Matt Damon And Jimmy Kimmel: The Nearly 20-Year Feud Explained

For almost 20 years now, Hollywood superstar Matt Damon and TV host Jimmy Kimmel have been locked in a bitter feud. This ongoing comedic battle between two very famous faces has, in a way, captured the attention of many people across the country. It is a rivalry that has played out on late-night television for a very long time, and people often wonder about its true nature.

The back-and-forth between actor Matt Damon and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is a story that has, apparently, become a staple of pop culture. It is a long-running gag, a kind of performance art, that has evolved over the years. Viewers who tune into Jimmy Kimmel Live often expect to see some mention of this playful animosity, and it almost always delivers a chuckle.

Curious about why Jimmy Kimmel doesn’t like Matt Damon, or perhaps, why Matt Damon seems to have a problem with Jimmy Kimmel? We can look at everything to know about their ongoing feud. It is a story with a beginning, a middle, and, quite possibly, no real end in sight, which is that part of what makes it so interesting to watch.

Table of Contents

The People Involved: Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel

Before we look at the details of their long-standing on-screen rivalry, it helps to know a little bit about the two main players. Both Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel have, more or less, made significant marks in their respective fields, one in movies and the other in television. They are, you know, very recognizable figures, and their personalities often shine through their work.

Matt Damon: A Brief Look

Matt Damon is, basically, an actor and a producer who has been in many popular films. He is known for taking on a wide range of parts, from serious dramas to action-packed thrillers. His career started gaining a lot of speed in the late 1990s, and he has, sort of, remained a consistent presence in Hollywood ever since. People often see him as a very talented and reliable performer, which he truly is.

Here is some basic information about him, just a little bit of what makes him who he is:

DetailInformation
Full NameMatthew Paige Damon
OccupationActor, Producer, Screenwriter
Birth DateOctober 8, 1970
Birth PlaceCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Notable WorksGood Will Hunting, Bourne series, The Martian, Ocean's series
AwardsAcademy Award (for Screenwriting), Golden Globe Awards, and others
SpouseLuciana Barroso
ChildrenFour daughters

Matt Damon has, in some respects, a very down-to-earth public image, despite his superstar status. He often seems like a regular guy, which might be why so many people connect with him. His acting work shows a lot of depth, and he has, apparently, earned a lot of respect from both his peers and movie watchers. He is, to be honest, a big name in the entertainment world.

Jimmy Kimmel: A Brief Look

Jimmy Kimmel is, generally, a television host, a comedian, and a producer. He is most famous for hosting the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which airs on ABC. His style of humor often involves playful teasing and, sometimes, a bit of self-deprecation. He has, you know, been a fixture in late-night television for a considerable amount of time now, making people laugh.

Here is some general information about him, just a little bit to get to know him:

DetailInformation
Full NameJames Christian Kimmel
OccupationTelevision Host, Comedian, Producer, Writer
Birth DateNovember 13, 1967
Birth PlaceBrooklyn, New York, USA
ShowJimmy Kimmel Live!
Notable RolesHost of the Academy Awards, Host of the Emmy Awards
SpouseMolly McNearney
ChildrenFour children

Jimmy Kimmel, in a way, has a very quick wit and a knack for making guests feel comfortable, even when he is teasing them. His show features a mix of celebrity interviews, comedy bits, and, occasionally, a bit of social commentary. He has, apparently, built a loyal following over the years, and people really enjoy his particular brand of humor.

The Origin Story: How It All Began

The long-running, very public "feud" between Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel is, quite honestly, one of the most enduring gags in late-night television history. It has, you know, garnered nationwide coverage since 2005. The whole thing started during the third season of Jimmy Kimmel Live, which is a very interesting point in time for the show.

So, the story goes that Jimmy Kimmel, one night, was trying to end his show. He was, basically, running out of time, and he needed to wrap things up quickly. He made a joke about running out of time for a big star, and for some reason, he picked Matt Damon’s name. It was, apparently, just a random choice, a spur-of-the-moment decision to fill a few seconds before the credits rolled.

That little, seemingly throwaway line, "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time," became a running gag. It was, in a way, a simple phrase that, over time, grew into something much bigger. The audience found it funny, and Jimmy Kimmel, seeing the reaction, just kept doing it. This is, you know, how many great comedy bits start, with something small that just catches on.

