Alper Yesiltas, an artist from Turkey, says he used artificial intelligence to create his hyper-realistic pictures, which include portrayals of Princess Diana. It is part of an ongoing series that he’s spent months working on.
Called As If Nothing Happened, Yesiltas says he chose famous people he “missed the most” for his series, and is working to add more following the positive response he’s received.
One photo, which shows an aged Princess Diana, posted days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II earlier this month, was particularly resonant. In it, a grey-haired and wrinkled Diana looks at the camera, wearing a white shirt with a pair of sunglasses on top of her head.
Princess Diana, who died in 1997 at the age of 36, would have been 61 today.
Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures from Alper Yasiltas’s series
Princess Diana as imagined by Alper Yesiltas. Photo: Alper Yesiltas
Brad Pitt’s brother, Douglas Mitchell Pitt, often referred to as Doug Pitt, has carved out his own niche outside the spotlight of his famous brother’s Hollywood career. Doug was born on November 2, 1966, in Springfield, Missouri, just a few years after Brad.
Unlike Brad, who became a global superstar, Doug Pitt has primarily focused on business and philanthropy. He studied at the University of Missouri and went on to build a successful career in the business world. Doug is the owner and CEO of ServiceWorld Computer Center, a Springfield-based IT company that provides technology solutions to businesses.
Apart from his business endeavors, Doug Pitt is also known for his philanthropic work. He founded Care to Learn in 2008, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing immediate funding and support to meet the emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs of children in Missouri. The organization has since expanded its reach and impact, helping thousands of children across the state.
Doug Pitt has occasionally appeared in the media, especially in relation to his charitable work and his brother’s fame. Despite being less visible in the public eye compared to Brad, Doug has made significant contributions to his community through his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Regardless of what is going on in Jennifer Lopez’s personal life, she was determined not to miss Paris Fashion Week. The Atlas star was seen in Paris over the weekend, but her husband Ben Affleck was not present.
The singer avoided all rumors about her relationship with Ben and still attended the Christian Dior show at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday, June 23. J.Lo grinned broadly while taking photos alone, donning a brown asymmetrical dress paired with a matching coat and her classic tall gold heels.
To make sure eagle-eyed fans couldn’t spot her wedding ring, she wore black leather gloves on her hands. She had on a beige belt that accentuated her waist paired with a small black purse. Her hair was styled in a relaxed up-do with small diamond earrings adorning it, and she grinned while sporting large black sunglasses. After entering the runway show, she took a seat in the front row alongside Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.
Regardless of the events occurring in Jennifer Lopez’s personal life, she was determined to attend Paris Fashion Week. The Atlas star was seen wandering in Paris during the weekend, but her husband Ben Affleck was not present.
Despite the rumors about her marriage to Ben, the singer attended the Christian Dior show at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday, June 23. J.Lo grinned widely for pictures by herself, donned in a brown asymmetrical dress paired with a matching coat and her signature sky-high gold heels.
To make sure eagle-eyed fans couldn’t spot her wedding ring, she wore black leather gloves on her hands. She had on a small black purse and a beige belt that hugged her waist. Her hair was styled in a casual up-do, adorned with delicate diamond earrings, and she grinned behind big black sunglasses. After entering the runway show, she took a seat in the front row beside Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.
Ben and Jen reunited in 2021 after decades of being apart and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas in 2022. They then hosted a big wedding in Georgia with their friends and family. The pair blended their family, with him having three kids with ex Jennifer Garner, while Jen has two with ex-husband Marc Anthony.
Adele broke down in tears as she helped a couple reveal the gender of their unborn baby at one of her concerts in Las Vegas this weekend.
The emotional singer, 35, spotted a sign in the audience requesting that she help the couple with their special moment. The mum-of-one burst into tears while helping Shantelle and Chris from New York with their request.
“I’ve never done this before!” she told the mum-to-be who is 18 weeks pregnant with her first child. “I’m so honoured that you’re going to do this for us. We’ve known since 12 weeks and we’ve been waiting for this moment,” Shantelle said.
