HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, both renowned Hollywood figures, share the status of being industry heavyweights. However, when it comes to their personal lives, there is a notable distinction between the two. Damon once revealed that having a famous actress as a partner significantly affects the level of privacy one can enjoy.
In an interview with Esquire magazine for their August 2013 issue, Damon discussed the nature of fame and why his friend, Brad Pitt, envied him. As an Academy Award-winning actor and a close friend of Pitt, Damon acknowledged the occasional lack of control over one's level of fame and how it impacts the lives of celebrities.
'His face just fell'
Damon reflected on the challenges of fame and the intrusive nature of the paparazzi in an interview with the magazine. He expressed, "If you can control the celebrity side of a celebrity, then it's worth it. I look at Brad -- and I have for years -- and when I'm with him I see the intensity of that other side of it. And the paparazzi and the insane level of aggression they have and their willingness to break the law and invade his space -- well, I wonder about that trade."
In essence, Damon's comments shed light on the contrasting personal lives of himself and Pitt in matters of raising children, emphasizing the challenges and drawbacks that accompany Pitt's immense fame and public attention. "I remember telling him that I walked my kids to school, and his face just fell. He was very kind, but he was like, 'You b****rd.' Because he should be able to do that, too. And he can't," as per Esquire magazine.
'Yeah, he's jealous of me'
In another interview with SheKnows, Damon was asked about the comments he made in the August 2013 issue of Esquire about how Pitt was jealous of his fame. When the question came up, Damon laughed at the implication and quickly cleared the air. He said, “[What I meant was] the fact that I can walk my kids to school and not be hounded by photographers. That’s it, what else is there to be jealous of?” Damon then added jokingly, “Yeah, he’s jealous of me.”
Like two contrasting worlds
Beyond Pitt's illustrious career, he has been subjected to intense scrutiny by the media due to his personal life. His high-profile relationships have consistently kept him in the public eye. According to Damon, it is this aspect of celebrity status that troubles Pitt, who envies Damon's ability to carry out everyday activities more freely.
During the same interview with Esquire, Damon further elaborated on how Pitt faced constant cameras and restrictions on his freedom, even for the simplest tasks. Pitt's relationships with well-known figures like Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie further intensified the attention on him, unlike Damon's experiences.
A not-so-similar personal life
Unlike some other stars whose personal lives are often mired in controversies and scandals, Damon enjoys a relatively normal married life. The acclaimed actor, known for his role in 'Good Will Hunting', has been married to his Argentine wife, Luciana Barroso, since 2003 and they share four daughters.
On the other hand, Brad Pitt has faced a tumultuous personal life, which garnered significant media attention, particularly surrounding his divorces from Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. Pitt was married to the popular actress Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005. Following their separation, Pitt's relationship with Angelina Jolie captured headlines, ultimately ending in separation in 2019.
