For nearly two decades, the world has been entertained by the ongoing saga between Hollywood superstar Matt Damon and late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
The question on everyone’s mind: are they truly at odds, or is it all just an elaborate act? Let’s dive into the details to uncover the truth behind this long-standing feud.
Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel are good friends who have turned their on-air feud into a comedic bit. It all began in 2003 when Kimmel jokingly said during his show, “My apologies to Matt Damon, we’ve ran out of time,” even though the actor was never scheduled to appear. From there, their rivalry blossomed, leading to staged incidents and outrageous pranks.
Why Are Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel Fighting? Do They Hate Each Other?
Since beginning his career in the 1990s, Matt Damon has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest names. Known for his roles in blockbuster hits and his amiable demeanor, Damon is a beloved figure in the industry.
However, one person doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment – Jimmy Kimmel.
The host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has made it abundantly clear over the years that he and Damon are not on good terms. Their public spats and on-air jabs have left many wondering what sparked the animosity between them and whether it’s genuine.
No, Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel do not really hate each other. Quite the opposite: They are now really good friends and do this whole feud thing as a bit of a play. Yes, a stunt.
But how did this whole thing begin?
The feud between Damon and Kimmel dates back to 2003 when Kimmel jokingly announced on his show that he didn’t have time to interview Damon, even though the actor was never scheduled to appear.
Kimmel clarified in a 2013 interview with NPR:
“We had a bad show… the guests were bad, and I was feeling pretty bad about myself at the end of the show. I decided to say, for the amusement of one of our producers who was standing next to me… Matt Damon was just the first name that popped into my head. I was trying to think of an A-list star, and somebody we absolutely would not bump if he was on the show.”
This seemingly innocuous moment marked the beginning of a comedic rivalry.
In a revealing interview with SiriusXM, Damon later shed light on his side of the story, recalling how Kimmel “pulled his name out of thin air” during a particularly rough episode of his show.
He said:
“The way [Kimmel] told me the story … he said, ‘I had a ventriloquist and a guy in a gorilla suit as my guests,’ and (from that) ‘My apologies to Matt Damon, we’ve ran out of time’ was born.”
Damon also humorously reflected on Kimmel’s choice, suggesting Brad Pitt’s name could’ve been used instead. But who knows if Pitt would have played along with the joke for almost two decades.
In 2006, Damon made an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show, and the feud took an entertaining turn. Despite being invited, Kimmel introduced Damon only to cut him off and conclude the show swiftly.
Damon’s apparent frustration led him to swear and storm off stage, leaving viewers to speculate if it was a genuine reaction.
Since then, the rivalry has escalated with at least 12 more staged incidents, each more outrageous than the last.
In 2007, Damon sent Kimmel’s then-girlfriend, Sarah Silverman, in his place, implying through a music video that they were involved in an affair. This stunt only fueled the fire of their ongoing feud.
After a six-year hiatus, Damon shocked audiences in 2013 by hosting Kimmel’s show while the host was tied up in the background.
Their attempts to mend their relationship through couples’ counseling in 2015 proved futile, leading to even more absurd antics.
The involvement of Damon’s friend, Ben Affleck, in 2016 added another layer of hilarity to the feud, with Affleck appearing on Kimmel’s show hiding Damon underneath an oversized coat.
Damon himself made a surprise appearance on the show disguised as NFL player Tom Brady the following year. In return, Kimmel orchestrated a stunt involving Brady throwing a football through a window at Matt Damon’s home in 2019.
Since then, the two have thrown plenty of other jabs and jokes at each other. As the Oscars approach, one thing is sure: fans can expect more laughter and lighthearted banter between Hollywood’s favorite frenemies.
What do you think makes the Damon-Kimmel feud so enduring and entertaining? Do you believe their friendship adds to the comedic value of their rivalry, or would you prefer if it were genuine animosity?
Also, are there any other celebrity feuds that you find particularly amusing or intriguing?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Sirius XM