Adele dutifully opened the envelope and said: “Shantelle and Chris are having a baby, boy!” Bursting into tears she pulled Shantelle in for a hug and added: “That was amazing. I’m so happy for you!”
Adele – who has a 10-year-old son Angelo – then hinted that she’s feeling broody. “If and when I get pregnant will you do my gender reveal?” she asked the couple.
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The touching moment has since gone viral online after the couple shared the video. It’s not the first time Adele has got motional at one of her shows as she secretly cries both before and after her Las Vegas residency shows.
The tears reportedly come due to the star feeling “deeply connected” to the “sentiments and feelings” of fans on show night. An insider told The Mirror: “Adele goes through a gamut of emotions during her performances, which the audience may not be aware of. The enormity of the show and her success is so impactful that she has a little cry beforehand or even after the shows.”
Emotional Adele blubs amid the emotion of the performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which has seen her perform to rave reviews. Her residency, Weekends with Adele, began in November 2022. It wasn’t originally supposed to wrap up this year in March, but it seems Adele is still going strong. Every Friday and Saturday, she takes over The Colosseum for an emotional rollercoaster of a night.
The source said: “She feels so connected to fans and their support for her music and artistry that it can become overwhelming.” And there’s more exciting news for Adele as her concerts are also being recorded for release at a later date.
It won’t only be her performing, though. The film will include some documentary-type content as well, giving fans a glimpse into her life. Right now, the film is projected to earn over $60million (£47million).
In comparison, as of June, the residency shows earned Adele about $28million (£22million). As for the future shows, she’s expected to make around $32million (£25million). So, it seems that the movie will likely be the real money-maker from this whole Vegas project.
It’s difficult to fathom that iconic actor Patrick Swayze died more than 12 years ago. Swayze was already a star prior to “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost,” and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Regrettably, the actor passed away on September 14, 2009, following a prolonged struggle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout the entire duration, Lisa Niemi, his loyal wife for 34 years, remained by his side.
The couple encountered each other as teenagers and tied the knot in 1975. This occurred four years prior to Swayze’s first appearance in a roller disco movie called “Skatetown, USA.” Additionally, Niemi, who is also a skilled dancer, co-starred alongside Swayze in a dance movie she directed called “One Last Dance” in 2003.
While Swayze and Niemi were committed to one another, they still faced some challenges in their relationship. This involved Swayze’s ascent to stardom and struggle with substance abuse throughout his life. However, the couple in love managed to persevere.
A few years following Swayze’s passing, Niemi wrote a book in 2011 called “Worth Fighting For.” She talked about their love for each other until the end. Niemi discusses her husband’s final words as he gradually drifted into a coma in the book.
Niemi woke up on a Monday morning to the sound of him softly gasping for air. Her statement pointed out the almost naive manner in which events were unfolding. She was aware that it was his moment to depart. He disappeared on that same day. Let’s examine her tale.
Niemi, who was married to Swayze from 1975 until his death in 2009, expressed to Entertainment Tonight the pain of witnessing her husband battle cancer after 34 years together.
Going through it is the toughest experience, as you battle each day for the survival of that individual. I am aware that he dedicated himself to battling his own struggles daily. He managed to live for 22 months, which was astonishing given his diagnosis.
Niemi stated that Swayze accepted a role on the TV show “The Beast” despite battling pancreatic cancer. She mentioned that he underwent a transformation while playing the role. Although he had been confined to bed for a long period, being in Chicago revitalized him with an incredible surge of energy.
“I was floored by his immense surge of energy.” He behaved like his previous assertive self, constantly on the move. I have Patrick with me again. Niemi wrote in her memoir that he displayed occasional bursts of behavior akin to a ‘star’, such as making sudden, last-minute requests and acting as if he knew everything about the universe.
She also noted that Swayze never desired his job to be more manageable simply because he had been diagnosed with cancer. Despite being required to have his character jump over a wall, he was determined to perform the stunt himself rather than relying on the hired stuntman. Niemi maintains that being on the show set boosted Swayze’s strength and happiness despite his diagnosis. However, less than two years after he was first diagnosed, Swayze died from pancreatic cancer on Sep. 14, 2009.
