Matt Damon is a highly acclaimed American actor, film producer, and screenwriter. Known for his box-office success, he was listed as one of Forbes' most bankable stars and highest-grossing actors. His remarkable career boasts numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for BAFTAs and Primetime Emmy Awards.
1942: Birth of Matt Damon's Father
Matt Damon's father, Kent Telfer Damon, was born in 1942.
1946: Birth of Matt Damon's Mother
Matt Damon's mother, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, was born in 1946.
October 8, 1970: Birth of Matt Damon
Matt Damon was born on October 8, 1970 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
1988: Matt Damon Begins Studying at Harvard
Matt Damon commenced his studies at Harvard University in 1988.
1988: Matt Damon's Acting Debut in "Mystic Pizza"
Matt Damon's acting journey began in 1988 with a role in the film "Mystic Pizza."
1992: Matt Damon Leaves Harvard for Acting Role
In 1992, driven by his passion for acting, Matt Damon made the significant decision to leave Harvard University to pursue a lead role in the film "Geronimo: An American Legend." This decision, though a gamble, reflected his commitment to his craft.
1992: Matt Damon Attends Harvard University
Matt Damon enrolled at Harvard University in 1992 as part of the class of 1992, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
1994: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Sell Screenplay to Castle Rock
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck sold their screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" to Castle Rock Entertainment in 1994.
1996: Alleged Harassment of Gwyneth Paltrow
According to Matt Damon, Ben Affleck informed him of an incident in 1996 where Gwyneth Paltrow was allegedly harassed by Harvey Weinstein.
1996: Matt Damon's Breakthrough Role in "Courage Under Fire"
Matt Damon's performance as an opiate-addicted soldier in the 1996 film "Courage Under Fire" earned him critical acclaim, marking a turning point in his career. His dedication to the role, including a dramatic weight loss, showcased his commitment to his craft.
1997: Matt Damon Stars in "The Rainmaker"
Matt Damon took on the lead role in the well-received legal drama "The Rainmaker," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, in 1997.
1997: "Good Will Hunting": A Breakthrough for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
In 1997, Matt Damon rose to prominence with the release of "Good Will Hunting," a film he co-wrote and starred in with Ben Affleck. Their performance garnered them critical acclaim, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay.
1997: Release of "Good Will Hunting"
"Good Will Hunting," the critically acclaimed film co-written by and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was released in 1997.
1998: Stepdaughter's Birth
Alexia Barroso, Luciana Bozán's daughter from a previous marriage, was born in 1998. Matt Damon considers her his own.
1998: World Series of Poker Elimination
During the 1998 World Series of Poker, Matt Damon was eliminated by renowned poker professional Doyle Brunson.
1998: Matt Damon in "Saving Private Ryan" and "Rounders"
In 1998, Matt Damon appeared in two notable films: Steven Spielberg's World War II epic "Saving Private Ryan" and the poker drama "Rounders."
1998: Matt Damon's Role in "Saving Private Ryan"
Matt Damon delivered a memorable performance in Steven Spielberg's World War II epic "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998.
1999: Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley
In 1999, Matt Damon portrayed antihero Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr. Ripley, losing 11 kilograms (25 lbs) for the role. Damon aimed to convey his character's humanity and honesty despite criminal actions. The film, an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel, received praise from critics, with Variety noting Damon's outstanding performance.
1999: Matt Damon as Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley"
Matt Damon secured his standing as a leading man in 1999 with his captivating portrayal of Tom Ripley in the film adaptation of "The Talented Mr. Ripley."
2000: Attempts at Romantic Dramas
In 2000, Matt Damon's leading roles in romantic dramas such as All the Pretty Horses and The Legend of Bagger Vance were critically and commercially unsuccessful. Critics noted that Damon did not fit the role of a Texas cowboy or the central character in Robert Redford's film.
2000: Foundation of LivePlanet
In 2000, Matt Damon, along with Ben Affleck, Chris Moore, and Sean Bailey, founded the production company LivePlanet. The company created the Emmy-nominated documentary series Project Greenlight, which aimed to find and fund film projects from novice filmmakers.
2001: Start of the "Ocean's" Trilogy
Matt Damon joined the ensemble cast of "Ocean's Eleven" in 2001, marking the beginning of a successful heist film trilogy.
2001: Launch of "Project Greenlight"
In 2001, Matt Damon, alongside Ben Affleck, launched the reality series "Project Greenlight," providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers.
