Matt Damon

Overview

Matt Damon is an American actor, film producer, and screenwriter known for his versatile performances and critically acclaimed screenplays. Born on October 8, 1970, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Damon has established himself as one of the most respected figures in Hollywood, winning numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for 'Good Will Hunting'. This timeline highlights significant events and milestones in his life and career.

Main Milestones

Birth

October 8, 1970

Matt Damon was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Kent Telfer Damon, a stockbroker, and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, an early childhood education professor at Lesley University. His father had English and Scottish ancestry, while his mother is of Finnish and Swedish descent.

Early Life and Education

Late 1970s - Early 1980s

Damon attended Cambridge Alternative School and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where he took drama classes and was influenced by his drama teacher Gerry Speca. He also became close friends with Ben Affleck, a future collaborator in several films.

Early Career

1988

At age 18, Damon landed a small part in the movie 'Mystic Pizza' and also enrolled in Harvard University as an English major. He later appeared in the television movie 'Rising Son' (1990) and left Harvard to pursue an acting career.

Rising Career

1992-1993

Damon appeared in 'School Ties' (1992) and 'Geronimo: An American Legend' (1993), which preceded his acclaimed performance in 'Courage Under Fire' (1996), attracting the attention of director Francis Ford Coppola.

Breakthrough and Academy Award

1997

Damon co-wrote and starred in 'Good Will Hunting', for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He also starred in 'The Rainmaker' (1997), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Established Career

1998-1999

Damon appeared in 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998), directed by Steven Spielberg, and 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' (1999), directed by Anthony Minghella, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.

Continued Success

2000-2002

Damon starred in 'Titan A.E.' (2000), 'Ocean's Eleven' (2001), and 'The Bourne Identity' (2002), which marked the beginning of the successful Bourne film series.

Personal Life

2005

Damon married Luciana Bozán Barroso, with whom he has four children. He has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his involvement with Not On Our Watch and GreenDimes.

Harvard Arts Medal

2013

Damon was awarded the Harvard Arts Medal in recognition of his contributions to the arts.

Ongoing Career

Present Day

Matt Damon continues to be active in film, with recent projects including 'Oppenheimer' and ongoing involvement in various philanthropic endeavors.