According to the Daily Mail, Niemi detailed the moment she lost her soulmate in her memoir, including their last conversation.
What were my final words to Patrick? ‘Those were his final words to me, ‘I love you.’ Following his arrival at home, events began to progress rapidly.
After going through a period of sorrow, Niemi wrote a book that has aided in preserving Swayze’s memory long after his passing. Furthermore, Niemi, along with Swayze’s co-stars and friends, came together to create a documentary about his life called “I Am Patrick Swayze.” This was made available on August 18, 2019, marking the birthday of the deceased actor and falling on the 10th anniversary of his passing.
Niemi discussed her experiences with Buddy, her affectionate term for her deceased spouse, in the documentary. She described how she had stepped onto the stage years ago and gazed into his eyes. Love was genuine right from the beginning.
However, the documentary also delves into his failures. It also closely examines his battle with alcohol misuse. Niemi stated that he would be lively and cheerful until he was alone. Their relationship would become tense and challenging as a result of his subsequent crash. Despite facing numerous obstacles in their relationship, Niemi’s love for him remained strong.
More than a dozen years since his death, admirers of the attractive celebrity remain just as eager to discover all they can about the legendary actor. According to accounts shared by his loved ones, he was a genuinely kind-hearted individual.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been notably absent from the Royal Ascot horse-racing event, which runs until June 22, despite attending Trooping the Colour just days before.
Her husband, Prince William, was photographed at Royal Ascot, along with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, marking their first official appearance since their daughter announced she’d been diagnosed with cancer.
However the former Kate Middleton’s absence from the race should not surprise royal watchers, as she shared in a recent statement that she doesn’t anticipate fully returning to her royal duties for some time. In her first update since sharing that she was being treated for cancer, the princess said on Friday that she is making “good progress” but has a few more months of treatment left.
In the statement, she also announced she’d be attending Trooping the Colour 2024 the following day, her first official public appearance since December. At the parade, which celebrates the king’s official birthday, she looked composed and chic in a black-and-white Jenny Packham dress, one of her go-to brands, and a white hat. Behind-the-scenes footage showed her smiling and playing with her children.
Kate, her husband and their three children on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour 2024.Karwai Tang / WireImage
Kate first revealed that she’d been diagnosed with cancer in March. Prior to Friday’s statement, she had not spoken publicly about her diagnosis or treatment since her initial announcement.
Kate Middleton attends Trooping the Colour 2024
Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside William and their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. They arrived in a carriage down the Mall and waved at the public from the balcony, as is tradition.
The future king and queen’s official Instagram account shared some moments from the day, including Catherine adjusting her daughter’s hair and Louis waving through the windows of one of the carriages.
The news that Kate would attend Trooping the Colour surprised many royal watchers, as she skipped the rehearsal for it, an event known as the Colonel’s Review, on June 8.
When confirming her presence, Kate was quick to share that she’s not yet officially returning to her royal duties, writing that she hopes “to join a few public engagements over the summer,” but noting she is “not out of the woods yet.”
Prior to Trooping the Colour, the princess had not made any royal appearances since her family’s annual Christmas church outing in 2023 — though last month she took time to review a report from an initiative she’s involved in, The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, a senior palace aid confirmed.
She has been working from home occasionally, including some meetings when she feels well enough.
Kate Middleton shares new photo
Accompanying Friday’s statement, the palace released a new picture of the princess. In the photo, she wears jeans and a tan blazer and looks pensive standing against a tree.
Kate Middleton gives health update
In her statement shared Friday, the princess thanked people for “all the kind messages of support and encouragement” she’s received since March.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well,” she said.
Her treatment is “ongoing” and will continue for “a few more months,” she said.
“On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home,” the princess said.
In closing, the princess shared that she is “learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.”
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me,” she said.
Read Princess Kate’s full statement about her health
A WRITTEN MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCESS OF WALES
I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.
My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.
Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.
What kind of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
Kate Middleton has not shared what kind of cancer she was diagnosed with. The cancer was discovered after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.
