Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matt Damon

Discover the career path of Matt Damon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Matt Damon is a highly successful American actor, film producer, and screenwriter. Recognized as one of Forbes' most bankable stars and a top-grossing actor, he has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. He has also received nominations for British Academy Film Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

January 2003: Support for gun control

In January 2003, Matt Damon expressed his support for gun control, stating "I actually hate guns. They freak me out.", in an interview with the Sunday Herald.

2003: Use of derogatory word in movie dialogue

In 2003, Matt Damon used the word “fag” in the dialogue of one of his movies.

September 12, 2006: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Skit

On September 12, 2006, Matt Damon stormed off Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his interview was cut short, as part of a planned skit regarding the running gag of Kimmel not being able to interview Damon.

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July 25, 2007: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On July 25, 2007, Matt Damon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the 2,343rd person to receive this honor.

August 2007: Most Bankable Star

According to Forbes in August 2007, Matt Damon was declared the most bankable star, with his last three films averaging US$29 at the box office for every dollar he earned.

2008: Che Cameo

In 2008, Matt Damon had a cameo in the Che Guevara biopic Che. Also, while working on the Bourne films, he declined an offer from James Cameron to star in Avatar.

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July 2009: Water.org Creation

In July 2009, Matt Damon's H2O Africa Foundation merged with WaterPartners to create Water.org.

August 2009: Ponyo Voice Role

In August 2009, Matt Damon lent his voice to the English version of the animated film Ponyo, released in the United States.

March 2010: Pearl Street Films Formation

In March 2010, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck collaborated to create a production company titled Pearl Street Films, based at Warner Bros.

2010: Highest-Grossing Actors

In 2010, Matt Damon was ranked as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, at 37th place.

October 2011: Water.org Grant from PepsiCo Foundation

In October 2011, Water.org received an $8 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to scale up WaterCredit in India, promoted by Matt Damon through Aquafina and Ethos Water brands.

2011: Starring in Multiple Films

In 2011, Matt Damon starred in The Adjustment Bureau, Contagion, and We Bought a Zoo. Also in 2011, he voiced a krill named Bill in the animated film Happy Feet Two.

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January 2012: TD Ameritrade Spokesman

In January 2012, Matt Damon became the voice of TD Ameritrade advertisements, replacing Sam Waterston. He donated all fees to charity.

April 2012: Filming Promised Land

In April 2012, Matt Damon filmed Promised Land, which he co-wrote with John Krasinski, and was directed by Gus Van Sant.

2012: Fundraiser for Elizabeth Warren

In 2012, Matt Damon joined Ben Affleck and John Krasinski to host a fundraiser for Democratic Senate nominee Elizabeth Warren, showing his support for the Democratic Party.

January 24, 2013: Damon Takes Over Jimmy Kimmel Live!

On January 24, 2013, Matt Damon took over Jimmy Kimmel's show and addressed the long-standing feud, involving other celebrities.

May 26, 2013: Behind the Candelabra HBO Premiere

On May 26, 2013, Behind the Candelabra, starring Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, premiered on HBO.

2013: Starring in Science Fiction Films

In 2013, Matt Damon starred in Elysium as Max DeCosta and appeared in The Zero Theorem. He also appeared in a Nespresso advertisement and provided voice-over for United Airlines' "Fly the Friendly Skies" campaign.

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2014: The Monuments Men and Interstellar

In 2014, Matt Damon starred in The Monuments Men and played Dr. Mann in Interstellar. He also appeared as a celebrity correspondent for Years of Living Dangerously.

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2015: The Martian

In 2015, Matt Damon played the main character, astronaut Mark Watney, in Ridley Scott's The Martian, a role that earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

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2015: Stella Artois Partnership

Since 2015, Matt Damon has promoted Anheuser-Busch InBev's Stella Artois beer brand as a Water.org partner.

2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Matt Damon publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton for the presidential election, solidifying his support for the Democratic Party.

2016: Jason Bourne

In 2016, Matt Damon reprised his role in Jason Bourne, reuniting with Paul Greengrass.

2017: The Great Wall and Satires

In 2017, Matt Damon played the lead role in The Great Wall, later in 2017 he starred in Suburbicon and Downsizing.

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March 2018: Adoption of inclusion rider agreement

In March 2018, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck announced that their company, Pearl Street Films, would adopt the inclusion rider agreement in all their future production deals.

September 2018: Brett Kavanaugh on Saturday Night Live

In September 2018, Matt Damon portrayed Brett Kavanaugh on the late-night sketch series Saturday Night Live.

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2018: Super Bowl Advertisement

In 2018, Matt Damon promoted Water.org and Stella Artois during a Super Bowl television advertisement.

2019: Ford v Ferrari

In 2019, Matt Damon portrayed Carroll Shelby in Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold.

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October 2021: Crypto.com Partnership

In October 2021, Matt Damon announced a partnership with Crypto.com, where Crypto.com was to make a $1 million donation to Water.org, with Damon donating his commercial earnings to Water.org as well.

2021: Stillwater and The Last Duel

In 2021, Matt Damon starred in Stillwater and co-wrote and starred in The Last Duel. The Last Duel premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and received positive reviews.

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