Matt Damon & Ben Affleck Reveal Their First Impressions of Each Other | First Thing With | ELLE

Lifelong besties Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have experienced many unique firsts together - and they are here to dish the stories to ELLE on 'First Thing With.' Most recently, this power duo stars in the new movie 'Air,' and as Ben and Matt dish on behind-the-scenes stories, they also reminisce on their first impression of one another, their first project together, and even their first time meeting Michael Jordan.
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[@sianspherica]

It's kind of crazy for 2 guys who had known each other since they were 8 and who didn't come from showbiz backgrounds (ie. No Hollywood nepotism) to both become pretty equally huge stars and maintain that level of success for decades and somehow remain close friends through all of it. It's pretty remarkable.

[@watermelon_leah]

Really is remarkable how you have stayed so closed though all the Hollywood pressure of fame.

[@ykt4343]

Definitely. I completely agree 👍

[@trappedintimesurroundedbye5477]

Will the Harvey Weinstein peace help them out tremendously

[@MalissiaCreates]

I look forward to the movie about them one day!

[@M7Reaper]

They are the greats!

[@kailynbrennan1412]

I absolutely adore Ben’s final thoughts. “I have people who love and believe in me regardless of whether I’m on a “list” That’s “making it”. Nice to see success hasn’t gone to either of their heads

[@riveravaldez]

Apparently they're intelligent persons, so, they know - from experience - it's life and nothing else nor less.

[@MalissiaCreates]

One day there will be a movie based on their friendship and making it big in the industry; Oscar winners, and staying A list and friends for 40+ years… all an incredible feat.

[@loveamerica2828]

It should be called "Hollywood Hypocrites" or "Anti-american woketards"

[@belna4926]

They are cousins

[@MalissiaCreates]

@@belna4926 well, distant cousins. Not sure it’s the family reunions that are keeping them besties lol

[@babinag6278]

@@belna4926 I didn't know they were cousins. But I guess all Irish boston guys are related.

[@longlivedemocracy756]

Ben actually brought tears to my eyes when he talked about “making it” after a message from Matt. Love this friendship.

[@lexkanyima2195]

A true regular motivation

[@mattstopa9436]

That was incredible honestly.

[@katiegomes964]

Same! That was so poignant and incredibly sweet

[@belna4926]

They are cousins, not friends

[@f9nineteen]

Ben’s answer to the question about “making it” is great. Shows how sweet and smart he is. Also loved how Matt played a role in his realization. Love their friendship ❤

[@lexkanyima2195]

That's a solid road for both and it paid off

[@kameshreegovender6878]

Love it

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

I'm laughing at the fact that Matt tells this goofy story about underwear first, and then Ben follows it up with this deep, touching little tidbit about being loved and believed in.

[@LibbyAnn026]

This friendship is so rare. They won in life just meeting each other. I have dear and beloved friends from childhood as well, and I feel very lucky to have them; but I’ve never shared a bank account with any of them. That is next level trust and support. I can never forget that fact about their friendship. It’s just so beautiful.

[@Fed-np9ez]

People said it's crazy that they are still friends after all the Hollywood superstardom, but maybe they managed to be this successful in the first place precisely because they were friends. Matt and Ben had joint bank accounts growing up so they can help fund each other's trips to NY for auditions, they lived together, helped each other pay bills, learned lines together, and supported each other's ideas when writing together. Their friendship didn't make it through "despite" everything that's happened, THEY make it through "because" of such deep level of loyalty and love that they share with each other. Now that's what being a great friend is.

[@calisongbird]

That’s a great insight; I didn’t realize all that. Thank you for this post!

[@nan7503]

Apparently, they still have that account. It's an amazing friendship

[@tabaxikhajit4541]

Thanks for the added insight. They were the kind of friend every wishes they had.

[@madmike987655]

Ben is so ridiculously humble it's crazy. His last line was perfect, even a guy who's talented and successful still has nerves and insecurities and really values the people he has in his life who support him.