Julia Roberts has forged a resilient marriage with a partner outside the limelight, and they’ve sustained it for over two decades. Prioritizing motherhood over her career, she took a two-decade hiatus when she was nearing 40. Presently, the renowned actress lives a modest life with her family on a rural ranch, where she clandestinely tied the knot with her husband.
In the early months of 2000, Julia Roberts crossed paths with Danny Moder, a cameraman, on the set of “The Mexican.” At the time, both were involved in other relationships, with Julia dating actor Ben Bratt.
Danny was in a four-year marriage with his makeup artist wife, Vera Steimberg Moder. Sources close to Danny’s family hinted at strains in his marriage, but his growing bond with Julia prompted him to file for divorce in June 2001.
While dating Ben Bratt, Julia frequented the restaurants and shops near her lower Manhattan residence, but after their breakup, her habits changed. Her appearances at familiar haunts dwindled as her relationship with the now-available Danny blossomed.
The couple, now romantically involved, divided their time between Julia’s sprawling $5 million Taos ranch and Danny’s Los Angeles abode. Julia acquired the ranch in 1995 as a retreat from the bustle of Hollywood.
Life at the ranch was uncomplicated for the star, who enjoyed leisurely strolls with her numerous dogs, mingling with neighbors, grabbing takeout at Taos Cow, or unwinding with Danny at the Alley Cantina. It appeared their relationship was anything but transient.
According to an alleged friend of the actress, Julia and Danny’s bond was affectionate, steadfast, and devoid of judgment. In contrast, Julia’s ex-partner, Ben Bratt, who married his “Piñero” co-star Talisa Soto in May 2002, was not enamored with fame, as Julia once candidly revealed to Vanity Fair:
“It’s like a fly that won’t leave you alone; it’s that mosquito that buzzes in your ear when you’re trying to sleep at night.”
However, according to a friend, Danny embraced every aspect of Julia’s persona and accepted her wholeheartedly. Described as supportive, Danny celebrated Julia for who she was.
Unlike Julia, Danny didn’t bask in the same level of fame, and it was uncommon for a celebrity of her stature to be involved with someone perceived as “ordinary.” Despite tabloid gossip, the couple’s love endured, and Danny demonstrated his readiness to embrace Julia’s fame indefinitely.
Julia and Danny’s Unforeseen Private Nuptials On July 4, 2002, Julia invited friends to her ranch under the guise of a late-night Independence Day celebration. Guests traveled from Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Atlanta to join the festivities at the star’s 82-acre New Mexico estate.
Throughout the afternoon, guests lounged by the actress’s pool, indulging in homemade turkey prepared by Julia, engaging in basketball and football games. Despite some guests expressing fatigue, Julia insisted they stay.
As midnight approached, the intimate group gathered in a small chapel adorned with elegant Chinese lanterns and candles. Danny and Julia emerged, walking beneath an arch crafted from white and pink silk sheaths, leading to a circle strewn with rose petals.
The realization dawned on guests as they witnessed the couple’s intentions. Excitement ensued as Danny dropped to one knee, proposing to Julia, who responded with a heartfelt “yes,” echoed by the jubilant crowd.
A guest described the affair as intimate and enchanting, leaving them feeling like privileged witnesses. The couple’s ceremony, officiated by Barry Hirsch, Julia’s lawyer and confidant, was devoid of pomp, with no bridal party or celebrity attendees. Julia radiated in a pink cotton halter dress adorned with antique beads and pearls, while Danny looked dashing in a red ruffled shirt and tan pants. Handwritten vows were exchanged in a brief, heartfelt ceremony, punctuated by laughter when a guest accidentally broke a glass, prompting cries of “Mazel Tov!”
Throughout the ceremony, the couple shared affectionate kisses, eliciting cheers from their guests. Following the ceremony, Julia temporarily halted her burgeoning career for two decades, declaring lovingly:
Julia’s sentiment proved accurate as Danny enriched her second marriage. The star embraced motherhood later in life, prioritizing it above her professional pursuits.