2001: Ocean's Eleven and Project Greenlight
In 2001, Matt Damon co-starred as thief Linus Caldwell in Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven, a successful remake of the Rat Pack's Ocean's 11 (1960). Additionally, Damon produced the documentary series Project Greenlight, which was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program.
2001: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck made a self-referential cameo appearance in Kevin Smith's 2001 comedy "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," parodying their "Good Will Hunting" personas.
2002: Start of Bourne Series
In 2002, Matt Damon began his role as amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity. The movie was a commercial success and received positive reviews for its gripping spycraft and Damon's focused and sincere performance.
2002: The Bourne Identity
In 2002, Matt Damon starred as Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity. Despite initial doubts about the film's financial prospects, it became a commercial success and received positive reviews. Damon underwent extensive training for the role, which showcased his dedication and versatility as an actor.
2002: Voice Role in Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
In 2002, Matt Damon voiced the role of Spirit in the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. The film showcased his versatility as an actor, taking on an animated role.
2002: Writing and Starring in Gerry
In 2002, Matt Damon wrote and starred in the drama Gerry, which depicts two friends hiking in a desert without water and food. Though the film received generally positive reviews, it was a box-office failure.
April 2003: Meeting Luciana Bozán
Matt Damon met his future wife, Luciana Bozán, while filming "Stuck on You" in Miami in April 2003.
2003: Stuck on You
In 2003, Matt Damon played a conjoined twin in the comedy film Stuck on You. The film received mixed critical reception but added to Damon's diverse filmography.
2003: Damon's Film Features Homophobic Slur, Highlighting Societal Norms
In 2003, a movie featuring Matt Damon included the homophobic slur "fag" in its dialogue, reflecting the casual use of such language at the time. This incident later became a point of reference in 2021 when Damon faced criticism for his past use of the word.
2004: The Bourne Supremacy and Ocean's Twelve
In 2004, Matt Damon had significant roles in the sequels The Bourne Supremacy and Ocean's Twelve. Both films were commercially successful, earning over $280 million each at the box office. Damon won an Empire Award for Best Actor for his role in The Bourne Supremacy.
September 2005: Engagement to Luciana Bozán
Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán got engaged in September 2005.
December 9, 2005: Marriage to Luciana Bozán
Matt Damon married Luciana Bozán in a private civil ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau on December 9, 2005.
2005: Syriana
In 2005, Matt Damon appeared as an energy analyst in the geopolitical thriller Syriana. The film, which focused on petroleum politics and the global influence of the oil industry, broadened Damon's understanding of the subject.
2005: Matt Damon in "Syriana"
In 2005, Matt Damon starred in the geopolitical thriller "Syriana," further showcasing his range as an actor.
2005: The Brothers Grimm
In 2005, Matt Damon starred alongside Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam's fantasy adventure The Brothers Grimm. Despite high expectations, the film was a commercial failure and received critical panning.
2005: Project Greenlight Returns
In 2005, Matt Damon continued to produce the television series Project Greenlight, which aired on HBO and later Bravo. The show was instrumental in launching the careers of several directors and was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards.
June 2006: Birth of First Daughter
Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán's first daughter was born in June 2006.
September 12, 2006: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Skit
On September 12, 2006, Matt Damon participated in a planned skit on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" where he pretended to storm off after having his interview cut short, adding fuel to their long-running comedic feud.
December 2006: Comments on Iraq War and Socioeconomic Disparity
In December 2006, during an appearance on "Hardball with Chris Matthews," Matt Damon expressed his concerns regarding the Iraq War, highlighting the unequal burden placed on different socioeconomic classes when it comes to military service.
2006: The Good Shepherd and The Departed
In 2006, Matt Damon joined the cast of The Good Shepherd as a career CIA agent and played an undercover mobster in Martin Scorsese's The Departed. The Departed received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2006: Matt Damon Stars in "The Departed"
Matt Damon took on a leading role in Martin Scorsese's crime drama "The Departed" in 2006.
July 25, 2007: Matt Damon Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On July 25, 2007, Matt Damon was honored with the 2,343rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry. Damon expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the significance of the accolade.
August 2007: Most Bankable Star
In August 2007, Forbes declared Matt Damon the most bankable star, with his last three films at that time averaging $29 at the box office for every dollar he earned. This included major releases such as Ocean's Thirteen and The Bourne Ultimatum.
2007: End of Ocean's Trilogy
In 2007, Matt Damon concluded his involvement in the Ocean's Trilogy with Ocean's Thirteen. The film was a commercial success, earning over $300 million at the box office.