[@balinx]

You can tell he's been to some dark places and come back.

[@kingy002]

@@balinx Rather presumptuous of you.

[@nan7503]

Ben is just a brilliant person. Friendship for them is eternal.

[@lionelkennedy6092]

This is so cool how these guys grew up 2 blocks from each other in Boston, became Hollywood stars, and are best friends as well. Very unique and rare!

[@maximillianosaben]

It's always fun seeing them together. You just know they're actually friends.

[@joelpineda4414]

Yeah I guess they both are the same age! And they only had one movie together which is “air” and that’s it! Like they weren’t in any movies together back then like the 90s or something. And they both are cousins right in real life?

[@maximillianosaben]

@@joelpineda4414 - What is this sarcasm about? Cause you really went excessive.

[@joelpineda4414]

@@maximillianosaben well it’s just that I didn’t know they’re friends for a very long time and I thought they both are new actors to the movie era!

[@tibbsdailyday2611]

​@@joelpineda4414 how old are you seriously?

[@joelpineda4414]

@@tibbsdailyday2611 I’m 14

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

These two are platonic soulmates.

[@lillian9676]

anytime Matt Damon is involved its a class act

[@adriantrusca1245]

Apologies to Matt Damon but we ran out of time.

[@Olsenator]

MAAAATT DAAAAAMON

[@suhan.r21]

​@@adriantrusca1245 We'll hope to catch him next time 😂😂

[@lilmilontiktok]

Ben too

[@jerrymarty330]

2 great guys,I would love to hang out with them

[@ericross441]

Ben is just so cool and chill. A man's man

[@alifc1082]

This might be one of Ben's best interviews, for being so at ease. I someone that saw most of their movies, this I another I can't wait to watch

[@ykt4343]

Go watch it if you haven't yet. It's an awesome movie and truly inspiring.

[@soundshape6496]

Listen to their interview with Bill Simmons. He’s pretty comfortable with both guys during the podcast.

[@Sarahlynn0105]

Love how down to earth Matt is.

[@ronhowe9913]

Everything they touch...both individually as well as together...turns to gold. Been a fan all my life.

[@kathleenweinberg6442]

They are two great actor with a great personality

[@mariadel.6705]

My favorite celeb besties. I hope they have many more collaborations in the future. ❤

[@sipnog3528]

Poor Ben, he is so appreciative of Matt friendship😢. I'm happy, Matt stuck with him through thick and thin, in his struggles. Ben seems to have encountered hurtful situations in his life somehow. I think it's more related to celebrity life.

[@leticiatamayo3080]

Benito doesn’t have any wrinkles amazingly handsome.. Matt is just plain gorgeous and adorable they are both so surreal in their friendship!❤❤❤❤

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

I saw the movie "Air" a few days ago and they knocked it out of the park. I'm a huge Jordan fan but I didn't really know the story behind how Nike signed him. The nostalgia from this movie really took me back to that time as I was a sophomore in high school in 1984. If you lived through that era you'll love this movie especially for all the great songs they put in it.

[@jq8974]

LOOOOVE The boxer briefs story - and I totally get it! 😁(it’s those personal things that change when you cross a line that you remember)

[@sipnog3528]

They both have BEAUTIFUL SMILES. Isn't that amazing?

[@saitejach5996]

True friendship goals

[@kwit77]

I love their relationship

[@marge6581]

I love these two. Very down to earth and very talented! Can't wait to watch their new movie!

[@nelliedelapena5905]

Friendship like Oprah n Gayle . ❤ these boys

[@sethc4758]

It'd be cool to see these two reminisce over their childhood neighborhood, like a short walk thru. Though I'm sure their neighborhood is nearly unrecognizable from the time they were kids

[@zabindhanji]

Two of the coolest, talented and down-to-earth actors. I loved the movie Air. I didn't realize that Ben Affleck had directed it.

