Here’s a story that’s close to the heart of many: Matt Damon is lending his voice to a grassroots movement that’s been waiting in the wings. This time, it’s about honoring his late co-star from Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams, with a bronze statue near the iconic Boston park bench that was immortalized in the 1997 film.
Matt Damon’s Heartfelt Endorsement
You know Matt Damon, right? The guy who’s as much a Boston icon as Fenway Park or the Boston Red Sox. Well, this 53-year-old native son has stepped up in a big way on the tenth anniversary of Robin Williams' heartbreaking passing in 2014. It’s like Matt’s words lit a spark under the city officials who’ve been sitting on this idea for far too long.
Speaking about the proposed monument, Matt shared, “It would be like the most beautiful installation and a tribute to that guy. I think he would’ve loved that. I hope it comes to pass.” It’s not just a casual remark; it’s a heartfelt endorsement from someone who knew Robin personally and professionally.
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A Tribute That Feels Right
Matt, who cowrote the Oscar-winning screenplay alongside his childhood buddy Ben Affleck, added, “It would be pretty cool.” Now, his words have set off a chain reaction online, bringing new life to an idea that had been gathering dust. People are talking again, and that’s a big deal.
The bench in question, located in the city’s Public Garden, is the very spot where Robin delivered one of his most memorable lines in Good Will Hunting: “Your move, Chief.” It’s already become an unofficial memorial to the Mork & Mindy star, who tragically took his own life at the age of 63, battling the cruel effects of Lewy body dementia.
Local Voices Chime In
Garry McLinn, a local Boston resident, tells Closer that he first floated the idea about a decade ago. “It kind of took off, and somebody started a petition, but it didn’t go anywhere,” he recalls. Now, hearing Matt Damon talk about it has reignited his hope. “I love that Matt Damon is talking about it — and if it happens, I would be the first in line to go visit,” McLinn admits.
Karin Goodfellow, the city’s director of public art, says there’s currently no formal application for the statue on the table, despite the buzz online. But here’s the kicker: there’s a moratorium on new installations in the garden and the adjacent Boston Common unless a project clears at least four commissions. Goodfellow tells In Touch that records show there’s been concern about the limited space in the park, the number of memorials already in place, and the need to preserve the park as open space for the people.
Beyond the Red Tape
Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, fans are hopeful. They believe a statue overlooking the serene pond would be a touching tribute to Robin, who battled alcohol and drug addiction throughout his life. Yet, despite his struggles, Robin still managed to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Matt’s insightful therapist in Good Will Hunting.
One online commentator sums it up perfectly: “Robin Williams transcends pop culture. His greatest performance was on that bench. He means a whole lot, to a whole lot. Give him a f–king bench!”
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