Ben Affleck Reveals Matt Damon Started Acting Because Of 'Jealousy'

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been childhood friends. The dynamic duo grew up in Boston and later went on to pursue their careers in Hollywood. Both stars won the Oscar for writing the screenplay of “Good Will Hunting” and the rest is history.

But did you know that Affleck became a star even before Damon thought of becoming an actor? After years of friendship, Affleck has opened up about some specific details about his friendship with the “Great Wall” actor and why he should take credit for Damon’s entry in the movie industry.

Speaking in an interview in Sirius XM's "The Jess Cagle Show," the 47-year-old actor revealed that Damon was pretty “jealous” after knowing that the “Live By Night” actor bagged a role in a series called “The Voyage Of The Mimi” at such a tender age. He further stated that Damon got so “envious” that he decided to pursue a career in films, too.

“I was seven or eight and ended up getting the part. Periodically, I would leave town, and go to the series, ‘The Voyage Of The Mimi’. And it was cheesy, and I was embarrassed about it. It was not like I was coming back home and being like, ‘You guys gotta see this! I am so cool,’” Affleck said.

The Academy Award-winning artist explained that the series made him love the art of filmmaking and all the other aspects that come under it. But most importantly, he was able to make Damon so “jealous” that he took up cinema as his profession.

“It did two things. One, it instilled in me a deep love and affection for this art and craft and line of work, and it made Matt Damon so incredibly jealous, it drove him into a career in cinema. So I really take credit for that,” Affleck said.

The duo will be next seen sharing a screen in the movie “The Last Duel.” Besides acting, Affleck and Damon are also writing the screenplay for the film. The movie chronicles the journey of two former friends, Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, who are ordered to fight to the death after Carrouges accuses Le Gris of sexually assaulting his wife in the 14th century.

The cast of “The Last Duel” also includes Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Harriet Walter, and Nathaniel Parker in pivotal roles. Directed by Ridley Scott, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters in 2021.