Guide Note:

Matt Damon is an American actor and screenwriter. He is known for his frequent collaborations with Ben Affleck as well as for playing "Jason Bourne" in the Bourne film series. Damon and wife Luciana Barroso welcomed a new daughter, Gia Zavala, into the world in August 2008.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: October 8, 1970
2. 1996: Won Best Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting with friend Ben Affleck
3. Notable role: Jason Bourne in the Bourne film series
4. 2005: Married Luciana Barroso
5. 2006: Daughter Isabella born

Matt Damon's parents divorced when he was 2, and their mother moved the family from Newton, Massachusetts to Cambridge, Massachusetts. From an early age Damon showed an interest in acting, which he shared with neighbor and best friend, Ben Affleck.

He attended Harvard University for 3 years but dropped out to pursue more acting opportunities. Despite featuring in a number of films, Damon only got his big break when he starred in Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with Ben Affleck. The movie catapulted Damon into the spotlight, earning him an Oscar for best screenplay and an Oscar nomination for best actor in a leading role.

Since then Damon has been known to take on roles which showcase his range as an actor, and his most recent commercial success has been for his portrayal of Jason Bourne in the Bourne film series. He also stars in the blockbuster Ocean's Eleven Films alongside George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The success of these two film series have led to him being one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.