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Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.

Thursday's Connector: Matt Damon

October 22nd, 2010
08:08 PM ET

The American actor, philanthropist and screenwriter Matt Damon is known for his roles in a wide range of successful movies as well as his charity work.

Son of Kent Telfer Damon and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Damon was born in 1970 in Boston, and lived there for the first two years of his life.

He first rose to fame following his lead performance in the film "Good Will Hunting." His success continued with appearances in a clutch of high-profile films including "Saving Private Ryan," "Invictus" and the "Bourne" trilogy.

In addition to his acting career, Damon has been a budding philanthropist since the age of 12, creating charities such as the H20 Africa foundation and Water.org. He also supports the ONE campaign which is aimed at fighting AIDS and poverty.

Now is his pairing up with OneXOne – an international charity that works to implement health care, water, food and education for the less fortunate children around the world.

 Tune in on Thursday night at 2200 CET, 2100 London time to see the full interview on CNN International.

You can also leave your comments on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/cnnconnect.

soundoff (41 Responses)
  1. Jurgen R. Brul

    Hello Matthew Paige "Matt" Damon and CNN friends,

    I would like an answer from Matthew Paige "Matt" Damon on the following questions:

    – How will you Improve Clean and Safe Water Worldwide, while the North German Lloyd (Hapag-Lloyd AG) Cargo Ship “the Goslar” is Still Polluting our Waters for Decades, especially the waters in Suriname and the Caribbean?

    – How are you going to Improve our world to be HIV/AIDS, Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer Free?

    – Why do you play La Boeuf in your upcoming film “True Grit”?

    – What can we expect from you in 2011?

    I am awaiting Matthew Paige "Matt" Damon’s replies.

    Greetings,
    Jurgen R. Brul
    Hometown: Paramaribo
    Country: Suriname

    October 22, 2010 at 9:12 pm | Reply
  2. Rabab Jafar

    Karachi, Pakistan

    Since the floods in August, Pakistan has been facing major water and sanitation issues. Does Water.org have any plans of setting up some sort program in the flood affected areas?

    Also, kudos to you for all your philanthropic work. It really is very inspiring.

    October 23, 2010 at 10:02 pm | Reply
  3. Luca Salvi

    With all the demands on your time and all of the great causes to choose from, how do you decide which philantropic projects to support and dedicate your time to?

    Luca Salvi
    Brussels, Belgium

    October 25, 2010 at 10:25 am | Reply
  4. Alex Clavel

    How do you feel about Obama now that a couple of years have gone by and you had some accurate yet piercing criticisms of Palin?

    AND

    How do you feel about Joaqin Pheonix's "mockumentary" which seems to have mocked and wasted the time of several players in Hollywood?

    Thank you for your time.

    October 25, 2010 at 10:28 am | Reply
  5. Chris Smallfield

    Hello Matt, My question is, what is your next move in entertainment? More specifically, you've been an actor in many high profile films and a screenwriter in several as well, do you have any directing ambition or goals yet to achieve?

    I really like your work, looking forward to the future! Thanks

    October 25, 2010 at 10:40 am | Reply
  6. bill

    Matt;

    You seem to pick roles that show truth about our culture and how it affects the world in general.

    What do you think would be the most significant thing the average person should do to bring about a positive effect in their lives?

    October 25, 2010 at 10:42 am | Reply
  7. Tom Smith

    Buenos Aires, Argentina –
    Hi there, we have an increased amount of poverty here in Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina. Do you take part in any charities in South America?

    October 25, 2010 at 10:42 am | Reply
  8. mayhaveaname

    1) What movie is his best ?
    2) What movie that he played is his best ?
    thx

    October 25, 2010 at 10:45 am | Reply
  9. Wayne

    Will there be Bourne 4?

    October 25, 2010 at 10:54 am | Reply
  10. Nash Indalkar

    Hi Matt,

    How are you mate ? You are just another Angel send by god. My question to you is :

    "How can we save our mother Earth from the real devils : humans, the consumerism, high standard of living, fast food life style, race to live the better and the best life, companies expanding the peoples never fulfilling needs ? "

    Have a fab day.

    cheers

    Nash

    October 25, 2010 at 11:01 am | Reply
  11. Robert

    Hi Matt
    Do you think you were "bourne" to be a actor?

