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Matthew Broderick, the renowned actor celebrated for his iconic role in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," recently disclosed a less glamorous aspect of his life—his encounters with muggers during his formative years in New York City.
In an engaging conversation on the iHeartPodcast Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi, the 61-year-old actor shed light on these unsettling memories, sharing anecdotes that offer a poignant glimpse into his upbringing. Growing up in the heart of New York, specifically Washington Square North, Broderick's childhood was punctuated by frequent muggings.
Recalling those turbulent times, he revealed, "I got mugged often! I’ve been mugged all through the Village, Times Square, Upper West Side. I never had any money! And people constantly wanted [to mug me]." These experiences began when he was just 12 years old, as he navigated the bustling streets of the city.
While many of these encounters were initiated by other boys seeking lunch money, some incidents were genuinely terrifying. In one chilling episode, Broderick recounted a skateboarding outing in Central Park that turned sinister as a "massive gang came flying out" and proceeded to rob them.
"I got whacked in the head with some sort of stick! It was not a joke. Thank God, we all survived it," he added, underscoring the real danger lurking in his city's shadows.
Early Encounters with NYC Muggers
Broderick elaborated on the diversity of these encounters, describing how some muggers would employ intimidation tactics, threatening to harm him if he didn't surrender his belongings.
He vividly remembered the discomfort of riding the subway, where strangers would aggressively inquire about the contents of his pockets. In these nerve-wracking moments, he would anxiously await the train's exit from the tunnel, hoping for safety on the platform.
Despite these unsettling experiences, Broderick revealed that he only confided in his parents "once or twice." During those times, parental vigilance was far less common than it is today. He reminisced, "Back then, they weren't as watchful as we are to our kids [nowadays].
They were kinda like, 'Go to a park and come in time for dinner.' And that was it." Today, Broderick is married to the esteemed "S*x and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker, and together, they have three children: 20-year-old son James Wilkie and 13-year-old twin daughters Marion and Tabitha.
Their enduring partnership is a testament to their resilience, both individually and as a couple. Matthew Broderick's candid revelations offer a unique perspective on his early years and the challenges he faced growing up in New York City.
While he has since achieved fame and success, these memories serve as a reminder that even the most celebrated individuals have faced adversity on their path to stardom.