History of Matt Damon in Timeline

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

1969: True Grit

In 1969, the John Wayne starring Western True Grit was released.

1996: Ben Affleck's story about Gwyneth Paltrow and Harvey Weinstein

In 1996, Gwyneth Paltrow, a co-worker on a feature film of Ben Affleck, had been harassed by Harvey Weinstein.

1998: Birth of stepdaughter

In 1998, Luciana Barroso's daughter was born. Matt Damon considers her to be his own.

1998: WSOP Elimination

In 1998, Matt Damon was eliminated from the WSOP by poker professional Doyle Brunson.

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.

April 2003: Meeting Luciana Bozán

In April 2003, Matt Damon met his future wife, Luciana Bozán, while filming Stuck on You in Miami.

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 2005: Engagement to Luciana Bozán

In September 2005, Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán became engaged.

December 9, 2005: Marriage to Luciana Bozán

On December 9, 2005, Matt Damon married Luciana Bozán in a private civil ceremony in Manhattan.

June 2006: Birth of First Daughter

In June 2006, Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán welcomed their first daughter.

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.

Loading Video...

December 2006: Comments on Iraq War inequities

In December 2006, on Hardball with Chris Matthews, Matt Damon discussed the Iraq War and voiced his concerns regarding the socioeconomic disparities related to who bears the responsibility of fighting in wars.

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.

2007: Narrating Red Sox DVD

After the Boston Red Sox won the 2007 World Series, Matt Damon narrated the commemorative DVD release of the event.

2007: Financial Crisis

The financial crisis occurred between 2007-2008.

August 2008: Birth of Second Daughter

In August 2008, Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán welcomed their second daughter.

2008: Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation

In 2008, John Carlin published the book 'Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation' which would later be adapted into the film Invictus.

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.

Loading Video...

2008: Financial Crisis

The financial crisis occurred between 2007-2008.

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.

October 2010: Birth of Third Daughter

In October 2010, Matt Damon and Luciana Bozán welcomed their third daughter.

2010: World Series of Poker

In 2010, Matt Damon competed in several World Series of Poker (WSOP) events, including the main event.

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.

Loading Video...

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.

2012: Move to Pacific Palisades

Since 2012, Matt Damon and his family have resided in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles.

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

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.

December 2017: Comments regarding the Me Too movement

In December 2017, Damon made a series of comments regarding the Me Too movement against sexual harassment and misconduct, sparking controversy and public discussion.

December 2017: Advocating for a "spectrum of behavior" analysis of sexual misconduct cases

In December 2017, Matt Damon advocated for a "spectrum of behavior" analysis of sexual misconduct cases, noting that some are more serious than others. This comment caused offense.

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.

Loading Video...

January 17, 2018: Apology on The Today Show

On January 17, 2018, Matt Damon apologized on The Today Show for his social commentary regarding the Me Too movement, stating that he "should get in the back seat and close [his] mouth for a while".

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

2018: Super Bowl Advertisement

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

2018: Brooklyn Heights Penthouse Purchase

In 2018, Matt Damon purchased a luxury penthouse in New York City's Brooklyn Heights neighborhood for $16.5 million.

2019: Ford v Ferrari

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

Loading Video...

August 2021: Controversy over use of a derogatory term

In August 2021, Matt Damon sparked controversy after stating in an interview with The Sunday Times that he had only "months ago" stopped using the word "fag", leading to a discussion with his daughter about the word's harmful impact.

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.

Loading Video...

January 2022: Criticism of Crypto.com Commercial

In January 2022, Matt Damon's Crypto.com commercial, which began airing on television, sparked criticism for comparing cryptocurrency trading to mankind's greatest achievements.