything': Film Review {{!}} LAFF 2017 |first=Jon|last= Frosch|date=June 19, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2018|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235854/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/review/anything-1014600|archive-date=October 10, 2017}}</ref> ''Anything'' had its release at the [[Los Angeles Film Festival]] on June 17, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/anything-movie-matt-bomer-transgender-woman-john-carroll-lynch-video-1202112443/|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|title='Anything' First Look: Matt Bomer Stars As Transgender Woman In L.A Film Festival Movie|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617005446/http://deadline.com/2017/06/anything-movie-matt-bomer-transgender-woman-john-carroll-lynch-video-1202112443|archive-date=June 17, 2017}}</ref> Also in 2017, Bomer was a guest narrator at [[Disney's Candlelight Processional]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171214193153/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/12/actor-matt-bomer-shares-holiday-cheer-at-epcot-international-festival-of-the-holidays/ ''DisneyParks.Com'' Actor Matt Bomer Shares Holiday Cheer at Epcot] Retrieved August 20, 2023</ref>

In 2018, Bomer began working on his directorial debut on series ''[[The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story]]''.<ref name="IndieWireACS">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/03/american-crime-story-versace-episode-8-matt-bomer-creator-destroyer-1201938779/|first=Steve|last= Greene|title= 'American Crime Story: Versace' Director Matt Bomer on Bringing Three Different Continents to Life Within L.A. City Limits|publisher=[[IndieWire]]|date=March 14, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315090420/http://www.indiewire.com/2018/03/american-crime-story-versace-episode-8-matt-bomer-creator-destroyer-1201938779/|archive-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> Written by [[Tom Rob Smith]] and starring [[Jon Jon Briones]] and [[Darren Criss]], in the roles of father and son, respectively,<ref name="IndieWireACS"/> the episode that Bomer directs is titled "Creator/Destroyer".<ref name="IndieWireACS"/> The episode was watched by more than 1 million people.<ref name="2.08">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-14-2018.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals: 3.14.2018|author=Mitch Metcalf|work=Showbuzz Daily|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315090420/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-14-2018.html|archive-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> Bomer had other opportunities to direct before but always wanted to wait for the optimum chance to immerse himself in a project.<ref name="IndieWireACS"/> He read 3,000 pages of books on directing.<ref name="IndieWireACS"/> He found a part in a 2018 revival of the [[Mart Crowley]] play ''[[The Boys in the Band (play)|The Boys in the Band]]'', which was staged at [[Booth Theatre]] and marked his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/legit/news/boys-in-the-band-broadway-matt-bomer-jim-parsons-1202604644/|title=Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto Lead Cast of Broadway 'Boys in the Band'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Gordon|last=Cox|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102013547/http://variety.com/2017/legit/news/boys-in-the-band-broadway-matt-bomer-jim-parsons-1202604644/|archive-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> Directed by [[Joe Mantello]], it tells the story a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party in New York City.<ref name="New York stage">{{cite web|url=http://nystagereview.com/2018/05/31/the-boys-in-the-band-50-shades-of-gay/|title=The Boys In The Band: 50 Shades Of Gay|first=Michael |last=Sommers|work=New York Stage|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817042112/http://nystagereview.com/2018/05/31/the-boys-in-the-band-50-shades-of-gay/|archive-date=August 17, 2018}}</ref> Theater critic Michael Sommers noted that "Matt Bomer tends to fade in the glare of flashier personalities, but he lends the character a watchful quality as one of those deferential souls who is content to observe others."<ref name="New York stage"/> The play won a [[Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play]].<ref name="tonywinners">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/legit/news/tony-awards-2019-winners-list-1203237389/|title=Tony Awards: Full List of Winners|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 9, 2019|access-date=July 21, 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610134659/https://variety.com/2019/legit/news/tony-awards-2019-winners-list-1203237389/|archive-date=June 10, 2019}}</ref> Bomer's first film in 2018 was Bill Oliver's science fiction film ''[[Jonathan (2018 film)|Jonathan]]''.<ref name="Variety Jonathan Review">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/jonathan-review-1202778886/|last=Harvey|first=Dennis|title=Tribeca Film Review: 'Jonathan'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=April 21, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425223611/http://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/jonathan-review-1202778886/amp/|archive-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref> His role was that of a detective who appears in only one scene of the film.<ref name="Variety Jonathan Review"/> ''Jonathan'' had its world premiere at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]] on April 21, 2018.<ref name="Tribeca Jonathan">{{cite web|url=https://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/jonathan-2018|title=Jonathan {{!}} Tribeca Film Festival 2018|publisher=[[Tribeca Film Festival]]|access-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617005446/https://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/jonathan-2018|archive-date=June 17, 2017}}</ref>

