In a recent conversation on the Radio Times podcast, Matt Damon opened up about the intense scrutiny that his longtime friend and collaborator, Ben Affleck, has faced throughout his career.
Speaking to People, Damon expressed disbelief at the level of media attention Affleck has endured over the years.
It’s a pressure that Damon feels he has been fortunate enough to escape.
Damon noted that while both he and Affleck have enjoyed successful careers—highlighted by their shared Oscar win for “Good Will Hunting” and numerous blockbuster films—their personal lives have taken different paths.
He attributes his relative privacy in Hollywood to his stable marriage with Luciana Barroso, contrasting it sharply with Affleck’s high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez, which continues to fuel tabloid speculation.
Reflecting on the media landscape, Damon remarked, “That magazine culture that was so huge 25 years ago kind of ignored me.” He explained that his conventional life, marked by commitment and stability, simply wasn’t as enticing to the paparazzi.
“It’s so boring,” he said, highlighting how scandal and sensationalism often overshadowed the quieter stories of family life.
Damon’s experience has led him to feel a strange sense of relief.
He shared that he preferred to keep a low profile, focusing on his work rather than courting media attention.
“I just wanted to get to work, so I kind of hid for a few years while I got my bearings,” he admitted, crediting his love for Barroso—someone outside the entertainment industry—as a significant factor in maintaining his privacy.
The friendship between Damon and Affleck has been a source of strength for both actors, especially during challenging times.
Affleck revealed in a 2022 interview with Entertainment Weekly that Damon played a pivotal role in helping him navigate a particularly difficult phase of his career, specifically after his experience with the film “Justice League.”
“I had a really nadir experience with ‘Justice League’ for various reasons,” Affleck shared.
He described a period of dissatisfaction that left him feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.
It was during this time that he turned to Damon for guidance, who encouraged him to pursue projects that brought him joy.
Their collaboration on the film “The Last Duel” marked a turning point for Affleck.
He found renewed enthusiasm in his craft, stating, “I had a great time every day on this film.” The experience allowed him to step outside of his comfort zone and embrace a role that was different from what audiences typically expected of him.
As the two continue to support each other through their careers, they have several projects in the pipeline.
Their latest collaboration, “Air,” was released last year, and they are currently developing new endeavors together, including a Netflix thriller titled “Tear,” directed by Joe Carnahan.
Additionally, they’re set to work on a film exploring Hulk Hogan’s infamous legal battle against Gawker Media, which will be helmed by Gus Van Sant.
This project will reunite them with their “Good Will Hunting” co-star, further solidifying their long-standing partnership in both life and cinema.
Damon’s reflections on fame and friendship offer a glimpse into the complexities of navigating Hollywood’s spotlight.
While he may have avoided the relentless media scrutiny that Affleck faces, he remains deeply aware of the pressures that come with success in the industry.
Through it all, the bond between these two actors remains strong, proving that true friendship can weather any storm.
