Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have shared movie sets, awards seasons and a friendship that stretches back decades. Now, Damon says they are also sharing a quieter milestone, watching their children grow up and move toward adulthood.
People reported that Damon opened up about the emotional shift in a new interview, saying he and Affleck are in similar stages as parents.
InStyle also covered Damon’s comments about entering a “new phase of life” as two of his daughters have already left the nest.
Damon shares four daughters, Alexia, Isabella, Gia and Stella, with his wife, Luciana. Affleck shares Violet, Seraphina and Samuel with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, which means both actors are now watching their children move through older teen and young-adult years.
Damon Is Trying to Stay Present
Damon said he and Luciana are trying to be mindful about holding on to the time they still have at home, especially because two of their daughters are already out of the house.
He also said the family has been talking about presence and staying in the moment. Damon is describing the same tension many parents feel when ordinary routines suddenly seem limited.
Because time cannot be slowed down, Damon said the only real answer is to be fully present while the moments are still happening.
Family Dinner Is Still Non-Negotiable
Damon said family dinner has long been a non-negotiable tradition in his home. But he also admitted the routine can become automatic if everyone is distracted by work or phones.
One of his daughters recently pointed out that they had technically sat down for dinner but had not really talked. Damon said that moment reminded him that the point of the tradition is connection, not simply being in the same room.
The Odyssey Made the Family Moment Bigger
InStyle noted that his family joined him at the London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, where Damon plays Odysseus.
Damon said the shoot was long and demanding, and that his daughters had to sacrifice time with him while he was away. Seeing them support him at the premiere, it became a reminder of how quickly their family chapter is changing.
People reported that one of Damon’s daughters later told him she was proud of him after seeing the movie, a reaction he said made the work feel worth it.