Actor Matt Damon’s career has spanned decades, with the actor taking on a variety of roles that have challenged him in different ways.
However, one role that stands out as the most physically demanding was his portrayal of Specialist Andrew Ilario in the 1996 movie Courage Under Fire.
To play the role of a heroin addict convincingly, Damon needed to lose an extreme amount of weight.
In a recent Reddit AMA, Damon explained that the role was “the most physically challenging [thing] I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
He revealed that he took matters into his own hands to lose the weight needed for the role, putting himself on an all-chicken diet and running about 13 miles each day.
Damon’s dedication to the role paid off, as he lost a whopping 51 pounds in just three months.
However, the extreme nature of his diet and exercise regimen was not without risks.
Doctors later told him that the weight loss was so drastic, it could have permanently damaged his heart or even killed him.
Despite the health risks, Damon was committed to making the role as realistic as possible.
Courage Under Fire was one of the first movies to be made about the Gulf War, and Damon’s performance as Specialist Ilario helped to bring attention to the challenges faced by veterans returning home.
Damon’s acting career began in the late 1980s, and he quickly gained recognition for his talent.
According to Jetset Magazine, the actor grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and had the brains to attend Harvard.
However, he left the university with only 12 credits remaining in order to pursue his passion for acting.
In the years that followed, Damon took on a variety of roles, often competing against other actors during auditions.
He played a charming sociopath in The Talented Mr. Ripley and an FBI whistleblower in The Informant.
However, it was his role in Courage Under Fire that pushed him to his limits.
The movie, which also starred Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan, was a critical and commercial success.
Damon’s portrayal of Specialist Ilario was particularly well-received, with critics praising his commitment to the role.
In addition to his work in movies, Damon has also been involved in various philanthropic causes over the years.
He co-founded Water.org, an organization dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.
Despite his success, Damon remains committed to his craft, taking on challenging roles that allow him to push his limits as an actor.
His dedication to playing Specialist Ilario in Courage Under Fire serves as a testament to his commitment to the art of acting, even if it means taking risks with his own health.
Looking back on his experience filming Courage Under Fire, Damon told Foodbeast, “I don’t know if I’d do that again, but it was necessary for that role.”
His commitment to the role not only helped him to give a convincing performance but also shed light on the challenges faced by veterans and those struggling with addiction.
