Matt Damon Opens Up About His 46-Year Friendship with Ben Affleck: ‘Only People Who Believed in Each Other’ (Exclusive)

**Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Reflect on Their Enduring Friendship and New Ventures**

Matt Damon has opened up about his long-standing friendship with Ben Affleck, highlighting their shared journey from aspiring actors in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to becoming globally recognised stars. This week, in an interview with *PEOPLE* to celebrate his newest film, *The Odyssey*, directed by Christopher Nolan, Damon reflects on the bond that has defined both their careers and personal lives.

Damon, now 55, recalls the formative years when he and Affleck, 53, navigated the challenging world of auditions and acting roles as teenagers. Their connection, formed during their youth, has grown into a partnership that transcends mere friendship. According to Damon, they were like “two ships passing in the night,” each fending off the odds of success in an industry that offers few guarantees.

“We were the only people who felt like we had a little foot in this door,” Damon shared. He and Affleck were often on trains or buses travelling to New York City, seeking opportunities. Together, they fostered an environment of mutual support, dismissing any doubts and believing wholeheartedly in each other’s talent. “We were there for one another,” he added, reflecting on their shared determination and defiance against long odds.

Damon noted that this “defy-the-odds mentality” is crucial for anyone stepping into the entertainment industry, likening the journey to a kind of circus life. Both men, who come from families without ties to Hollywood, relied on each other for encouragement and motivation during their formative years, an experience that created a foundational aspect of their relationship.

In their personal lives, both actors are now fathers, with children of similar ages. Damon is married to Luciana, and together they have four daughters: Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella. Meanwhile, Affleck shares three children — Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel — with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. As they navigate the empty-nest years that come with growing families, Damon admits that he and Affleck often discuss this transitional phase of their lives.

“It doesn’t take much to get us emotional at this point,” Damon joked, indicating the significant changes they are facing as parents. This shared experience is one reason they established their production company, Artists Equity. As they step into their roles as industry veterans, the intention is to create impactful films with people they respect and enjoy working alongside.

The duo’s camaraderie and professional synergy have continued into their ongoing projects. Recently, they collaborated on the Netflix production *The Rip*, which further showcases their commitment to working together. At the heart of their partnership lies a shared ambition: to honour their younger selves by creating art that resonates, fulfilling the dreams they once held.

Currently, Damon is serving as a producer on Affleck’s upcoming directorial project, *Animals*, which is set to star Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, and Kerry Washington, among others. This behind-the-scenes collaboration signifies a shift for both actors as they embrace broader roles within the industry.

Reflecting on their remarkable journey, Damon remarked, “Our dreams came true, and the greatest disservice we could do to our younger selves would be to not work together.” This sentiment underscores the significance of their friendship, which has remained steadfast over the decades, evolving but never faltering.

In the meantime, *The Odyssey* has hit theatres, showcasing Damon in a pivotal role that aligns with themes of bravery, perseverance, and the quest for identity, all hallmarks of his and Affleck’s respective paths in Hollywood. Their story serves as a testament to the power of enduring friendship and the importance of collaboration in the film industry.

For those interested in more details about *The Odyssey* and insights into Damon and Affleck’s enduring partnership, the latest edition of *PEOPLE* magazine is now available.