Matt Damon
Actor, writer, producer, philanthropist
Born
October 8, 1970
Birthplace
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$200 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Good Will Hunting; The Bourne Identity; The Martian; Oppenheimer
Matt Damon Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Matthew Paige Damon |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, writer, producer |
| Years Active | 1988-present |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Luciana Barroso (2005-present) |
| Children | 4 daughters |
| Net Worth | ~$200 million |
| Known For | Oscar-winning screenwriter, action hero Jason Bourne, humanitarian work |
Early Life & Background
Damon grew up in Cambridge, befriending future collaborator Ben Affleck. He briefly attended Harvard University before leaving to pursue acting, writing the script that became Good Will Hunting. His first notable film role was in Courage Under Fire (1996), where he lost 40 pounds to portray a war veteran.
Career Journey
Breakthrough with Good Will Hunting
In 1997 Damon co-wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting, earning Oscars for Best Original Screenplay alongside Affleck and a nomination for Best Actor. His heartfelt performance launched him into Hollywood's A-list.
Action & Prestige Roles
He headlined the Bourne franchise (2002-2016), praised for practical stunts and grounded espionage. Damon appeared in Saving Private Ryan, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Syriana, The Departed, Invictus, and True Grit. Ridley Scott's The Martian (2015) showcased his comedic survival skills, earning Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.
Recent Work
In 2021 Damon starred in Tom McCarthy's Stillwater. He reunited with Affleck on the medieval drama The Last Duel (2021) and wrote/produced Amazon's Air (2023) via Artists Equity, the production company he co-founded. In 2023 he played Leslie Groves in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. Damon continues voice work for Thor: Love and Thunder cameos and Apple TV+'s docuseries Down to the Waterline.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Good Will Hunting | Will Hunting | Oscar-winning script |
| 1998 | Saving Private Ryan | Pvt. Ryan | Spielberg war drama |
| 1999 | The Talented Mr. Ripley | Tom Ripley | Psychological thriller |
| 2002-2016 | Bourne series | Jason Bourne | Action franchise |
| 2006 | The Departed | Colin Sullivan | Scorsese crime film |
| 2015 | The Martian | Mark Watney | Golden Globe win |
| 2023 | Oppenheimer | Gen. Leslie Groves | Award-winning ensemble |
| 2023 | Air | Sonny Vaccaro | Actor/producer |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Original Screenplay | Good Will Hunting | Won |
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Good Will Hunting | Nominated |
| 2000 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | The Talented Mr. Ripley | Nominated |
| 2016 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | The Martian | Nominated |
| 2024 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Ensemble | Oppenheimer | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$200 million (2026)
Damon earns from acting, backend deals on franchises, producing via Artists Equity, and endorsements (TD Ameritrade, crypto start-up ads). He invests in real estate in LA and New York and co-owns the Major League Pickleball team Austin Mavericks.
Personal Life
He met Luciana Barroso while filming Stuck on You in Miami. They married in 2005 and prioritize a low-key family life. Damon is known for keeping friendships with Affleck, Clooney, and the "Ocean's" crew, often vacationing together.
Philanthropy & Activism
Damon co-founded Water.org with Gary White to provide clean water and sanitation; the organization has impacted over 50 million people. He supports ONE Campaign, Not On Our Watch, and the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Artists Equity aims for fair profit-sharing with crews.
Social Media Presence
Damon has no personal social media accounts; Water.org and Artists Equity share his initiatives. He appears on late-night shows and podcasts for campaign updates.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Damon wrote the first draft of Good Will Hunting as a Harvard assignment.
- He nearly became a professional poker player after training with Phil Hellmuth for Rounders.
- Damon trained extensively in Krav Maga for Bourne and still practices.
- He narrated the documentary Running the Sahara, starting his water activism journey.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Damon is shooting a Netflix heist comedy from Artists Equity, executive-producing a docuseries about clean-water innovators, and hosting Water.org's 2026 summit in Nairobi. He will appear in Jon Hamm's directorial debut, a courtroom drama filming winter 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Matt Damon?
Matt Damon is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer known for Good Will Hunting, the Bourne films, The Martian, and humanitarian work.
What is Matt Damon most famous for?
He is most famous for co-writing Good Will Hunting, playing Jason Bourne, and starring in Oscar-winning ensembles like The Departed and Oppenheimer.
Is Matt Damon active on social media?
No. Damon avoids personal social media, but Water.org and Artists Equity share updates on his projects and activism.