Who Is ‘Matlock’ Actor David Del Rio? Bio, Career, and Latest Updates

David Del Rio is a Latinx-American actor, director, producer, and writer known for his versatile work across film, television, and theatre. Born on September 29, 1987, in Miami, Florida, David Del Rio is 38 years old as of 2025. He is best known for his role as Billy Martínez on the CBS legal drama Matlock, starring alongside Academy Award winner Kathy Bates.

With a career spanning over a decade, Del Rio has appeared in hit productions like Pitch Perfect and Grease Live!, and has directed several acclaimed short films. He is also married to filmmaker Katherine Del Rio, and together they have two children.

David Del Rio’s Career and Breakthrough Roles

David Del Rio’s journey in entertainment began in Miami, where he trained at the New World School of the Arts before attending the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. His breakout role came in 2012 with the musical comedy Pitch Perfect, where his performance drew widespread praise. He gained further recognition for his portrayal of Putzie in the 2016 live television event Grease Live!, which cemented his reputation as a versatile performer.

Over the years, Del Rio built an impressive résumé, appearing in projects across genres. He has been part of ensemble casts, directed short films, and participated in independent film projects, showcasing his talent both in front of and behind the camera. His diverse portfolio includes notable titles like The Belko Experiment and Spare Parts.

In 2023, Del Rio joined the cast of Matlock, a reimagined version of the classic 1980s legal drama. He played Billy Martínez, a charismatic young attorney just a few years out of law school. His character was central to the firm’s biggest cases and shared key screen time with Kathy Bates, who plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, and Leah Lewis, who portrays fellow associate Sarah Franklin.

Recent Developments: Firing from ‘Matlock’ and Allegations

In early October 2025, David Del Rio made headlines for reasons beyond his acting work. On October 9, reports surfaced that he was fired from Matlock following an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations linked to an incident on September 26 involving co-star Leah Lewis. According to multiple sources, Del Rio was removed from the production and escorted off the CBS lot the same day the allegation was reported.

The decision came just days before the premiere of Matlock Season 2, which is scheduled to debut on October 12, 2025. Filming for the first half of the season had already been completed, meaning episodes featuring Del Rio will still air. However, CBS confirmed that the show will go on a planned hiatus and resume filming after Thanksgiving, likely without Del Rio’s involvement.

Leah Lewis addressed the situation publicly via Instagram, sharing a message of gratitude for the support she has received and emphasizing “love and strength” as she moves forward. CBS Studios has not released detailed comments on the case but reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.

Impact on ‘Matlock’ and What Comes Next

The removal of a key cast member so close to a premiere poses significant challenges for any production. For Matlock, early episodes of Season 2 featuring Del Rio will remain unchanged, but writers may need to adjust storylines to account for his absence in future episodes. CBS has not confirmed whether Billy Martínez will be recast or written out entirely.

Despite the controversy, Matlock will move ahead with its October 12 premiere. The series continues to star Kathy Bates, Leah Lewis, Skye P. Marshall, and Jason Ritter, with Justina Machado joining in a recurring role. Fans can expect the first part of Season 2 to unfold as planned while production decisions for the latter half evolve behind the scenes.

In short, David Del Rio is a seasoned actor and filmmaker with a decade-long career in Hollywood. However, his recent firing from Matlock amid sexual assault allegations has cast a shadow over his professional trajectory. The situation continues to develop as the show proceeds with its highly anticipated second season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is David Del Rio?

David Del Rio is an American actor, director, and producer known for “Pitch Perfect,” “Grease Live!,” and CBS’s “Matlock.”

Q2: What character did he play on ‘Matlock’?

He portrayed Billy Martínez, a young associate attorney at the Jacobson Moore law firm, working on major cases alongside Kathy Bates’s character.

Q3: Why was David Del Rio fired from ‘Matlock’?

He was fired on October 9, 2025, following an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations linked to an incident on September 26.

Q4: Will his episodes still air?

Yes, early episodes of Season 2 that feature Del Rio will still air. The show will adjust storylines in future episodes.

Q5: When does ‘Matlock’ Season 2 premiere?

Season 2 of “Matlock” premieres on October 12, 2025, with a planned production break after the first half of the season.