Two of Bomer's films in 2018 premiered at the [[2018 Toronto International Film Festival|43rd Toronto International Film Festival]]{{mdash}}the comedy-drama ''[[Papi Chulo (film)|Papi Chulo]]'' and the drama ''[[Viper Club]]''. In the former, Bomer plays Sean, a local network television weather forecaster.<ref name="ScreenDailyPapi">{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/papi-chulo-toronto-review/5132648.article|title='Papi Chulo': Toronto Review|first=Wendy|last=Ide|work=[[Screen International|Screen Daily]]|date=September 13, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913225906/https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/papi-chulo-toronto-review/5132648.article|archive-date=September 13, 2018}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Screen International|Screen Daily]]'' argued that Bomer is "terrific" and concluded that "while he may not yet have the name recognition to act as a key selling point for this film, it's the kind of performance which gets noticed".<ref name="ScreenDailyPapi"/> In ''Viper Club'', Bomer played Sam, a journalist who helps Helen (played by [[Susan Sarandon]]), to save her son who was kidnapped by a group of terrorists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-viper-club-roadside-attractions-susan-sarandon-1202905932/|title=YouTube's 'Viper Club' Starring Susan Sarandon to Get Theatrical Release by Roadside Attractions|last=Spangler|first=Emily|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 15, 2018|access-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816001203/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-viper-club-roadside-attractions-susan-sarandon-1202905932/amp/|archive-date=August 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-red-vulture-club-susan-sarandon-1202732280/|title=YouTube Announces Drama 'Vulture Club' Starring Susan Sarandon In Oscars Bid|last=Spangler|first=Emily|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 21, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321174457/http://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-red-vulture-club-susan-sarandon-1202732280/|archive-date=March 21, 2018}}</ref> He had a guest starring role on the [[NBC]] series ''[[Will & Grace]]'' (2018–2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/08/23/will-and-grace-matt-bomer-season-10-cast-nbc/|title=Will & Grace: Matt Bomer to Guest-Star as Will's Smug Suitor in Season 10|work=[[TVLine]]|date=August 23, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2018|first=Rebecca|last=Iannucci|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320020039/https://tvline.com/2018/08/23/will-and-grace-matt-bomer-season-10-cast-nbc/|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref> and he also appeared as [[Negative Man]] in the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] superhero series, ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'' (2019).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Andreeva|first1=Nellie|title='Doom Patrol': Matt Bomer To Star As Negative Man In DC Universe TV Series|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/doom-patrol-matt-bomer-star-negative-man-dc-universe-tv-series-1202475606/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 3, 2018|date=October 3, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004032311/https://deadline.com/2018/10/doom-patrol-matt-bomer-star-negative-man-dc-universe-tv-series-1202475606/|archive-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref>

In 2020, Bomer portrayed Jamie Burns on the [[USA Network]] anthology series ''[[The Sinner (TV series)|The Sinner]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title='The Sinner' Renewed For Season 3 By USA With Matt Bomer Starring|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-sinner-renewed-season-3-matt-bomer-cast-usa-network-series-1202570174/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=April 20, 2019|date=March 6, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173846/https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-sinner-renewed-season-3-matt-bomer-cast-usa-network-series-1202570174/|archive-date=March 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |title=Matt Bomer on how 'The Sinner' season 3 mystery 'cuts close to the bone' |url=https://ew.com/tv/2020/02/06/the-sinner-season-3-premiere-matt-bomer-interview/ |access-date=February 21, 2020 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 6, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221150405/https://ew.com/tv/2020/02/06/the-sinner-season-3-premiere-matt-bomer-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, Bomer executive produced and portrayed Hawkins Fuller on the [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] miniseries ''[[Fellow Travelers (miniseries)|Fellow Travelers]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/matt-bomer-adaptation-fellow-travelers-lands-series-order-showtime-1235006697/|title=Matt Bomer's 'Fellow Travelers' Lands Series Order At Showtime|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Peter|last=White|date=April 20, 2022|access-date=October 29, 2023}}</ref>

