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The Ultimate Showdown: 7 Times Matt Damon And Jimmy Kimmel's 'Feud' Proved They Are Secretly Best Friends

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Despite what you see on television, the truth about the relationship between actor Matt Damon and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is far more hilarious and heartwarming than any on-screen rivalry suggests. The "feud" is one of the longest-running, most famous, and most elaborate satirical bits in Hollywood history, a comedic masterpiece that has spanned two decades and continues to generate fresh, viral content, even well into 2024. This detailed breakdown explores the origins, the evolution, and the latest antics that prove the two men are, in fact, very good friends who have perfected the art of public, performative animosity.

The core intention of the bit is simple: to make audiences laugh by watching a major Hollywood star be treated like a nuisance by a talk show host. The longevity of the joke, which began with a throwaway line, has created a topical authority that few other celebrity rivalries can match, making it a must-watch whenever Damon is near the *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* set or Kimmel is hosting a major event.

The Origins of a Legendary, Long-Running 'Feud'

The "feud" is entirely fabricated for comedic effect, a fact both men have openly admitted. It all began in 2005, during a particularly discouraging episode of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* Kimmel, feeling frustrated with the show, decided to end the night with an improvised, off-the-cuff joke.

  • The Birth of the Bit (2005): Kimmel wrapped up the show by saying, "Apologies to Matt Damon, but we ran out of time." Damon was not even scheduled to be on the show that night.
  • The Unexpected Success: The line got a laugh from the crew and the audience. Kimmel continued to use the joke nightly, and it quickly became a signature sign-off.
  • Damon's Involvement: The actor, upon hearing about the recurring joke, decided to lean into it. This willingness from an A-list star to be the butt of a running gag cemented the bit's potential.

The satirical nature of the rivalry has since evolved into an elaborate performance, with Damon often attempting to sneak onto the show or appearing in sketches to confront his "nemesis."

Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel: A Timeline of the Best 'Feud' Moments

The decades-long saga has produced countless memorable moments, extending far beyond the late-night stage and into major Hollywood events, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of modern celebrity comedy.

1. The Iconic 'I'm F*cking Matt Damon' Video (2007)

This is arguably the moment the "feud" went global. Kimmel’s then-girlfriend, comedian Sarah Silverman, created a viral music video where she confessed to having an affair with Matt Damon. The video featured Damon himself and premiered on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, prompting a comedic retaliation video from Kimmel titled "I'm F*cking Ben Affleck." This exchange not only elevated the feud but also further integrated Damon's real-life best friend, Ben Affleck, into the ongoing narrative. Affleck remains a frequent collaborator with Kimmel, often taking Damon’s side in the rivalry.

2. The 'Couple's Counseling' Intervention (2015)

In a hilarious attempt to "resolve" their differences, the two stars participated in a televised sketch where they attended couple's counseling. The bit showcased their impeccable comedic timing and the underlying absurdity of their "hatred," with the therapist struggling to mediate between the two bickering stars.

3. The 'Air' Promotion and Damon's Banned Call (2023)

When Damon and Affleck were promoting their 2023 film *Air*, Damon was, predictably, not allowed to be a guest on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. Kimmel did, however, allow Affleck to make a video call to Damon, but only for a single question, which Kimmel promptly cut short, maintaining the illusion of the ban.

4. The 2024 Oscars Gag with Messi the Dog

The "feud" was a major highlight of the 96th Academy Awards, which Kimmel hosted in March 2024. In the final moments of the broadcast, a clip aired featuring Messi, the dog star of the film *Anatomy of a Fall*. The clip appeared to show Messi urinating on Matt Damon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, a gag that Kimmel later praised on his show, calling the dog "such a good boy" for the act.

5. The Surprise Mascot Crash Landing (Late 2024)

The rivalry proved to be as fresh as ever in late 2024. During an episode of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in October, while Kimmel was doing his monologue, Matt Damon made a surprise appearance. The actor crashed the show dressed in a bright neon furry mascot costume, an absurd disguise that only added to the comedic chaos. Damon’s attempt to infiltrate the show, even under a bizarre costume, demonstrated their continued commitment to the bit.

The Truth: Are Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel Really Friends?

The definitive answer is a resounding yes. The "feud" is a purely professional and comedic venture that has become a staple of pop culture. They are, in reality, good friends who enjoy performing this long-running piece of theater for their audiences.

The key to the bit's success is the genuine, yet exaggerated, frustration they display. It requires a high level of trust and a shared sense of humor, which only real friends could maintain for this long. They leverage their true friendship to create a believable, albeit over-the-top, animosity.

Topical Authority Entities:

  • The Oscars: Kimmel frequently uses his hosting duties at the Academy Awards to take shots at Damon, ensuring the feud gets global attention.
  • Ben Affleck: Affleck serves as the comedic bridge between the two, often appearing with Kimmel to mock Damon, or vice-versa.
  • Boston Connection: Both Damon and Affleck hail from Massachusetts, a shared background that adds a layer of regional rivalry to the bit.
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! (JKL): The show is the primary stage for the feud, with Damon being the most famous person to be consistently "banned" from the show.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Even Damon's public star is not safe from Kimmel's comedic attacks, as seen with the 2024 Oscars dog gag.

Ultimately, the Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel "feud" is a testament to the power of a great, committed comedic bit. It’s a decades-long performance art piece that benefits both of their careers, keeping them relevant and providing endless entertainment. Every time Kimmel signs off with "Apologies to Matt Damon," or Damon sneaks onto the set in a ridiculous costume, they are not fueling a rivalry—they are celebrating one of Hollywood's most enduring and hilarious friendships.

are matt damon and jimmy kimmel friends
are matt damon and jimmy kimmel friends

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