Researchers have discovered that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are in fact tenth cousins, once removed. Get the details here.
The two names are almost always mentioned together. It’s something like “Bert and Ernie.” It almost doesn’t sound right to simply say one without the other. Well, these childhood buddies are in fact more than just friends (okay, that doesn’t sound right).
It turns out that they have a genealogical connection to an Englishman named William Knowlton Jr., who made his way across the pond in the mid 17th century. The New England Genealogical Society linked both actors to Knowlton, who they say settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts in 1630.
While I think it’s interesting, it seems that with enough digging you can find a connection between just about anyone. Remember when the stories hit that Obama was actually related to Bush and Cheney? Well it turns out that you can add Ben Affleck to that list as well. In addition to Bush, Cheney, and Matt Damon, the actor is reportedly related to over a dozen former presidents, and even Princess Diana.
I’m sure everyone knows at least one friend who runs around claiming they are descended from famous people or even royalty, yet they drive a rusted out ‘83 Honda hatchback (a fine automobile, by the way).
For some reason all of this reminds me of the movie King Ralph. In the film, John Goodman plays a typical beer guzzling, bowling alley frequenting American who finds out he is heir to the English throne. It’s really a great film if you haven’t seen it.
Check out a video of tenth cousins Matt Damon and Ben Affleck below.
Photos: www.wenn.com/Judy Eddy