Our hearts go out to the Damon family during this incredibly challenging time. The world of entertainment and beyond is mourning the loss of Kent Damon, father of beloved actor Matt Damon. Kent Damon, who was 74, lost his battle with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, on December 14. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by Matt’s publicist to The Boston Globe. Kent had been fighting this disease for years, and Matt recently opened up about how his dad’s health had taken a turn for the worse over the past few months.
Supporting Family Amidst Heartbreak
Just this month, Matt Damon, the 47-year-old Hollywood icon, spoke candidly with Extra about his dad’s ongoing struggle with cancer. In a heartfelt interview, Matt expressed the emotional toll this journey has taken on his family. "It’s been a slow, unfolding process. My dad’s sick, and we’ve been navigating this together," Matt shared. He then made an earnest appeal for support: "We’ll take any prayers you’ve got, so throw 'em up there." This moment underscored the actor's deep connection with his father and his willingness to lean on the love and support of fans during this painful chapter.
A Decade-Long Battle with Cancer
Back in 2011, Matt Damon and his family first revealed Kent Damon’s diagnosis with multiple myeloma, a rare blood disease affecting bone marrow. At the time, the family shared hopeful news that Kent was in remission following treatment. However, the journey with cancer is rarely straightforward. Matt reflected on his dad’s battle in a conversation years ago, saying, "We’ve lost some close personal friends to cancer in recent years, but I never thought it would happen to my dad, the marathon runner. It sucked." This statement highlights not only the unpredictability of life but also the profound impact Kent's diagnosis had on Matt and his family.
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Matt and his dad, Kent, in 2004. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Putting Family First
In recent months, Matt Damon has made it clear that his family comes first, even if it meant stepping away from high-profile events. On October 27, Matt unexpectedly skipped the 2017 Britannia Awards, where he was scheduled to receive the prestigious Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film. Instead, he had to rush back to Boston due to a family emergency. Actress Kate Mara accepted the award on Matt’s behalf, delivering a heartfelt message to the audience: "Unfortunately, Matt has urgently needed to travel back to Boston and couldn’t join us tonight. As much as we wish he was here with us, we know family comes first. So our thoughts are with you, Matt, and much love from your friends here in LA.”
Matt later addressed the audience via a video message, expressing his gratitude for the honor. "I found out about this award six months ago and I was just so incredibly honored to receive it and I was really looking forward to tonight," he said. "Unfortunately, I had to go back to Boston for a family emergency. I’m really sorry not to be with you tonight. Thank you for this wonderful honor and I hope you have a lovely evening. See you soon.”
This commitment to family continued into the holiday season. Matt and his wife, Luciana Barroso, along with their four daughters, had planned to join close friends Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and their children in LA for Thanksgiving. However, Matt prioritized being with his dad during this critical time. "I ended up going to Boston to be with my family," Matt told E! News, highlighting the importance of staying close to loved ones during difficult times.
