- - Ben Affleck Explains How He and Matt Damon Managed to Remain 'Sane' After Finding Fame

Angela AndaloroJanuary 14, 2026 at 12:48 AM

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Moviestore/Shutterstock Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in 1999's "Dogma" -

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were childhood friends with big dreams of Hollywood fame

The two hit it big in 1998 with Good Will Hunting, which catapulted the pair to stardom

The Massachusetts natives look back at their rise to fame and why they feel like their big break came at the perfect time in their lives.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are grateful for how fame happened to them.

Appearing on The Howard Stern Show on Jan. 12, the friends and frequent collaborators looked back on their journey to fame.

"I think we got to a good place pretty early on where, I think that's kind of why we're as sane as we are — to what degree that is, you be the judge," Affleck said.

"But getting famous or successful together and having someone to turn to and go, 'Is this nuts or what?' or to say, 'What are you doing?' "

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Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck after their Oscar win for 'Good Will Hunting' in 1998

Damon added, "Well the other thing is that, I do think that to a certain degree, I think your evolution does get stunted at the moment you become famous because the world treats you differently, completely."

When it comes to their big break with Good Will Hunting, Damon continued, "I think we were lucky in that we were 25 and 27, so we had a handful of years under our belt where we would walk into a room and not turn any heads."

The Boston natives have been best friends since Affleck was in his single digits, and their bond has led them to collaborate onscreen numerous times.

Affleck, his brother Casey Affleck and Damon lived together in Los Angeles when they were up-and-coming actors — but it wasn't always smooth sailing.

"Matt's a beautiful guy. I love him. He's my best friend. He's been great to me my whole life. He's a brilliant guy. I would not suggest living with him," Ben said on The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023.

The Deep Water actor continued, "He has an ability ... you know people who block things out? One of the things he blocks out is the idea that when you finish with something, it has to be washed or thrown away."

Affleck recalled a time when he and his brother decided to go on a cleaning strike, which didn't bother Damon. Eventually, the Afflecks gave in when maggots started appearing in the apartment.

"God bless [Damon's] wife, Lucy. There's a place for you in heaven," he joked.

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