Matt Damon made a surprise appearance on the latest episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, continuing his long-running Matt Damon Jimmy Kimmel feud. The actor showed up disguised as Frankie Focus, a neon green monster symbolizing the campaign against cell phone use in New York public schools. This unexpected stunt aired as part of the show‘s segment featuring Frankie, who questioned the importance of paying attention in school.
Playful Insults Fly Between Host and Monster Character
During the segment, Jimmy Kimmel asked Frankie,
“Why is it so important for kids to pay attention in school, Frankie?”
to which Frankie responded,
“Because they’ll never get a college degree. Say, Jimmy, did you get a college degree?”
This sparked an awkward moment as Kimmel admitted he did not. Frankie then mocked the host’s monologue, prompting Kimmel to refuse to be insulted by a “hot green sewer Labubu.”
The monster character retaliated by poking fun at Kimmel’s appearance, referencing a resemblance to Jimmy Fallon being pulled from the Gowanus Canal before revealing Matt Damon beneath the mask to loud applause. Kimmel responded by calling Damon a “furry” and jokingly labeled him “Dunkin Dumbass.”
Damon Acknowledges History, Expresses Desire to Reconcile
Damon explained,
“I wore this costume as a last chance to get on the show. I know we’ve had our differences over the years, but I wanted to be here tonight for your last show ever. I mean, hey guys, we’ve been at this for a long time together—I mean, almost together for like 23 years. I just wanted to say goodbye.”
Kimmel quickly corrected him, stating,
“This isn’t my last show ever.”
Surprised, Damon mentioned the president’s cancellation rumor with praise, saying,
“It isn’t? But the president canceled you… which I was a big fan of, by the way! I mean, when he said you had like zero ratings and no talent, I was like, ‘I’ve been saying that for years.’”
The Origins and Evolution of Their Ongoing Feud
The playful rivalry between Damon and Kimmel started nearly 20 years ago when Kimmel began ending episodes by apologizing to Damon for running out of time, despite Damon never being on the show that night. Damon first appeared as a guest in 2006 but was cut off after a lengthy introduction, leading him to quit the show abruptly with a scripted outburst of profanity. Since then, their interactions have been full of subtle jabs and comedic banter, captivating audiences with their staged antagonism.
Legacy of the Feud in Late-Night Television
The exchange between Damon and Kimmel highlights their unique brand of humor rooted in tension and friendly conflict, which has lasted for over two decades. Their ongoing feud not only entertains viewers but has become a defining feature of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Despite moments of apparent frustration and mock insults, their dynamic underscores a deep familiarity and shared history in late-night entertainment.
