Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have one of the most famous friendships in Hollywood. Their 40-year bond is evident as they frequently support each other at events. Having known each other since childhood, Affleck and Damon have risen to the top of the industry and collaborated on multiple projects. Here’s everything fans need to know about their enduring friendship.

Exploring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s friendship

Matt Damon recently demonstrated his strong bond with Ben Affleck by supporting him at the premiere of The Accountant 2 at the SXSW Film Festival (via People). In return, Affleck expressed his gratitude, saying he was “really lucky to have had a friend in Matt.”

Affleck and Damon’s friendship began in childhood when they lived near each other in Cambridge. Despite their two-year age gap, their bond grew stronger through their shared love for acting and baseball, eventually leading them to audition together. In 1989, they landed their first opportunity as extras in the Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams.

Although they attended different colleges, Affleck and Damon remained best friends. They reunited on-screen in the 1992 movie School Ties, starring Brendan Fraser. Following this, they began writing the script for their Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting in 1994. Their hard work paid off when Miramax bought the script for a million dollars.

In 1997, Good Will Hunting was released, instantly catapulting Affleck and Damon into the limelight. The film earned them their first Oscar and Golden Globe award, marking a major milestone in their careers.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck consistently supported each other throughout their careers, collaborating on projects like Dogma and Project Greenlight. Damon even made a cameo in Jersey Girl, which starred Affleck and his then-wife Jennifer Lopez. In 2010, Affleck honored their friendship by presenting the 24th American Cinematheque Award to Damon.

While speaking to GQ in September 2021, Damon reflected on his lifelong friendship with Affleck. He said, “It’s way too important a friendship for that, and it goes so beyond this career or anything.” Even in 2025, Damon and Affleck continue to support each other and remain the best of friends.