Behind the Scenes: How Matt Damon and Wife Luciana Barroso's Couples Therapy Led to His Groundbreaking Role in 'Oppenheimer'

Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso. Suzanne Cordeiro/Shutterstock

Matt Damon revealed that he and his wife, Luciana Barroso, attended couples therapy in order to discuss his involvement in Christopher Nolan’s film, "Oppenheimer." Negotiating extensively with his wife, Damon had previously taken time off and had been put on hold by Nolan for a few movies. In an interesting turn of events, Damon disclosed that he negotiated the condition of returning to work with Nolan in couples therapy, without any prior knowledge of whether the director had any projects in the works. This unexpected call from Nolan became a significant moment in their household.

Earlier this month, Damon, aged 52, shared how Barroso, aged 46, provided support for his mental well-being during a film project that didn't go as expected.

"Without specifying any particular movies... sometimes you find yourself working on a film that you realize, perhaps, may not turn out as you had hoped, yet you continue to push through," Damon revealed during a July episode of the "Jake's Takes" podcast. "I vividly remember being midway through production, with months still left, and having taken my family somewhere, inconveniencing them. It was at that point my wife intervened, as I had fallen into a state of depression, questioning my choices."

Damon expressed, "She simply said, 'We're here now.' It was like... Because of her, I take great pride in being a professional actor. Being a professional actor entails giving your all during a 15-hour day, even when you know it may not lead to success. And if you can approach it with the best possible attitude, then you're a true professional. She truly guided me in that aspect."

The couple first crossed paths in 2003, when Barroso, a single mother to her daughter Alexia at the time, was employed at a bar in Miami. They exchanged vows two years later. Damon and Barroso's family expanded with the arrival of their daughters Isabella, Gia, and Stella in the years 2006, 2008, and 2010, respectively.

Keeping his family life mostly private, Damon opened up about his experience as a father to his four daughters in December 2012. Expressing his surprise and delight at having girls, Damon shared, "I never expected to be surrounded by girls, but it's wonderful. You never know what life has in store for you." Speaking to Today at the time, he added, "I'm gaining so much knowledge, especially about how intelligent girls are. I used to believe that guys had an advantage, but I quickly realized that my toddler had me wrapped around her little finger, and she knew it. If they can have that kind of power over us at just 2 years old, imagine what they'll be capable of as adults. We really don't stand a chance."

Barroso provided further insight into her marriage with Damon six years later.

In an interview with Vogue, she expressed gratitude for meeting each other and acknowledged that they do not take their relationship for granted. Barroso recognized that marriage has its challenges but emphasized that overall, it is enjoyable and effortless. Additionally, she praised Damon for being an excellent father.