The Matt Damon Ben Affleck Friendship: A 40-Year Bond Weathering Addiction and Divorce

Seasons change, fame and money may come and go, but the friendship between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will last a lifetime. In an interview aired on January 12, 2026, on The Howard Stern Show, the iconic duo opened up about their bond that has weathered several storms of bad fortune. When Stern asked if Damon still reaches out to help his longtime friend, Damon responded firmly: "Oh, yeah, our relationship isn't affected by what people are saying. I was there for all of it."

Matt Damon Ben Affleck Friendship 2026: Supporting Through the Storms

Affleck has endured a turbulent decade, marked by a high-profile divorce from Jennifer Garner, treatment for alcohol addiction, and a publicized 2025 separation from Jennifer Lopez. Reflecting on their shared journey, Affleck noted that finding success together helped them stay grounded. Having a friend to turn to and ask "Is this f---ing nuts, or what?" has been a lifeline during his most chaotic years. For Affleck, this level of loyalty defines what a "real friend" is.

From South Boston to Academy Award Glory

The pair was introduced at ages 8 and 10 by their mothers and grew up just two blocks apart. Their professional breakthrough came with the 1997 hit Good Will Hunting, which earned them the Oscar for Best Screenplay. Damon told Stern that becoming famous at 25 and 27 allowed them to have enough life experience to handle the spotlight. Now in their 50s, they are collaborating again on the crime thriller The Rip, proving that their lottery-winning partnership is still going strong.