He has a brother, Kyle, who is an accomplished sculptor and artist. Damon grew up near Ben Affleck, a close friend since childhood and collaborator on several films, and historian and author Howard Zinn, whose biographical film You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train and audio version of A People’s History of the United States Damon later narrated. As a lonely adolescent, Damon has described feeling “such pain in wanting to belong somewhere and not belonging.” Damon performed as an actor in several high school theater productions; he has credited his drama teacher at Rindge and Latin, Gerry Speca, as an important artistic influence, even though Damon recalls that, “Mr. Speca always seemed to trust Ben with the biggest roles and longest speeches.” Damon attended Harvard University from 1988 to 1992 but did not graduate. He took part in student theater, appearing in plays such as Burn This in Winthrop House and A.. After following a self-prescribed diet and fitness regimen to lose the weight, Damon was told after filming that he was fortunate his heart did not shrink. He took medication for several years afterwards to correct the stress inflicted on his adrenal gland. Damon garnered generally positive critical reaction for his Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of Ripley, with Variety stating, “Damon outstandingly conveys his character’s slide from innocent enthusiasm into cold calculation.” Damon’s attempts at essaying leading characters in romantic dramas such as 2000′s All the Pretty Horses and The Legend of Bagger Vance were commercially and critically unsuccessful.
Lindsay Lohan Had a Diva-Off with Matt Lauer Last Night [Gossip Roundup] Lindsay Lohan meant to give an interview before today’s court appearance, but freaked out and locked herself in her bedroom instead. Hugh Hefner’s wedding special is back on. Tobey Maguire and Matt Damon get caught up in a illegal poker scandal. Thursday gossip makes demands. More » [link]