Bomer joined the cast of the [[Academy Award for Best Picture]] nominated film ''[[Maestro (2023 film)|Maestro]]'' in March 2022 where he played the role of  [[David Oppenheim (musician)|David Oppenheim]] and starred alongside [[Bradley Cooper]] and [[Carey Mulligan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malkin |first=Mark |title=Matt Bomer in Talks to Play a Lover of Leonard Bernstein's Opposite Bradley Cooper in 'Maestro'|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/matt-bomer-leonard-bernstein-bradley-cooper-maestro-1235205518/ |website=Variety |access-date=May 5, 2024 |date=March 15, 2022 }}</ref> On the shooting experience, Bomer said "Even though my part in 'Maestro' was smaller, Bradley (Cooper) was so collaborative with me from the get-go. It was such an immersive experience. It had (a profound impact). It was a way of working that I'm really grateful that I got to be exposed to."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/matt-bomer-turned-down-barbie-maestro-1236366838/|title=Matt Bomer Was Circling Playing a Ken in 'Barbie,' but Turned It Down for 'Maestro': It 'Wouldn't Have Been the Same Experience' if I Tried to Do Both|first=J. Kim|last=Murphy|date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>

In June 2024, it was announced that [[Max Mutchnick]] and [[David Kohan]] had created ''[[Mid-Century Modern (TV series)|Mid-Century Modern]]'', a ''[[Golden Girls]]''–like TV series, with Bomer cast as a [[Betty White]] character type and [[Nathan Lane]] as a [[Bea Arthur]] character type. [[Linda Lavin]] played Lane's mother. The series is set in [[Palm Springs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malkin |first=Marc |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane to Star in 'Golden Girls'-Like Hulu Sitcom From Ryan Murphy and 'Will & Grace' Creators (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/columns/matt-bomer-nathan-lane-golden-girls-ryan-murphy-1236041246/ |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Report: Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer Will Be Gay Roommates in New Golden Girls-Like Sitcom |url=https://playbill.com/article/report-nathan-lane-and-matt-bomer-will-be-gay-roommates-in-new-golden-girls-like-sitcom |access-date=July 3, 2024}}</ref>

====Upcoming====
In October 2025, Bomer will co-star in [[Jonah Hill]]'s film ''[[Outcome (film)|Outcome]]'', starring with [[Keanu Reeves]], Hill, and [[Cameron Diaz]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Matt Bomer Joins Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill And Cameron Diaz In Apple's 'Outcome' |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/matt-bomer-keanu-reeves-jonah-hill-cameron-diaz-outcome-1235848230/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=March 7, 2024 |date=March 7, 2024}}</ref> Filming started in the middle of March 2024.<ref name="ET-filming-start">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Tionah |title=Keanu Reeves Has a Whole New Look: Check Out His Haircut for Latest Movie |url=https://www.etonline.com/keanu-reeves-has-a-whole-new-look-check-out-his-haircut-for-latest-movie-222047 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |publisher=[[CBS Media Ventures]] |access-date=March 20, 2024 |date=March 20, 2024 }}</ref>

