Doran was born in Sydney. He is the brother of Mark Doran and uncle of JD and Max Doran. He studied acting for two years at the Australian Film and TV Academy and won an award for Best Performance and Most Improved Student before he graduated in 1991. After graduation Doran landed a lead role in the film, Pirates' Island, and made an appearance on E Street. Doran played the part of the schoolboy Damien Roberts in the Australian soap, Home and Away, from 1992 to 1996. He guest starred in G.P., Fallen Angels, Water Rats, Medivac, Murder Call, Farscape and Stingers. Matt is married to Teri McPhillips. They have one son together.