Roberts’ Journey into Motherhood with Moder Approximately two years into their marriage, Julia’s spokesperson announced her and Danny’s anticipation of twins, due in early 2005. On November 28, 2004, Julia welcomed Hazel and Phinnaeus at the age of 37.
Julia revealed that “Hazel” was chosen for their daughter due to its vintage charm. The couple decided on “Phinnaeus” for their son, albeit Danny initially preferred “Finn,” deeming it more of a nickname.
Motherhood took precedence for Julia, with a close friend noting her profound fulfillment and joy. The actress confirmed her third pregnancy in December 2006, welcoming son Henry Daniel Moder at the age of 39.
Residing on their tranquil ranch, Julia and Danny cherished their quiet family life, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else.
Julia and Danny’s Serene Life on the Ranch and Julia’s Approach to Motherhood In 2013, Julia maintained a low profile on social media, refraining from sharing glimpses of her children on Instagram. Her husband, however, was more forthcoming. Julia avoided disclosing her whereabouts on Twitter, demonstrating her grounded nature when presented with J.D. Salinger’s short stories by a friend.
The star opted for a more personal touch by penning a heartfelt thank-you note on paper, delivered directly to her friend. Despite once reigning as the world’s highest-paid actress, Julia effortlessly withdrew from the public eye.
She retreated to any of her residences in New Mexico, California, or Manhattan. Julia clarified that their lifestyle, carefully structured by her and Danny, aimed to shield their children, emphasizing: “We just want to have our family life and not have that intruded upon.”
Danny’s wife expressed gratitude for being at an age where she felt removed from the superficialities of internet culture and modern celebrity. She considered herself fortunate to have circumvented certain aspects due to her age.
During a 2010 appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Julia relished in the simple joys of witnessing her children’s wonderment at each new day. She fondly described her trio, still young enough to marvel at life’s every nuance.
The “Eat, Pray, Love” actress endeavored to be fully present for her children, a commitment she humorously illustrated in a Today show interview by delighting in mundane victories like successful potty training.
According to a 2022 feature in Architectural Digest, Julia’s renowned sanctuary was her Taos ranch, serving as the family’s cherished retreat. Visitors to the Southwest region often spotted Julia at local establishments, maintaining her role as a dedicated wife by rendezvousing with Danny during his work breaks.
In a 2017 interview with InStyle, the actress offered glimpses into her motherhood journey, sharing anecdotes about diaper rash remedies and playground diplomacy. Despite her celebrity status, Julia embraced the everyday routines of parenting, advocating for family dinners as a prime opportunity for bonding and meaningful conversation.
In one of Danny’s social media posts, the family gathered around the dinner table, captured in a cozy setting replete with rustic furnishings, where heartfelt conversations unfolded.
Reflecting on parenting milestones, Julia disclosed her decision to introduce cell phones at age 12, spurred by her daughter Hazel’s earnest appeal. The actress shared tender moments of parental capitulation, moved by her daughter’s candid expressions of need.
Dealing with separation anxiety, Julia revealed her strategy of including her children in her outings whenever possible. In a candid interview with Sunday Morning in October 2020, the actress underscored the paramount importance of family over career achievements, describing her role as a mother and wife as the cornerstone of her happiness.
Julia reaffirmed that her greatest joys stemmed from her family life, cherishing the harmonious existence she and Danny cultivated with their children. Despite a hiatus from romantic comedies, Julia eagerly anticipated her return to the genre in 2022, reuniting with longtime friend George Clooney for a forthcoming project.
Elijah Blue Allman, born on July 10, 1976, is the son of the iconic singer and actress Cher and her former husband, musician Gregg Allman. Elijah, also known professionally as simply Elijah Blue, has carved out his own path in the music industry despite the towering shadow of his famous parents.
Growing up in a household steeped in musical influences, Elijah showed an early interest in music. He began playing guitar at a young age and eventually formed his own rock band called Deadsy in the late 1990s. Deadsy’s music blends elements of rock, new wave, industrial, and electronica, creating a distinctive sound that garnered a following in the alternative music scene.
