Matt Damon is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, with a wide range of successful movie roles, including an Oscar-winning performance.
However, it was his part in the 1996 film Courage Under Fire that proved to be his most challenging role yet.
Growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Damon had the intellect to attend Harvard University, but he left with only 12 credits remaining to pursue an acting career.
Despite facing intense competition during auditions, Damon’s hard work paid off, and he gradually made a name for himself in the industry.
Damon’s success was largely due to his ability to tackle diverse and challenging roles, from playing a charming sociopath in The Talented Mr. Ripley to portraying an unexpected character as the dopey FBI whistleblower in The Informant.
However, it was his role as Specialist Andrew Ilario in Courage Under Fire that proved to be his hardest and most demanding.
Courage Under Fire was one of the first movies to explore the Gulf War, featuring a star-studded cast, including Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan.
Damon landed the role of Specialist Andrew Ilario, a medic turned heroin addict.
To make the part authentic, Damon needed to go on an extreme diet to accurately embody a heroin addict’s physical appearance.
In a recent Reddit AMA, Damon revealed that playing the role of Ilario was “the most physically challenging [thing] I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
He achieved the desired transformation by putting himself on an all-chicken diet, which enabled him to shed a staggering 51 pounds in just three months.
Despite being only 25 years old and weighing in at just 139 pounds, it was unhealthy for the actor.
He also ran approximately 13 miles per day to further enhance his weight loss efforts.
Damon’s diet and exercise regime was so extreme that doctors later warned him that it could have caused permanent heart damage or even killed him.
Despite the risks, Damon’s dedication to his craft was unwavering.
His role in Courage Under Fire put Damon on the map, earning him critical acclaim and paving the way for his breakthrough performance in Good Will Hunting.
From there, he became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, with his appearance in The Bourne trilogy cementing his status as an elite actor.
Damon is now reunited with his friend and writing partner Ben Affleck, co-writing the screenplay for The Last Duel.
Although production has been temporarily halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the duo remains optimistic that they can recapture their on-screen brilliance.
In conclusion, Matt Damon’s commitment to his craft is evident in his willingness to risk his health and well-being to accurately portray a character.
His hard work and dedication to his roles have earned him critical acclaim and made him one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors.
We look forward to seeing what he and Affleck have in store for us next.