2007: Matt Damon Ranked Among Forbes' Most Bankable Stars
In 2007, Matt Damon was recognized for his box-office success and was included in the prestigious Forbes' list of most bankable stars.
2007: Narration of Red Sox Documentary
Following the Boston Red Sox's victory in the 2007 World Series, Matt Damon, a dedicated fan of the team, provided the narration for the commemorative DVD release celebrating the event.
2007: Beginning of the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis
The 2007-2008 financial crisis, a period of extreme financial turmoil, began in 2007.
August 2008: Birth of Second Daughter
Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán welcomed their second daughter in August 2008.
2008: Cameos in Youth Without Youth and Che
In 2008, Matt Damon made uncredited cameos in Francis Ford Coppola's Youth Without Youth and the Che Guevara biopic Che. These appearances added to his diverse film portfolio.
2008: Continuation of the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis
The 2007-2008 financial crisis continued to impact global markets throughout 2008.
July 2009: Formation of Water.org
In July 2009, Matt Damon co-founded Water.org, which aims to provide safe and clean drinking water to developing countries. This initiative merged his previous H2O Africa Foundation with WaterPartners, underlining his commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
August 2009: Voice Role in Ponyo
In August 2009, Matt Damon lent his voice to the English version of the animated film Ponyo, which was released in the United States. This role added to his diverse portfolio of acting and voice work.
2009: Matt Damon in "The Informant!" and "Invictus"
Matt Damon had a busy year in 2009, starring in both the biographical comedy-drama "The Informant!" and the sports drama "Invictus."
March 2010: Creation of Pearl Street Films
In March 2010, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck collaborated once again to create a production company titled Pearl Street Films. The company is based at Warner Bros. and marks another significant partnership between the two actors.
October 2010: Birth of Third Daughter
In October 2010, Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán's third daughter was born.
2010: Participation in World Series of Poker
Matt Damon participated in the 2010 World Series of Poker main event, showcasing his interest in professional poker.
2010: Narration of "Inside Job"
Matt Damon lent his voice to narrate the 2010 documentary film "Inside Job," which explored the consequences of financial deregulation that contributed to the 2007-2008 financial crisis.
2010: Highest-Grossing Actor
In 2010, Matt Damon was recognized as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, ranking 37th. This accolade highlighted his significant impact and success in the film industry.
2010: Matt Damon: One of the Highest-Grossing Actors
By 2010, Matt Damon had achieved the distinction of being one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, solidifying his place as a box-office heavyweight.
2010: Matt Damon Stars in "True Grit"
Matt Damon appeared in the Coen brothers' remake of "True Grit" in 2010.
October 2011: Water.org Receives Grant
In October 2011, Water.org, co-founded by Matt Damon, received an $8 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to expand WaterCredit, a program providing microloans to families in India for access to clean water.
2011: Matt Damon in "Contagion"
In 2011, Matt Damon starred in the medical thriller "Contagion."
2011: Matt Damon Appears on "30 Rock"
Matt Damon made a guest appearance on the popular sitcom "30 Rock" in 2011.
January 2012: Voice of TD Ameritrade
In January 2012, Matt Damon signed a multiyear deal to be the voice of TD Ameritrade advertisements, replacing Sam Waterston. Damon donated all fees from the advertisements to charity.
April 2012: Filming of Promised Land
In April 2012, Matt Damon filmed Promised Land, directed by Gus Van Sant. Damon co-wrote the film with John Krasinski, marking another significant contribution to his body of work.
2012: Fundraiser for Elizabeth Warren
In 2012, Matt Damon joined Ben Affleck and John Krasinski in hosting a fundraiser to support Elizabeth Warren's campaign for the U.S. Senate.
2012: Move to Pacific Palisades
Since 2012, Matt Damon and his family have resided in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
January 24, 2013: Damon Takes Over "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
On January 24, 2013, Matt Damon took over hosting duties on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", addressing their ongoing feud and involving celebrities like Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Silverman.
May 26, 2013: Premiere of Behind the Candelabra
On May 26, 2013, the film Behind the Candelabra premiered on HBO. Matt Damon starred as Scott Thorson, the longtime partner of pianist Liberace, played by Michael Douglas. This role added to Damon's repertoire of diverse performances.
2013: Matt Damon Receives Harvard Arts Medal
In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts, Matt Damon was honored with the Harvard Arts Medal in 2013.
2013: Voice-over and Ad Campaigns
In 2013, Matt Damon appeared in a 20-second advertisement for Nespresso, directed by Grant Heslov. He also provided voice-over for United Airlines' resurrected "Fly the Friendly Skies" advertisement campaign, showcasing his involvement in diverse media projects.