    October 25, 2010 at 11:02 am | Reply
  12. Trudy

    Hi Matt
    Congratulations to your and your family for your new baby girl. I wish you all well.
    I have been telling all of my friends for years that you are my favourite actor and you deserve all the credit that comes your way. My questions are simply this: Matt if one of your friends asked you to describe your first impressions of Australia, what would you say to them? and secondly when are you coming back to Australia?
    Cheers
    Trudy
    Melbourne, Australia

    October 25, 2010 at 11:06 am | Reply
  13. Richie Walker

    Matt,

    Your favorite actor and actress to work with?

    Richie Walker
    Bangkok, Thailand

    October 25, 2010 at 11:12 am | Reply
  14. Matthew M

    When, in your assessment, is the best time to take your shirt off in a movie? Also thanks for all your philanthropic efforts.

    California, USA

    October 25, 2010 at 11:13 am | Reply
  15. Darren Sarisky

    Why are you not coming back for the next Bourne movie? Why? Why? Why? People love the movies, and they love you as Jason Bourne. The next instalment is bound to be far worse without you. I know that the simple answer is that you would not be able to work with the original director. But this just all seems so wrong. All is not well in the universe. I speak for millions!

    –Writing from Cambridge, England

    October 25, 2010 at 11:25 am | Reply
  16. Michael Mahoney

    What can we expect from you and the other members of the Film Actors Guild (F.A.G) in 2010?

    Regards

    Mike

    October 25, 2010 at 11:44 am | Reply
  17. Gavin Sweeney

    Hi guys,

    I'd like to ask Matt (loving your work):

    You've mentioned previously that before the Bourne trilogy you felt your career was stagnating. During this time were you ever pestered by studios to do a Good Will Hunting sequel and was it ever tempting?

    October 25, 2010 at 11:53 am | Reply
  18. Gavin Sweeney

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.
    Hi guys,

    I'd like to ask Matt (loving your work):

    You've mentioned previously that before the Bourne trilogy you felt your career was stagnating. During this time were you ever pestered by studios to do a Good Will Hunting sequel and was it ever tempting?

    Gavin. Galway, Ireland.

    October 25, 2010 at 11:54 am | Reply
  19. Lisa

    Congrats to you and your wife Luciana on the arrival of your girl Stella Zavala..

    October 25, 2010 at 11:57 am | Reply
  20. Michael

    Dude, you're awesome. Any future plans to do classic remakes of any superhero movies or something similar?? You'd make a good superhero!!!

    Michael From Melbourne, Australia.

    October 25, 2010 at 12:00 pm | Reply
  21. Dr. Rudolf Jossifov

    Good afternoon Mr. Damon,
    One simple question: where could I send you information material as well as some samples,Sir, of a nutritional supplement which helps people to strengthen their immune system and start probably a joint operation, where people need it the most?
    By the way permit me t o use this opportunity to wish you from the bottom of my hearth always good health, a lot of success, happiness and good luck in all your endeavors!
    Germany, Europe

    October 25, 2010 at 12:01 pm | Reply
  22. Mafios muradya

    Hi, please tell how you manage your time between family and work

    October 25, 2010 at 12:02 pm | Reply
  23. Ella

    How was it to play in Talented Mr. Ripley after beautiful french movie and Alen Delon? What do you think in general about the differences between European and American movies? Are they getting closer?

    October 25, 2010 at 12:02 pm | Reply
  24. Krishna Desiraju, Bangalore India

    Tom Ripley, when are you coming to India, not just for goodwill hunting but to make a movie?

    October 25, 2010 at 12:18 pm | Reply
  25. michael eason

    HI MATT, HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THE NEW BABY, IT THIS IT OR ARE YOU GOING FOR THE BOY, LOVE YOUR WORK, MIKE FROM DENMARK!

    October 25, 2010 at 12:28 pm | Reply
  26. lai lai

    i haven't seen you in a mafian film, why?

    October 25, 2010 at 12:31 pm | Reply
  27. Brian

    Hi Matt,

    What you're doing is wonderful - your work on screen and off.