The joke, in some respects, stuck. It became a consistent part of the show's closing. Matt Damon, being a good sport and, you know, a very clever person, eventually got in on the act. This is where the "feud" truly began to take shape, moving beyond just a host's random line. It became a mutual, ongoing comedic project between the two.

The Feud Unfolds: A Timeline of Trolling

Once that initial joke took hold, the "feud" between Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel really began to grow. It wasn't just about running out of time anymore; it became a full-blown, very elaborate series of pranks and jabs. Here is, you know, a complete timeline of their endless feud and mutual trolling, showing how their beef started with TV show videos and much more.

Early Days (2005-2007): The Seed is Planted

  • 2005: The Origin. As mentioned, it all began during the third season of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Jimmy Kimmel ended his show by saying, "Apologies to Matt Damon, we ran out of time." This simple line, you know, was the very start of everything. It was, basically, a way to make a quick exit and, perhaps, add a little bit of unexpected humor to the end of the broadcast.

  • Continued Mentions. Kimmel kept repeating the line night after night, even when Damon wasn't scheduled to be on the show. It became a very consistent bit, a kind of inside joke with the audience. People started to expect it, and, apparently, it always got a little laugh. This repetition, in a way, solidified the joke in people's minds.

Escalation (2008-2010): The First Big Responses

  • "I'm F***ing Matt Damon" (2008). This was, arguably, a huge turning point. Jimmy Kimmel’s then-girlfriend, Sarah Silverman, appeared in a very popular comedy video where she sang about having a relationship with Matt Damon. The video was, you know, a big hit online and on television. Matt Damon himself appeared in the video, singing along and, basically, playing into the joke perfectly. This, in some respects, really elevated the feud to a new level, making it clear Damon was in on it.

  • Kimmel's Response: "F***ing Ben Affleck" (2008). Not to be outdone, Jimmy Kimmel responded with his own star-studded video, featuring Ben Affleck, Damon's long-time friend and collaborator. In this video, Kimmel sang about having a relationship with Ben Affleck. This, you know, showed that the playful rivalry was a two-way street, and both sides were committed to the bit. It was, basically, a very clever response, keeping the comedic ball rolling.

The Running Gag Continues (2011-2015): More Public Jabs

  • Damon's Attempts to Get on the Show. Over the years, Matt Damon would, very often, try to get on Jimmy Kimmel Live, only to be "bumped" or have his segment cut short by Kimmel, always with the same "ran out of time" excuse. These moments were, you know, always played for laughs, with Damon showing mock frustration. It was, in a way, a very consistent part of the show's humor.

  • Appearances on Other Shows. Damon would, sometimes, take his "grievances" to other talk shows, complaining about Kimmel's treatment of him. This helped, basically, to spread the joke beyond Kimmel's own program. It showed that the feud was, apparently, a widespread comedic narrative, not just confined to one place.

Major Moments (2016-Present): The Feud Goes Global

  • Oscars Hosting (2017). When Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards, Matt Damon was, of course, present. Kimmel took many opportunities to playfully insult Damon throughout the ceremony, often making fun of his movie choices or his presence. This was, you know, a very public display of their comedic rivalry on a global stage. It was, basically, a very memorable part of the show.

  • Damon "Takes Over" Kimmel's Show (2018). In a very elaborate prank, Matt Damon, with the help of Ben Affleck and other celebrities, "took over" an entire episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, forcing Kimmel to sit in the audience. This was, you know, a huge moment in the feud, showing the extent of their commitment to the bit. It was, apparently, a very well-executed piece of comedy, giving the Oscar winner just a big victory, much to the delight of viewers.

  • Continued Trolling. Even now, almost two decades later, the jabs continue. Whether it's Kimmel making a comment about Damon during his monologue or Damon finding a way to sneak onto the show or into a sketch, the playful animosity is still very much alive. They are, in a way, very committed to keeping this joke going, and it really shows.