Elijah’s musical journey with Deadsy led to the band releasing two albums: “Commencement” in 2002 and “Phantasmagore” in 2006. Both albums received positive reviews for their innovative approach and genre-bending style. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, Deadsy gained a cult following and allowed Elijah to showcase his talents as a guitarist and vocalist.
Apart from his music career, Elijah Blue Allman has been open about his personal struggles, including battles with addiction. His experiences have informed his music and contributed to his introspective lyrics. Over the years, Elijah has occasionally collaborated with other artists and continued to explore different musical avenues, always staying true to his artistic vision.
Beyond music, Elijah has also dabbled in visual arts and fashion, showcasing his creativity across various mediums. Despite the pressures of growing up in the spotlight of celebrity parents, Elijah has navigated his own path with determination and resilience, carving out a niche for himself in the music industry.
In summary, Elijah Blue Allman is not only known for being the son of Cher and Gregg Allman but also for his own contributions to music with his band Deadsy and his artistic pursuits. His journey serves as a testament to his talent, perseverance, and individuality in the face of familial fame.
In the 2009 rom-com, Sandra played Margaret, a high-powered publishing executive whose top job and glamorous life in New York is threatened when she learns that her visa has not been renewed.
Facing the prospect of being deported back to Canada, she blackmails her personal assistant Andrew, played by Ryan, into marrying her so that she can secure a green card and remain in the United States.
This being a rom-com, though, it’s only a matter of time before this pretend relationship, which Margaret and Andrew must convincingly fake in order to win over immigration services, sparks new feelings between the pair.
In one memorable moment, Sandra’s character slips when she gets out of the shower, only to fall into the arms of Andrew, who is getting changed after going for a run.
To mark her 59th birthday this week, Ryan shared the scene on his Instagram account, along with a tongue-in-cheek message for his friend and co-star.
“Happy Birthday to the inimitable and stunning Sandra Bullock,” he wrote. “For your birthday this year, I got us both intimacy coordinators. And an HR department. And clothing?”
Despite Ryan’s joke about intimacy coordinators, Sandra previously revealed that she felt a sense of “camaraderie and safety” while filming the nude scene.
Speaking on the About Last Night podcast back in 2021, the Miss Congeniality star told host Adam Ray that she only agreed to appear naked “if I can be humiliated and funny”.
“You will not see me trying to attempt being sexy naked – in real life or on screen,” she explained. “There’s just no point in it. It was for that reason, with a friend that you trusted comedically, and safety-wise I knew I was in the presence of safety.”
Recalling the experience of filming, the Oscar winner explained that they had “a closed set” for privacy, meaning “no one’s allowed to be on there, just hair and make-up coming in to fluff and hide”.
She also hailed her co-star, who she joked she had known “since we were prepubescent”, for being “absolutely unflappable” and “just so cool” during the potentially awkward moment.
Matt Damon is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From his early work in “Good Will Hunting” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to his legacy as Jason Bourne, he’s proven his talent as an actor time and again and he certainly has the awards to show for it. With one Oscar from five nominations and two Golden Globe Awards under his belt, among many Emmy, BAFTA and SAG nominations, there’s no denying Damon’s incredible acting abilities.
But one side of the star that we don’t see that often is his personal life. Damon is happily married to his wife, Luciana Barroso AKA Lucy Damon, and together, the couple has four children. Quite the family man, Damon even has a rule with his wife and kids that he won’t spend more than two weeks away from them. Although they have broken this agreement on one occasion, it came with the blessing from his family.
What’s more, Damon has said that he “hit the jackpot” with his wife. Clearly enamored with Barroso, the actor didn’t hold back when he appeared on “The Ellen Show” in 2011. He spoke about his beloved wife, the incredible story of how they met and their gorgeous family.
It all started when Damon was on the set of his movie “Stuck On You,” which was filmed in Miami in the early 2000s. The actor explained that one night during the shoot he was convinced to go out for a drink with some of the guys and that night happened to change the course of his life.
How They Met
Matt Damon, Luciana Barroso (2005), (J. Vespa/WireImage via Getty Images)
“I’m so happy now; I’m so lucky. I hit the jackpot with my wife.”
