Actor Matt Damon unexpectedly appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s show in Brooklyn, dressed as Frankie Focus, New York’s new green mascot introduced to support the state’s strict school cell phone ban. The moment unfolded on Kimmel’s live broadcast, creating a humorous yet tense scene between the longtime on-screen rivals. The prank highlighted the ongoing playful but sharp exchange between Damon and Kimmel.
The Mascot Reveal Causes Stir on Set
Jimmy Kimmel, who had just made fun of the Frankie Focus mascot in his opening monologue, introduced this unusual “special guest.” However, the supposedly friendly mascot quickly turned confrontational, prompting Kimmel to demand that the person inside the costume remove the head. The reveal exposed Matt Damon, kicking off a cheeky but pointed exchange between the two men.
I know we’ve had our differences over the years, but I wanted to be here tonight for your last show ever,
Matt said.
I mean, hey guys, we’ve been at this for a long time together — I mean, almost together — for like 23 years. I just wanna say goodbye.
— Matt Damon
Clarifying the Show’s Status Amid Suspension Confusion
Jimmy Kimmel promptly corrected Damon, clarifying that this was not his final show. He reminded everyone that their program was scheduled to return soon. The brief suspension was part of a larger controversy, which Damon then referenced in his remarks.
This isn’t my last show ever. We have a show Monday.
— Jimmy Kimmel
But the president canceled you — which I was a big fan of, by the way,
Damon joked, alluding to President Donald Trump’s false claims about Kimmel’s show cancellation.
Matt Damon Mocks Trump’s Criticism of Kimmel’s Ratings
Damon continued teasing by bringing up Trump’s remarks that Kimmel lacked talent and had no viewers, joking that he had shared those sentiments for years. These exchanges underscore the longstanding theatrical rivalry between Damon and Kimmel, who often use humor to address tensions between them and external political controversies.
When he said you had zero ratings and no talent, I was like, ‘I’ve been saying that for years!’
— Matt Damon
Recent Public Comments Highlight Ongoing Friction
This prank came shortly after Kimmel had spoken on Stephen Colbert’s show to discuss the moment he learned his program was temporarily taken off the air. The public spat involving shutdown rumors and suspensions reflects broader unease surrounding the late-night talk show environment and external pressures from political figures.
The Matt Damon Jimmy Kimmel prank not only amused viewers but also drew attention to the continuing friction between entertainers and political leaders, as well as the challenges of live television. Fans can expect these two to keep pushing boundaries with their comedic rivalry in upcoming episodes and appearances.
