Matt Damon recently shared that before he and his wife, Luciana, met, she actually found Ben Affleck “the cute one” in Good Will Hunting, revealing a lighthearted twist in their relationship. The revelation came as Damon discussed his marriage and history with Luciana during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, offering fresh insight into the dynamics of the Matt Damon and wife relationship.
Luciana’s First Impressions and How the Couple Met
Long before they crossed paths, Luciana had watched Good Will Hunting with her best friend, and the movie left her thinking Ben Affleck was more attractive, while her friend preferred Damon. Matt and Luciana eventually met in a bar in Miami, Florida in 2003, beginning a romance that quickly grew serious. Months into their relationship, Damon was introduced to Luciana’s high school best friend, which is when he first learned of his wife’s original celebrity crush.
Damon recounted on radio how, a few months into dating Luciana, he discovered this preference:
So she admitted to me… I’m like, ‘You got the wrong one?’ She told me that 23 years ago.
He explained that Luciana told him the story after they had been dating for a short while, and it became a humorous moment between the two.
How Matt and Ben Reacted to the Revelation
The fun anecdote did not bother Damon. He openly shared that Luciana is the producer of his and Ben Affleck’s new film, The Rip, and that any old attraction to Affleck faded:
Finally, she met him and all that went away.
Ben Affleck also weighed in on the subject, expressing his admiration for Luciana’s professional work and their friendship:
She’s a great producer and a really good friend, and yeah, I never got that vibe from her. So I think something I did in real life rubbed it off.
Affleck’s comments highlighted the easy friendship between all parties, as well as Luciana’s strong presence in both Damon and Affleck’s professional and personal lives.
Ben Affleck Shares Observations on Damon’s Marriage
During the conversation, Ben Affleck, who was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner and more recently to singer Jennifer Lopez, reflected on what he has seen of Matt and Luciana’s partnership on and off set. Affleck spoke warmly about the couple’s bond:
been witness to a lot of beautiful, lovely things
He also remarked on the strength and depth of their marriage, stating that it’s evident the two support one another no matter what life brings their way.
Affleck offered his perspective on how he’s seen their relationship grow:
I didn’t see the first day, but I have a feeling it’s improved.
His observations suggest that Damon and Luciana’s relationship has flourished since their early days together.
Balancing Work, Family, and Friendship
Matt Damon and Luciana tied the knot in a private ceremony in Manhattan, New York in December 2005. Together, they co-parent daughters Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella, as well as Luciana’s eldest, Alexia, from her previous marriage to Arbello Barroso. Their family life is often noted to be close-knit and grounded, even with the pressures of celebrity.
As their interview wrapped up, Affleck playfully brought up the old anecdote, joking:
should ask Lucy what her friend’s number is
to bring the conversation full circle. Damon replied by pointing out Luciana’s friend is now married, and Affleck closed the exchange with:
I just thought it was a funny joke – I can’t resist. Story of my life.
What This Reveals About the Damon-Affleck Dynamic
These candid revelations on The Howard Stern Show provide fresh insight into the unique, long-standing friendship between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, as well as the humor and openness present in Damon’s relationship with his wife, Luciana. Their ability to reflect, joke, and support each other—across both marriages and creative projects like The Rip—shows the enduring strength of the Matt Damon and wife relationship, as well as the wider network of friends and family who share in their journey.
