10 fun and interesting Matt Damon facts

1. From Bourne to Acclaimed Actor

Matt Damon is an acclaimed actor, best known for his role as Jason Bourne in the Bourne franchise. In this series, he plays an assassin rogue agent, a character that has become iconic in the world of action films. His portrayal of Bourne has earned him critical acclaim, and the franchise has become one of the highest-grossing film series of all time.

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2. Matt Damon's Southern Charm in 'The Rainmaker'

In preparation for his role as Rudy Baylor in the 1997 film “The Rainmaker”, Matt Damon took a job as a bartender in Knoxville, Tennessee. This allowed him to perfect his southern accent and immerse himself in the culture of the south, ensuring that his portrayal of the character was as authentic as possible.

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3. Matt Damon Quits Smoking After Visiting Hypnotist

In an effort to kick his smoking habit, Matt Damon took a trip to Los Angeles to visit a hypnotist. He was determined to overcome his addiction and was willing to try anything to do so. After a few sessions with the hypnotist, Matt Damon was able to break the habit and has been smoke-free ever since. He credits the hypnotist with helping him to finally quit smoking and has been an advocate for hypnosis ever since.

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4. Matt Damon makes big-screen debut in 'Ocean's Eleven'

Matt Damon made his big-screen debut in the 2001 blockbuster hit, "Ocean's Eleven". The star-studded cast included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts, and the movie was a huge success, grossing over $450 million worldwide. Damon's performance as pickpocket Linus Caldwell was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it was the start of a long and successful career for the actor.

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5. Matt Damon & Ben Affleck: A Friendship That Endured.

When Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were both struggling actors, they were so close that they even shared a bank account. The two best friends had a strong bond that was unbreakable, even in the face of financial hardship. Despite their lack of money, they were determined to make it in Hollywood and their friendship was a source of strength and support for each other.

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6. 1991 & 2007 GQ Covers.

In 1991, Matt Damon made his debut on the cover of GQ magazine, and 16 years later, he graced the cover once again in 2007. His first appearance on the magazine was a milestone in his career, and his second appearance was a testament to his longevity in the entertainment industry. Both covers featured Damon in stylish attire, showcasing his timeless appeal.

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7. Matt Damon Replaces James Franco in 2008 Biopic "Milk"

Due to scheduling conflicts with his upcoming film "Greene Zone", Matt Damon had to back out of his role in the 2008 biopic "Milk". This was a difficult decision for Damon, as he had been looking forward to playing the part of Scott Smith, the partner of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Fortunately, the role was eventually filled by James Franco, who went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

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8. Ben Affleck and Friends since childhood

Although Matt Damon was initially considered for the leading role in the 2003 superhero movie "Daredevil", the part eventually went to his close friend Ben Affleck. The two actors have been friends since childhood, and have collaborated on several projects together, including the Academy Award-winning movie "Good Will Hunting".

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9. The Quick and the Dead

When it came to the lead role in the 1995 western "The Quick and the Dead", Matt Damon was the first to be offered the part, but he ultimately decided to turn it down. This opened the door for Leonardo DiCaprio to take the role, which he accepted and went on to star in the film.

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10. Matt Damon Shows His Support for Friend Kevin Smith

” Matt Damon and Kevin Smith have been great friends for many years, and Damon has gone above and beyond to show his support for Smith's work. He famously took a major salary cut in order to appear in Smith's films “Dogma” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”, demonstrating his commitment to his friend and his craft. This selfless act of friendship has only strengthened the bond between the two, and they remain close to this day.