[@asian6oy]

when Ilook at Ben Affleck all I could think of is him in his Daredevil days 😍

[@mynamehaschanged]

Matt seems like the coolest guy.

[@johnnybmean74]

Looks like a major lush to me.

[@maryperry1773]

He was Bourne to be the coolest guy 😉

[@watermelon_leah]

Ben and Matt friendship is so wonderful.

[@earlybird32]

Love your wonderful words of wisdom Ben Affleck. Wishing you both continued success and happiness.

[@ykt4343]

Loved watching Air. These two were awesome. Such an interesting and inspiring movie. Need more from these two. And I love that they're so humble. Respect.

[@linghuizhu9831]

Loved every movies they were in. Not flashy but so profound. These two are literally magic duo in Hollywood!

[@bollocksnlilies]

this is Ben at his best tbh, talking about his work, being with his close friend and collaborator Matt.

[@SonnyK248]

I remember Kevin Smith saying that when he was younger he had a friend called Brian. And he idolized him and did everything he could to try and be just like him. Then years later he met Ben Affleck and thought he was just the most charming, relaxed, funny person he'd ever seen so he started patterning his life off of him.

[@berrindmr4454]

love you Ben😍

[@richg2881]

OMG, this is seriously important. This is a must for all serious art historians and the rest of us celb junkies. These are important people.

[@mikehall2781]

this makes my heart so complete. I love these guys.

[@anacarpenter9254]

Living in New Zealand 🇳🇿 These 2 gentlemen are before the new millineum and presently 2023 my chosen new era outstanding actors with character personalities in a film 🎥 that make me respect them and look forward too another blockbuster movie with them in it. This interview thank you for letting me view your work lifestyle 😊😊

[@FB6418]

I literally could listen to them for hours !

[@SomewhataMystery]

Ever since I seen them in thier first ever movies still rock it.

[@bb6nabi]

Matt Damon🥰🥰

[@watermelon_leah]

What a great interview I loved these guys together at actors and Directors. I also loved them as individual.

[@BlankCanvas88]

I remember as a young girl going to the store and seeing a bunch of shirts and purses, etc that said "Mrs. Affleck" or "Mrs. Damon" on them. They were the "it" boys.

[@tommywhite7985]

This commercial was hilarious. Would be very shocked . If did another one at my favorite dunkin ' donut.

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

You two are a great example of friendship and how valuable it is!!!

[@sundriesrebecakundomal2920]

I saw “Air“ at the cinema last week and I love it .Great that they are friends for life .I remember like yerterday when they won the Oscar 😀

[@charlespackwood2055]

These guys are wicked (Boston) smart. I didn't know they were that intelligent. Love these two.

[@ms.rickie]

Such kindness Even after all these years. I gave them a two thumbs up very normal people.

[@mayarmohammed998]

REALLY LOVE YOU BEN AFFLECK ❤

[@btetschner]

A+ video! Amazing to get some background on their meeting and their lives. Had no idea that Matt's mother was a professor of early childhood education and that Ben's mother was a 5th grade teacher!

[@antartorres7594]

My favorite movie with Ben is the Accountant ❤

[@deannharris2424]

Truly admire and love their friendship.

[@Kimber123]

That was nice. They seem like pretty grounded guys.

[@user-yj5xq5lb1b]

I think it's great they are famous and still grounded

[@kk-xi8li]

Wow I didn't know they've known each other that long!!! That's a great friendship to endure all those years!

[@r.w.221]

What they have created together always makes me Kind of jealous. And Then you Are nominated for the oscar and bring your mothers as plus one with you! That‘s my definition of making it!

[@michaelmartinson6495]

Love these guys love for each other.

[@germanverdier6825]

I fiel like I can be friends with them..also they are real artists. Great guys

[@ms.rickie]

Matt Damon… You are ageless❤

[@wyattalsbury2687]

Ben Affleck and I have the EXACT same birthday (08/15/72)! Funny that they posted a picture of Ben wearing a Batman t-shirt LOL

[@jazminpolanco3187]

They’re so talented ❤

[@watermelon_leah]

They really are and till this day they remain humble and not let fame get to them.