    I heard about a script going around Hollywood about a young philanthropist who goes to a East Africa to build water wells. It had an Indiana Jones-type name. I think it was called...

    River Rose or something. River Rose and the Heart of Africa or River Rose and the Horn of Africa.

    Anyway, my question is:

    Will you ever make a narrative film (not a doc) about your philanthropy work?

    When I heard about this River Rose script, I immediately thought of you and your water.org foundation.

    Thanks! And best to you in everything!
    Brian

    October 25, 2010 at 12:31 pm | Reply
  28. lai lai

    i haven't seen u in mafia film, why?

    October 25, 2010 at 12:33 pm | Reply
  29. pablo Andres

    Hi! What do u dream you'll be doing in 30 years time?
    Pablo,Tshwane,south Africa.

    October 25, 2010 at 11:27 pm | Reply
  30. Ryan Gutierrez

    Hi Mr. Damon

    I just have one question. Why are you so awesome?

    Thanx

    Long Beach, California

    October 26, 2010 at 1:47 am | Reply
  31. amanda

    You have been involved in clean water for many years, first with H2O Africa and now with Water.org, how did you decided that clean water was going to be your focus?

    thanks Amanda

    October 26, 2010 at 3:17 am | Reply
  32. Ana

    Congratulations to you and your wife on your brand new baby! I admire you personally and profesionally. Good Will Hunting is one of my favorite films and touched me like nothing else. It is nothing short of admirable. Which of you two came up with the idea for the screenplay? How did you go about writing it? Where you inspired by people in your life?
    And just a comment, I think you have been very clever at distinguishing the Hollywood glitter from the real thing. Congrats again!

    Ana
    Tanzania

    October 26, 2010 at 4:06 am | Reply
  33. sanaz

    HI.
    are you ever thinking about being a director just like another actors/actress ?
    I really so proud of my self ,being your die hard fan ,specially when i know how you're trying to help the other people whose life is terrific.
    Yes we are the world.
    thank you.

    October 26, 2010 at 9:04 am | Reply
  34. Mindy from MO

    First, congrats on your new daughter!

    Two different questions:

    1) Can you discuss Haiti's cholera outbreak in context with the work being done by your water.org.

    2)You've worked with an array of great directors. As an actor do you prepare differently for a director who wants 50 takes (Scorcese) vs one who likes one or a few (Eastwood)?

    Thanks and blessings

    October 26, 2010 at 4:13 pm | Reply
  35. Velina Georgieva

    Hey,Matt,
    Which role do you consider to be the key-one in your career?
    What did it give you and what did it take from you?
    And If you had the chance to turn back time,what would you change in your career?

    Thank you in advance,
    Take care of you and your baby,
    All the best from

    Sofia,
    Bulgaria

    October 26, 2010 at 10:06 pm | Reply
  36. Niina Pekkarinen

    Hi Matt, what do you see as the biggest obstacle for OneXOne to be able to implement health care, water, food and education for the less fortunate children?

    Thanks,
    Niina Pekkarinen, Finland

    October 27, 2010 at 8:09 pm | Reply
  37. Parisa

    Dear Mr.Damon and CNN,

    I would like to ask this question: What is the best way to get into the acting business?

    Thank you and take care,

    Parisa,
    Cambridge (England)

    October 27, 2010 at 9:00 pm | Reply
  38. Steve Davon

    Hi Matt

    "We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" Quran, 21:30
    you are tackling the most crucial problem of millions of people around the globe. we hope that other fortunate people like you do not throw away their wealth and join you in your efforts to increase the well-being of the less fortunate.

    October 28, 2010 at 12:07 pm | Reply
  39. Ayub gatumbu

    Good acting and inteligic mr bourne....

    October 28, 2010 at 6:54 pm | Reply
  40. Everton de Santa

    How was work on The Talented Mr. Ripley and how that affected your career as one of the greatest actors ever known?

    October 28, 2010 at 11:51 pm | Reply
  41. Flora 4rm nigeria

    I wld like 2 watch d programme on thursday cause i hv dstv on my phone and i wld like 2 keep charting with u .pls reply bk.

    October 29, 2010 at 10:10 am | Reply

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