The story of the romance and abrupt breakup of Matt Damon and Minnie Driver!

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: shahid | In Couple , Dating , Split

Romances and breakups are common. But when the breakup is sudden and one of the partners is blindsided about it, it could be devastating. This happened in the case of the American couple, Matt Damon and Minnie Driver. Both had acted in Good Will Hunting and started dating on the sets in 1997. But before the Oscars 1998, it had all ended and Minnie was not aware of it. Know the complete story here.

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Matt Damon and Minnie Driver: the relationship

American actor Matt Damon, 53 and British-American actress, Minnie Driver, 53 had met during the filming of Good Will Hunting. This was in 1997 and Matt was also the screenwriter of the film along with Ben Affleck. Matt and Minnie started dating and were believed to become the next Hollywood power couple.

However, things ended abruptly in 1998 a few weeks before the Oscars and Minnie had not seen the split coming. She was taken by surprise. Matt did not communicate to her about it and she only came to know when he revealed his singlehood during his interview with Oprah Winfrey. But earlier, he had on a few occasions talked about his love for Minnie. For instance, on Late Show with David Letterman, Matt had said:

“Minnie pretty much rocked my world.”

Shock for Minnie Driver

Minnie was completely shocked by this interview and revelation. She did not like what the media published after that about her and her romance. She was portrayed as a victim. Minnie gave an interview to Los Angeles Times in July 1998 and said:

“It’s horrendous breaking up with someone anyway, but to have it be so public and to be cast in a role that I would never play if they were paying me – this wronged woman!”
“It’s unfortunate that Matt went on Oprah; it seemed like a good forum for him to announce to the world that we were no longer together, which I found fantastically inappropriate. Of course, he was busy declaring his love for me on David Letterman a month previously.”

Good Will Hunting brought fame to both the film stars. Matt won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and Minnie was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Matt mentioned her name and contribution to the film during the acceptance speech. Minnie had mixed feelings and was rather sad because the breakup had already occurred at that time. Matt was at the awards function with his new girlfriend. Minnie expressed:

“Matt had ended our relationship a few weeks before this, and was at the Oscars with his new gf… I was devastated.”
“Wish I could have celebrated more, and it was an amazing moment for all of us, and for this wonderful film!”

Bitterness less with time

Over the years, the two have moved on. In 2005, Matt wed Luciana Barroso and the two share four daughters together. On the other hand, Minnie is dating Addison O’Dea. They got engaged in 2019 and have a son, Henry who is 15 years old now. The negative feelings have lessened. Recalling the filming days with Matt, Minnie told The Telegraph in 2012:

“I’m always really sad that we didn’t stay friends because it was absolutely incandescent making that film. It was a beautiful experience and I’m so proud of that time.”

Minnie also spoke about seeing Matt with his family during summer holidays on the same beach. She told on Keep It! podcast in 2021:

“I did see Matt Damon on the beach and I had not had a conversation with him, seriously, since we made the film.”
“That was last summer and it was actually very nice to see him, and his kids and his wife, and it all felt quite middle-aged actually, which was reassuring.”

Short bio on Matt Damon

Matt Damon is an American actor. More bio…

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