[@marinab106]

Love seeing these two guys together❤even though I have to say my soft spot is for Matt 🥰

[@shahiemavandersckyff7084]

love these two together

[@cesarsobrino7398]

Jason Bourne and Christian Wolff (The Accountant)

[@RojaJaneman]

I love them both. This is a no brained. Can’t wait to c it

[@charlottelucero4900]

I personally enjoy you both - thank you for entertaining us, as well as your public service to others. I personally enjoy the banter between Mr Damon, and Mr Kimmel - as well when Mr Affleck tries to mend fences between the two - again thank you both for entertaining us with humor, serious issues, and expressing the love between yourselves 🙋🏻‍♀️ may you continue with amazing success 🙏

[@jmreyes8671]

Ben and Matt should do a friendship test lmao

[@crowlee5111]

What’s the chances of both becoming mega Hollywood stars and Oscar winners. Amazing story.!

[@deletebilderberg]

Super talented fellas.

[@brajeshsingh2391]

So I watched Goodwill Hunting and The Last Duel where they are together. But interested in watching Dogma, a movie I had known about for years where they are together and then Air.

[@freddageforde6966]

Finally! This is what I've been needing to know.

[@1spankytc]

Both seem like great guys

[@jillianbullock9874]

Matt's answer to 'making it' with the underwear was funny. Celebrities, who can afford to buy things, are given to them for free a lot of times.

[@lilibethvilella]

2 of my favs forever ❤❤

[@keithgordon3823]

0:48 Micky Mouse club dropped the ball on that one! Lol!

[@bellajoy5827]

Wow. I love both of these humans ❤

[@Prytrom]

¡¡¡Love it!!! Thank you Elle

[@maneeshahooja]

Such nice guys!

[@ThekingdomPod1]

turns out that was kinda making it.... beautiful!!!

[@matthewgiuseppe6386]

Happy Birthday Matt Damon, hope you have a wonderful day. You are so awesome.

[@acbanalytics]

Very cool. You guys rock.

[@Dina-ud4ee]

Absolutely love these 2

[@natalielaporte2328]

I really like these guys.

[@leticiatamayo3080]

I love Benito Tshirt!❤❤❤

[@loulougallo8353]

Friendship goals

[@jj-if6it]

Down to earth guys

[@wonder841]

What an awesome friendship… love you guys!!!❤❤💐💐

[@sipnog3528]

Matt should have had an Oscar by now. He is a great actor. Class act actor.

[@lexkanyima2195]

He doesn't need it

[@watermelon_leah]

I agree.

[@imliz100]

He has one. Are you kidding?

[@jj-if6it]

@@imliz100 not for acting I think they mean

[@choosenickey7562]

Love y’all

[@wezmartins5773]

They are basically brothers.

[@LaliFrequency432HZ]

We need a life story about them or tv show

[@ByzantineCapitalManagement]

Living the dream these guys. Their friendship is pure goals.❤

[@concepcionisabelcastillo4627]

beautiful beings❤

[@cherishparkhurst8124]

2 great actors, big fan of Borne Identity movie series!

[@burnacco]

Ben's shirt is dope af

[@yolandamorlet2456]

I love them both.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Always kind of felt that Matt was a nice easygoing guy. Ben never seemed warm or friendly. I really think Ben is misunderstood as being cold and aloof. The media pounded Ben and he reacted. Matt just seemed to accept the media and rolled with it. I bet it would be wonderful to be in their lives.

[@jwall62]

For me it was bath towels, when I was able to afford brand new fluffy towels and fill the closet with them, I felt like I had finally accomplished something. I had always had towels you could see through. 40 years later my wife still makes sure we have a lot of thick fluffy towels. Love her.