Matt Damon supports Ben Affleck, standing as a steadfast friend during Affleck’s most challenging moments, from personal struggles to addiction. Their enduring friendship was highlighted during a heartfelt interview with Howard Stern, where both reflected on the depth of their bond and unwavering support.
Unwavering Friendship Through Life’s Challenges
During a candid conversation on The Howard Stern Show, Ben Affleck, aged 53, and Matt Damon, aged 55, opened up about their latest collaboration, The Rip, as well as the journey of their decades-long friendship. Damon spoke honestly about offering consistent support to Affleck during hard times, especially throughout Affleck’s public divorces and battles with alcoholism. Stern addressed these struggles on air, saying,
“When Ben was going through all his problems,”
Howard Stern, Host
He continued,
“Could you go to Ben and say, ‘I’m here to help you?’”
Howard Stern, Host
Damon responded with assurance about their friendship:
“Oh, yeah, our relationship isn’t affected by what people are saying. I was there for all of it.”
Matt Damon, Actor
Affleck, in turn, offered thanks for the loyal support:
“That means a lot to me.”
Ben Affleck, Actor
He explained the value of true friendship, stating,
“That’s sort of what a real friend is,”
Ben Affleck, Actor
Affleck’s life challenges—from his broken engagement with Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000s, his marriage and divorce from Jennifer Garner, to his highly-publicized battle with alcoholism—have all been widely reported. He experienced multiple periods in rehabilitation before reuniting briefly with Lopez. Though Affleck and Lopez married in July 2022, their marriage did not last beyond a year and a half.
Despite these tumultuous events, Damon’s presence remained a constant for Affleck. Reflecting on their relationship in a 2013 Boston Magazine interview, Affleck shared thoughts about their journey together:
“For a while, we thought maybe we should chill and just do other stuff, and not be Matt and Ben, Matt and Ben,”
Ben Affleck, Actor
He also shared a sense of normalcy and connection between their families, saying,
“We have our company together, we’re developing together. And Matt lives down the street from me like he used to. His kids are living with him, the way we used to live with our folks. The only difference is that we have pools.”
Ben Affleck, Actor
Shared Passions and Professional Collaboration
Over the years, Affleck and Damon have not only co-starred in numerous films, but also co-founded the production company Artists Equity. Their business partnership has deepened a personal relationship rooted in mutual interests and shared ambition.
Damon expressed how their early passion connected them, explaining,
“We were both obsessed with [making movies and acting] from an early age which definitely kind of linked us up,”
Matt Damon, Actor
He added insight into their unique journey in the entertainment industry, stating,
“But it’s kind of a weird thing in retrospect, because we came from a city where that wasn’t a thing.”
Matt Damon, Actor
Affleck also noted the privilege of working alongside a friend:
“The shared interest, like finding the job you like to do and then you do that with your friends, it’s really a nice thing, because you spend so much time at work.”
Ben Affleck, Actor
Their newest film, The Rip, will debut on Netflix on January 16, adding another chapter to their creative partnership and legacy.
An Enduring Impact on Hollywood and Beyond
The personal and professional relationship between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck continues to inspire, spotlighting what long-term loyalty and shared values can endure amid personal and public adversity. Their collaboration in both friendship and filmmaking has left a lasting impression in Hollywood, and as their latest project prepares to launch, it’s clear that their bond remains strong. Fans and industry colleagues alike look forward to seeing how their partnership shapes future creative endeavors.