The feud has, basically, garnered nationwide coverage since 2005, when Kimmel ended his show with that simple line. It has evolved from a small, random joke into a very complex, ongoing comedic performance that, you know, involves many other people in Hollywood. There is probably no one in the world more committed to a joke than Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel, and that, arguably, is why it has lasted so long.

Is It Real, Or Just for Laughs?

This is, arguably, the most common question people ask about the Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel feud: Is it real? The short answer is, no, not in the way a genuine, angry argument would be. It is, basically, a very elaborate and very well-executed comedic bit that has been going on for years. Both men are, apparently, very good friends in real life, and they enjoy playing up this fake rivalry for entertainment.

The entire premise is built on a shared understanding and, you know, a mutual commitment to humor. They have, in a way, invested so much time and effort into this joke that it has become a part of their public personas. It is, basically, a testament to their comedic timing and their ability to stay in character, even when they are just being themselves on television.

Think of it as a very long-running improv sketch. They both know the rules, and they both know how to keep the audience laughing. The "bitter feud" is, in some respects, a performance, a very clever one that has fooled some people into thinking it might be real. But, you know, at its core, it is all about making people smile and creating memorable television moments.

Their ongoing "beef" is, basically, a masterclass in comedic dedication. For almost 20 years now, they have, apparently, kept this joke alive, finding new ways to make it fresh and funny. It is, you know, a very unique kind of friendship, one that plays out with mock hostility on screen. This commitment to the bit is what makes it so enduring and, arguably, so beloved by fans.

Why It Still Matters Today

The Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel feud, even after nearly two decades, still matters to many people. It is, basically, a very unique example of sustained comedic performance in the public eye. In a world where celebrity news can change very quickly, their consistent, playful rivalry offers a kind of comfort and, you know, a reliable source of laughter.

It shows, in a way, the power of a simple, repeated joke that grows over time. It also highlights the very good relationship between two major figures in entertainment who are willing to poke fun at themselves and each other for the audience’s enjoyment. This kind of self-awareness and, you know, good humor is something people really appreciate.

The feud has, apparently, become a part of the fabric of late-night television. When you think of Jimmy Kimmel, it is very likely that the thought of Matt Damon is not far behind. This connection is, basically, a testament to how deeply ingrained their comedic relationship has become in pop culture. It is, you know, a very successful example of how celebrities can create ongoing, engaging content for their fans.

It also serves as a reminder that not everything in Hollywood is serious. Sometimes, it is just about having a good time and making people laugh. The enduring popularity of the Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel "feud" proves that, you know, a well-executed joke, carried out with genuine commitment, can last for a very long time and keep people coming back for more. Learn more about Matt Damon on our site, and link to this page Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel's funniest moments.

To learn more about the history of late-night television and how such enduring gags become popular, you could, you know, check out resources on entertainment news sites. They often cover the evolution of these kinds of comedic traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel feud real?

No, the "feud" between Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel is, basically, a very long-running, elaborate comedic bit. They are, in fact, good friends in real life. The mock rivalry is, apparently, purely for entertainment, and they both enjoy playing it up for the cameras. It is, you know, a very well-known joke that has been going on for years.

When did the Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel feud start?

The feud began in 2005, during the third season of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Jimmy Kimmel, basically, made a joke about running out of time for Matt Damon at the end of his show. This simple, random line, you know, was the very first spark that ignited their nearly two-decade-long comedic rivalry. It was, apparently, a very spontaneous moment that just stuck.

Why does Jimmy Kimmel always say he ran out of time for Matt Damon?

Jimmy Kimmel started saying he ran out of time for Matt Damon as a random, off-the-cuff joke to end his show quickly one night in 2005. It was, basically, a way to wrap things up when they were short on time. The line, you know, got a laugh, and Kimmel just kept using it, turning it into a very consistent running gag that became the foundation of their entire "feud."

Jimmy Kimmel And Matt Damon's Feud Explained

Jimmy Kimmel And Matt Damon's Feud Explained

Here's Why Matt Damon And Jimmy Kimmel Have Been 'Feuding' For Years

Here's Why Matt Damon And Jimmy Kimmel Have Been 'Feuding' For Years

Ben Affleck is the big 'loser' says Jimmy Kimmel after the star got

Ben Affleck is the big 'loser' says Jimmy Kimmel after the star got

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