The term "dynamic duo" doesn't always refer to a powerful couple in a romantic relationship, it could also reflect best friends who make strong decision that benefit them both individually and as a unit. After all, the original dynamic duo were Batman and Robin. Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been close friends for decades. Their close bond even helped spark the popular term "bromance." In a recent interview with The Guardian, Damon opened up about rumors that he had a gay relationship with Affleck and why he believes coming out in Hollywood can be a struggle.
There's something about seeing best friends together that puts smiles on people's faces. When those best friends just happen to be celebrities, it somehow makes the relationship even more appealing. Whether it's Cameron Diaz and longtime BFF Drew Barrymore or Seth Rogen and James Franco, the media can't get enough of these best buds.
The Massachusetts natives really made a name for themselves in Hollywood when the two wrote and starred in the 1997 Academy Award winning film, Good Will Hunting. From walking the red carpet together to gushing about each other in interviews, the media couldn't stop itself from speculating that these two were a little more than friends.
"I'm sure," Damon said to The Guardian after being asked if it's hard for actors to be openly gay in Hollywood. "When Ben and I first came on the scene there were rumours that we were gay because it was two guys who wrote a script together."
The rumors didn't keep Damon away from portraying a non-heterosexual character in the 2013 film, Behind the Candelabra, where he took on the role of Liberace's lover, alongside Michael Douglas. Damon's character was identified as a bisexual. It's been reported the production of the film was delayed for years due to the lack of funding, with Hollywood studios calling the film "too gay." The film went on to win a Golden Globe.
Not only did the allegation shock the 44-year-old, but it also made him uneasy whenever the media would inquire about it during interviews. Despite being comfortable in his sexuality, Damon admits he didn't really know how to respond to questions without seeming offensive.
"I know. It's just like any piece of gossip... and it put us in a weird position of having to answer, you know what I mean? Which was then really deeply offensive. I don't want to, like [imply] it's some sort of disease - then it's like I'm throwing my friends under the bus. But at the time, I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy - more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor - it's tough to make the argument that he didn't take a hit for being out."
The actor has been romantically linked to actresses like Minnie Driver and Winona Ryder. He's been married to Luciana Bozán Barroso for nearly 10 years and they share three daughters together. They also have a daughter from Barroso's previous marriage.
With the recent advancements in LGBTQ rights, Damon believes attitudes have changed greatly throughout the years. Living in the public eye with your personal life under the media's microscope can be hard enough, but Damon feels the less outsiders know, the better. According to Damon, actors are at their best when their life is a mystery to the media, especially when it comes to their sexuality.
"I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly," he continues. "But in terms of actors, I think you're a better actor the less people know about you period. And sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether you're straight or gay, people shouldn't know anything about your sexuality because that's one of the mysteries that you should be able to play."