He went on to explain how they first met:
“We were supposed to shoot in Hawaii, then the movie got moved to Miami. I’d never really hung out in Miami, then one night in the middle of the shoot a couple of the guys said they were going to get a beer somewhere and I said ‘I’m not really interested’ but they dragged me along and we ended up in a bar where my wife was a bartender and I literally saw her across a crowded room.”
But the story isn’t a simple one that just ends with him asking her out on a date. Instead, he wound up working for her that night! In a Vogue interview, Barroso explained:
“But he had started getting recognised and asked for pictures and autographs, and then it got kind of aggressive because people are drinking and stuff, and so he came and hid behind my bar … (wanting to) just hang out back there and have a drink. He says ‘oh I saw you and I really wanted to talk to you.'”
But Barroso, a single mother of a 4-year-old, didn’t have time to relax and get to know each other behind the bar — she had work to do, so she got her future husband involved. She revealed:
“So I put him to work with me! I said: ‘you know, if you’re going to be back here, you can’t just be standing there!’ He had trained as a bartender for a film years before, so he started making drinks. And he made me a ton of money in tips that night, because of course everyone wanted to go and see him.”
Damon’s Reaction To Barroso Being A Mom
Matt Damon (2016), (Dan MacMedan/WireImage via Getty Images)
The two hit it off right away but it was the fact that Barroso had a daughter that drew Damon in further. After he asked her to join him and his friends, she declined and told him she had a 4-year-old at home. She said in the same Vogue interview:
“He said: ‘I love that you’re a mum and that’s your priority’. Some guys might have been different, they might think it’s complicated, but for him it wasn’t. When you meet somebody that you have a connection with, that’s just the person that you have a connection with, all the other stuff — the movie-star part — wasn’t really a factor. It was just Matt, to me he’s just Matt.”
Born in Salta, Argentina, Barroso was raised by her Italian grandparents. She had a daughter, Alexia, with her first husband but after they divorced, they moved to the United States. Damon and Barroso got married in 2005 and the actor adopted Alexia before he and Barroso added three more children to their family — daughters Isabella, Gia and Stella.
Barroso knows what it means to work hard if her first meeting with Damon didn’t already make that clear. On top of having worked as a bartender, she’s also been a flight attendant and interior decorator. She’s now a doting mother of four who also knows how to keep things fresh with her husband.
As Damon revealed in a 2013 GQ interview, one day Barroso decided they should both get tattoos. So Damon called up a tattoo artist friend — who happened to have done all of Heath Ledger’s tattoos — and they both got inked that same day with matching tattoos, which he called their “creative little blessing.” Meanwhile, Damon also got “Lucy” done on his upper arm, and he now has all four of his daughter’s names tattooed alongside their mother’s.
Their Family Pact
Luciana Damon, Matt Damon (2016), (Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty Images)
Considering how close the family is, it’s no surprise to learn that they have some ground rules when it comes to spending time away from each other, and these mostly apply to Damon. Since being a world-famous movie star can mean going off on long shoots in far-off places, the actor has an agreement with his family that he won’t do a movie if he’ll be away from home for too long. Or alternatively, his family will join him on the shoot. He said during a radio appearance, as reported by the Daily Mail:
“Every decision to make a movie is really up for (sic) to the family. If it is going to be too disruptive, I just can’t do it. We try to not be apart for two weeks. We have this two week rule, but three weeks has been the longest we have ever been apart.”
Nevertheless, his family has made it to some of his film shoots, including a stay in China for six months back in 2015. Damon said in the same interview:
“Sometimes it is an adventure. Last year I went to China for six months and it was a big family trip and that was awesome.”
In an interview with Esquire, as reported by Parade, Damon also spoke about how his quiet family life has also managed to keep him out of the tabloids. He joked that he wasn’t interesting enough for the paparazzi. He said:
“They can try to stake me out, but they’re always going to get the same story – middle-aged married guy with four kids. So as long as that narrative doesn’t change too much, there’s no appetite for it … If I’m not jumping up and down on a bar, or lighting something on fire, or cheating on my wife, there’s not really any story to tell.”