== Public image ==
Bomer has been noted for his looks and is regarded as a [[sex symbol]]. [[BuddyTV]] ranked him first on its list of "TV's Sexiest Men of 2011" and third in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/white-collar/tvs-100-sexiest-men-of-2011-29104.aspx|title=TV's 100 Sexiest Men of 2011|publisher=[[BuddyTV]]|date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2012|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422101322/http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/white-collar/tvs-100-sexiest-men-of-2011-29104.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/arrow/tvs-100-sexiest-men-of-2012-92650.aspx|title=TV's 100 Sexiest Men of 2012|publisher=[[BuddyTV]]|date=December 3, 2012 |access-date=October 10, 2013|archive-date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012131348/http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/arrow/tvs-100-sexiest-men-of-2012-92650.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2013, Bomer was ranked at no. 2 on ''Logo''{{'}}s Hot 100 list, which is based on the votes of readers of [[AfterEllen.com]] and [[theBacklot.com]]. Bomer was the list's highest-ranked man and second only to [[Jennifer Lawrence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.logohot100.com/2013/honorees/logo-hot-100/page/10|title=Logo's 2013 Hot 100|website=Logo Hot 100|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624080822/http://www.logohot100.com/2013/honorees/logo-hot-100/page/10/|archive-date=June 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.logohot100.com/2013/about|title=About the Logo Hot 100|website=Logo 2013 Hot 100|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624045551/http://www.logohot100.com/2013/about/|archive-date=June 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Bomer is an LGBT rights activist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matt Bomer - openly gay American actor and father|url=http://www.out.com/matt-bomer|work=[[Out (magazine)|Out]]|access-date=December 12, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201911/http://www.out.com/matt-bomer|url-status=live}}</ref> He publicly [[came out as gay]] in 2012, when he thanked his partner and their children during an acceptance speech for his Steve Chase Humanitarian Award.<ref name=Advocate/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-06-27/news/32445017_1_matt-bomer-job-title-gay-man|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130045405/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-06-27/news/32445017_1_matt-bomer-job-title-gay-man|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2013|title=Matt Bomer on coming out in Hollywood: I never hid the fact that I'm gay|newspaper=The New York Daily News|access-date=February 25, 2013}}</ref> Also in 2012, Bomer was given an Inspiration Award for his work at the [[Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network|GLSEN Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Malkin|first=Marc|date=October 6, 2012|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/352005/matt-bomer-opens-up-about-growing-up-gay|title=Matt Bomer Opens Up About Growing Up Gay|publisher=[[E!]]|access-date=April 10, 2013|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824013103/http://www.eonline.com/news/352005/matt-bomer-opens-up-about-growing-up-gay|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/matt-bomer-gay-white-collar-simon-hall-290036|author=<!--Not stated-->|title='White Collar's' Matt Bomer Officially Comes Out as Gay at Awards Show|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205111/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/matt-bomer-gay-white-collar-simon-hall-290036|archive-date=August 23, 2017|date=February 13, 2012|access-date=December 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Bomer married publicist Simon Halls in 2011; the marriage became public through the media in 2014.<ref name=DetailsInt>{{cite journal|url=http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/201405/matt-bomer-interview-usa-white-collar-hbo-the-normal-heart|title=Matt Bomer Is More Than Just a Pretty Face|author=Kahn, Howie|date=May 1, 2014|journal=[[Details (magazine)|Details]]|access-date=April 22, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201032304/http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/201405/matt-bomer-interview-usa-white-collar-hbo-the-normal-heart|archive-date=February 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/534462/matt-bomer-s-big-reveal-i-ve-been-married-to-my-husband-for-three-years|title=Matt Bomer's Big Reveal: I've Been Married to My Husband...for Three Years!|publisher=E!|date=April 22, 2014 |access-date=April 23, 2014|archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621202220/https://www.eonline.com/news/534462/matt-bomer-s-big-reveal-i-ve-been-married-to-my-husband-for-three-years|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview discussing his marriage, Bomer said that his marriage to Halls was a very small event in New York City: "It was very chill and very small—just our closest and dear ones. There is a security, a validity. It's just a feeling, I think—something about saying vows in front of the people around you who love and support you. I think it was good for our family."<ref name="Heavy">{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/07/matt-bomer-husband-simon-halls-kids-family-age-bio/|title=Simon Halls, Matt Bomer's Husband: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|publisher=heavy.com|date=July 28, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906015641/http://heavy.com/entertainment/2017/07/matt-bomer-husband-simon-halls-kids-family-age-bio/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/matt-bomer-candid-home-life-husband-kids/story?id=23622025|title=Matt Bomer Candid About His Home Life With Husband, 3 Kids|first=Michael|last=Rothman|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=December 28, 2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229052302/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/matt-bomer-candid-home-life-husband-kids/story?id=23622025|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple has three children through [[surrogacy]],<!-- Please see [[WP:BLPNAME]]. --> one born in 2005 and twins born in 2008.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2008/02/growing_generations |title=Daddy's Little Helpers |journal=[[W (magazine)|W]] |date=February 2008 |author=Christine Lennon |access-date=March 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216210847/http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2008/02/growing_generations |archive-date=February 16, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Advocate>{{Cite news|url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/02/13/Matt_Bomer_Acknowledges_Partner_Family|title=Matt Bomer Acknowledges Partner, Family|magazine=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]|date=February 13, 2012|author=Jeremy Kinser|access-date=February 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215074313/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2012/02/13/Matt_Bomer_Acknowledges_Partner_Family|archive-date=February 15, 2012}}</ref>

