Matt Damon supports Ben Affleck openly, standing with him during some of his most challenging times, as the two recounted during a revealing interview on The Howard Stern Show. The actors discussed their decades-long friendship and Damon’s unwavering presence through Ben Affleck’s struggles with addiction and high-profile divorces.
In a candid conversation with Howard Stern, Affleck, 53, and Damon, 55, talked about their collaboration on their latest film, The Rip. Their friendship, which began in childhood, has endured the test of time and the pressures of public life. Stern addressed Affleck’s much-scrutinized battles, including his divorces from Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez as well as his personal issues with alcoholism.
Stern asked Damon directly,
“When Ben was going through all his problems, could you go to Ben and say, ‘I’m here to help you?’”
– Howard Stern, Host. Damon reassured Stern and listeners of his commitment, stating,
“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, expressed his gratitude during the discussion:
“That means a lot to me.”
– Ben Affleck, Actor. He continued by reflecting on the nature of true friendship:
“That’s sort of what a real friend is,”
– Ben Affleck, Actor.
Ben Affleck’s Turbulent Years and Damon’s Support
Throughout his career, Ben Affleck’s personal life has attracted significant attention. From calling off his early 2000s engagement to Jennifer Lopez, to marrying and eventually divorcing Jennifer Garner, Affleck’s relationships have played out publicly. His ongoing battle with alcoholism resulted in several rehab admissions. Despite these hardships, including a rekindled but ultimately brief marriage to Lopez that began in July 2022, the unwavering support of Damon has been a constant in his life.
Beyond just personal loyalty, Damon and Affleck have maintained a rich professional partnership. Their joint production company, Artists Equity, underscores their deep connection. Even as they sought a balance between personal identity and public persona, their bond never frayed. Affleck shared reflections with Boston Magazine about their unique position as longtime friends and collaborators:
“For a while, we thought maybe we should chill and just do other stuff, and not be Matt and Ben, Matt and Ben. 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.
The Power of Shared Ambition
Affleck and Damon have not only shared a personal journey but also found their professional paths aligning. Their mutual love for film and acting began in their youth, shaping both their careers and friendship. Discussing their early days, Damon emphasized,
“We were both obsessed with [making movies and acting] from an early age which definitely kind of linked us up. 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.
The rewards of working together, according to Affleck, go beyond fame or financial success:
“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 latest film, The Rip, is set for release on Netflix beginning January 16, further demonstrating their enduring collaboration and the strength of their partnership through both personal and professional highs and lows.
Looking Ahead: Resilience and Continued Collaboration
The story of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is marked by resilience, mutual respect, and a willingness to support each other through adversity. As headlines have swirled around Affleck’s relationships with Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez, and as he publicly faced his battles with alcoholism, Damon’s steady presence highlights the importance of genuine friendship in the entertainment industry. Their ongoing partnership with Artists Equity and shared creative ventures such as The Rip continue to consolidate their place in both Hollywood and each other’s lives.