2013: Matt Damon in "Behind the Candelabra"
Matt Damon starred in the HBO biopic "Behind the Candelabra" in 2013, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2015: Conclusion of "Project Greenlight"
After running for several seasons, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's reality series "Project Greenlight" concluded in 2015.
2015: Partnership with Stella Artois
Beginning in 2015, Matt Damon began promoting Stella Artois beer as a partner of Water.org, including limited-edition "blue chalice" glasses sales.
2015: Revival of Project Greenlight
In 2015, Matt Damon revived the television series Project Greenlight, continuing his commitment to helping new filmmakers develop their first films. The series had previously run from 2001-2005 and was notable for its impact on emerging directors.
2015: Matt Damon Wins Golden Globe for "The Martian"
Matt Damon's performance as an astronaut stranded on Mars in Ridley Scott's 2015 film "The Martian" earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
2016: Conclusion of Bourne Series
In 2016, Matt Damon concluded his role in the Bourne series with Jason Bourne. The series, spanning over a decade, was a significant part of his career, demonstrating his versatility and commitment as an actor.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
Matt Damon publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
2016: Matt Damon Produces "Manchester by the Sea"
Matt Damon served as a producer on the critically acclaimed drama "Manchester by the Sea" in 2016.
December 2017: Comments on Harvey Weinstein Allegations
In December 2017, Matt Damon faced criticism for his comments regarding allegations against Harvey Weinstein, stating that he had heard of Gwyneth Paltrow's experience but believed she had handled it.
December 2017: Controversial "Spectrum of Behavior" Remarks
In December 2017, Matt Damon sparked further controversy with comments advocating for a "spectrum of behavior" analysis when considering sexual misconduct cases, which was widely criticized for minimizing the severity of abuse.
2017: Death of Matt Damon's Father
Matt Damon's father, Kent Telfer Damon, passed away in 2017.
January 17, 2018: Apology for Me Too Comments
On January 17, 2018, Matt Damon appeared on "The Today Show" to issue an apology for his previous comments regarding the Me Too movement, acknowledging that his words had caused offense and that he needed to listen more.
March 2018: Adoption of Inclusion Rider
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck announced in March 2018 that their production company, Pearl Street Films, would begin implementing inclusion riders in all future production deals, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and representation in the film industry.
September 2018: Portrayal of Brett Kavanaugh on SNL
In September 2018, Matt Damon portrayed jurist Brett Kavanaugh on the late-night sketch series Saturday Night Live. This role demonstrated his ability to engage with contemporary political and social issues through performance.
2018: Super Bowl Advertisement for Water.org
During the 2018 Super Bowl, Matt Damon appeared in a television advertisement promoting Water.org and Stella Artois's support for the organization's clean water initiatives.
2018: Purchase of Brooklyn Heights Penthouse
In 2018, Matt Damon purchased a luxurious penthouse in New York City's Brooklyn Heights neighborhood for $16.5 million.
2019: Matt Damon in "Ford v Ferrari"
Matt Damon co-starred in the biographical sports drama "Ford v Ferrari" in 2019.
2019: Matt Damon Appears on "Saturday Night Live"
Matt Damon hosted an episode of the long-running sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" in 2019.
August 2021: Matt Damon's Use of a Homophobic Slur Sparks Controversy
In August 2021, Matt Damon faced backlash after revealing in an interview that he had only recently stopped using the homophobic slur "fag." He explained that his daughter had educated him on the word's harmful nature, prompting him to stop using it.
October 2021: Crypto.com Partnership and Donation
In October 2021, Matt Damon announced a partnership with Crypto.com. The platform pledged a $1 million donation to Water.org, and Damon committed to donating his earnings from promoting the platform to the charity.
2021: Matt Damon in "Stillwater" and "The Last Duel"
Matt Damon appeared in two films released in 2021: the drama "Stillwater" and the historical drama "The Last Duel."
January 2022: Crypto.com Commercial Controversy
Matt Damon's Crypto.com commercial, launched in January 2022, drew significant criticism for comparing cryptocurrency trading to historical human achievements, with many deeming it out-of-touch and promoting a risky investment.
2023: Matt Damon in "Air" and "Oppenheimer"
Matt Damon starred in two acclaimed films released in 2023: the biographical sports drama "Air" and Christopher Nolan's biographical thriller "Oppenheimer." Notably, "Oppenheimer" became his highest-grossing film to date.