Bomer has been practicing [[Transcendental Meditation technique|Transcendental Meditation]] since his early 20s; in 2013 he spoke of his support for the work of the [[David Lynch Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrity Meditators |url=http://uk.tm.org/blog-celebrities/-/asset_publisher/PEXz6kDD8Gc5/blog/celebrity-meditators |website=TM UK Blog |access-date=May 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518110015/http://uk.tm.org/blog-celebrities/-/asset_publisher/PEXz6kDD8Gc5/blog/celebrity-meditators |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |quote=I like to meditate, Transcendental Meditation usually. I took it up in my early 20s and I learned the benefits. I try to do it every day. |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Red Carpet Interviews at David Lynch Foundation's "Meditation Creativity Peace" LA Premiere| date=April 12, 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo_s7vTn2_k|via=YouTube|publisher=DavidLynchFoundation|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131001548/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo_s7vTn2_k|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Bomer campaigned for [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] candidate [[Beto O'Rourke]] in the [[2018 United States Senate election in Texas|U.S. Senate election in Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasvoice.com/dana-goldberg-headlining-get-out-the-vote-effort-saturday/|title=Dana Goldberg, Matt Bomer headlining Beto rally|date=November 1, 2018|website=Dallas Voice|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128083508/https://www.dallasvoice.com/dana-goldberg-headlining-get-out-the-vote-effort-saturday/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Acting credits and awards==
{{main|List of roles and awards of Matt Bomer}}

According to the review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and box-office website [[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]], Bomer's most critically and commercially successful films include ''Flightplan'' (2005), ''In Time'' (2011), ''Magic Mike'' (2012), ''Superman: Unbound'' (2013), ''The Normal Heart'' (2014), ''Magic Mike XXL'' (2015), ''The Magnificent Seven'' (2016), ''The Nice Guys'' (2016) and ''Walking Out'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/person/264840401-Matt-Bomer#tab=summary|title=Matt Bomer|work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]]|access-date=November 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421211815/http://www.the-numbers.com/person/264840401-Matt-Bomer#tab=summary|archive-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Matt Bomer |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/matt_bomer/ |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=April 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421211815/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/matt_bomer |archive-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref> Among his stage roles, he has appeared in a Broadway revival of ''[[The Boys in the Band (play)|The Boys in the Band]]'' (2018).<ref name=ewboys>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/theater/2018/05/31/boys-in-the-band-broadway-review/|title=50 years later, a starry The Boys in the Band is reborn on Broadway: EW review|work=Entertainment Weekly.|first=Leah|last=Greenblatt|date=May 31, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102013547/https://ew.com/theater/2018/05/31/boys-in-the-band-broadway-review/|archive-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref>

Bomer won a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film]] in 2015,<ref name="GGAcategorie">{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/best-performance-actor-supporting-role-series-limited-series-or-motion-picture-made/all-years#year-2015|title=Winners & Nominees Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Winner in 2015|publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]] (HFPA)|access-date=December 25, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731202929/http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/best-performance-actor-supporting-role-series-limited-series-or-motion-picture-made/all-years#year-2015|url-status=live}}</ref> a nomination for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie]] in 2014,<ref name="Emmy2014">{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2014/07/10/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees/|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|title=Emmys 2014: Thrones, Fargo, Coven Lead Nominations; Lizzy Caplan, Matt Bomer, Joe Morton Among First-Timers|work=[[TVLine]]|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623011217/http://tvline.com/2014/07/10/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EmmyPersonMB">{{cite web|url=http://m.emmys.com/bios/matt-bomer|author=ATAS|title=People: Matt Bomer {{!}} Television Academy {{!}} 1 Nomination|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=August 23, 2017|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823210247/http://m.emmys.com/bios/matt-bomer|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2014/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie|title=Nominees/Winners &#124; Television Academy {{!}} Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie – 2014|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] (ATAS)|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=May 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510060905/http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2014/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries]] in 2014.<ref name="HRCCTA14">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/critics-choice-tv-awards-nominations-707466|first=Philiana|last=Ng|title=Critics' Choice TV Awards Nominations: The Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife Lead With Five Each|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 28, 2014|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731052154/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/critics-choice-tv-awards-nominations-707466|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was announced on August 4, 2025, that Bomer would be receiving an Artistic Impact Award from the [[Geffen Playhouse]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/support/events/backstage-at-the-geffen/|title=Backstage at the Geffen &#124; May 18, 2024|website=Geffen Playhouse}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Twitter}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{IMDb name|0093589}}

{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of roles and awards of Matt Bomer#Awards and nominations|Awards for Matt Bomer]]
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{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries}}
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{{People's Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Actor}}
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