Age: 55
male
Matthew Paige Damon, born on October 8, 1970, is a multifaceted American actor, producer, and screenwriter. In 2007, he was highlighted as one of Forbes' most bankable stars, and by 2010, he emerged as one of the highest-grossing actors in cinematic history. His accolades include an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for three BAFTA Awards and seven Primetime Emmy Awards. Damon's journey in acting began with *Mystic Pizza* in 1988, but it was in 1997 that he truly came into the limelight. Collaborating with Ben Affleck on *Good Will Hunting*, they not only starred in the film but also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as well as the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. He solidified his reputation as a leading man through iconic roles, such as Tom Ripley in *The Talented Mr. Ripley*, Jason Bourne in the *Bourne* series, and Linus Caldwell in the *Ocean's* trilogy. His portrayal of an astronaut stranded on Mars in *The Martian* earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor, and he has been part of various notable films, including *Saving Private Ryan*, *The Departed*, and *Ford v Ferrari*. On the small screen, Damon played Scott Thorson in HBO's *Behind the Candelabra*, which garnered him an Emmy nomination. His guest appearances in *30 Rock* and hosting *Saturday Night Live* were also Emmy-nominated. Beyond acting, Damon has produced projects like *Project Greenlight* and *Manchester by the Sea*. He co-founded two production companies with Ben Affleck and has lent his voice to several animated and documentary projects. His philanthropic efforts span multiple organizations, including the One Campaign and Water.org.
At Maria Vargas' funeral, several people recall who she was and the impact she had on them. Harry Dawes was a not very successful writer/director when he and movie producer Kirk Edwards scouted her at a shabby nightclub where she worked as a flamenco dancer. He convinces her to take a chance on acting and her first film is a huge hit. PR man Oscar Muldoon remembers when Maria was in court supporting her father who was accused of murdering her mother. It was Maria's testimony that got him off and she was a bigger star than ever. Alberto Bravano, one of the richest men in South America, sets his sights on Maria and she goes off with him - as much to make Edwards angry as anything - but he treats her badly. When she meets Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini they fall deeply in love. They are married but theirs is not to be a happy life
