Before her time as a Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson acted alongside future Oscar-winner Matt Damon at Harvard University. In a recent interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” Jackson recalled how she and Damon were in the same drama class as undergrads at Harvard. Although they never performed together, they were scene partners in one of their theater classes. Despite Damon’s already established reputation on and off campus, Jackson vividly remembered the experience, particularly when she received high marks for her performance, leaving Damon with some notes from the professor.
During their time at Harvard, Jackson majored in government but also participated in drama and musical theater. She even performed with an improv group called On Thin Ice. While acting did not become her profession, Jackson, now 53, is well-known for her passionate opinions and speeches as a Supreme Court Justice. Damon, also 53, decided to drop out of Harvard and pursue his successful acting career in Hollywood. Although a representative for Damon stated that he did not remember acting with Jackson, he expressed enthusiasm for the story, calling it “cool.”
Despite not directly performing with Damon during their time at Harvard, Jackson’s experience working with the Hollywood star left a lasting impression on her. The duo collaborated on an excerpt from “Waiting for Godot,” with Jackson receiving praise from the professor, while Damon was left with some performance notes. This experience highlights the diverse talents and interests that both Jackson and Damon explored during their university years, showcasing their early experiences within the arts and entertainment world.
While Jackson’s path ultimately led her to a distinguished career in law, her brief encounter with Damon during their Harvard drama class serves as a unique and memorable moment in her journey. The contrast between their respective career choices post-graduation demonstrates the diverse trajectories that individuals can take after their university years. Jackson’s dedication to her role as a Supreme Court Justice and Damon’s success as an acclaimed actor exemplify the impact of early experiences and decisions on shaping one’s future.
As two thriving professionals in their respective fields, Jackson and Damon showcase the diverse talents and experiences that individuals accumulate throughout their lives. While their paths diverged after Harvard, their brief collaboration in a theater class highlights the unexpected connections and shared experiences that can shape one’s journey. Despite Damon’s more prominent recognition in the entertainment industry, Jackson’s career achievements as a Supreme Court Justice underscore the importance of dedication, passion, and hard work in achieving success in any field. The intersection of their paths at Harvard serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the potential for unexpected connections to leave a lasting impact on one’s life.