Matt Damon puts family first

Matt Damon would never put work before his family.

The 40-year-old actor - who raises 12-year-old stepdaughter Alexia and daughters Isabella, four, Gia, two, and four-month-old Stella with spouse Luciana - believes it is possible to strike the right balance between personal and professional commitments.

He said: "I try to have my cake and eat it. On the one hand, I'm most excited and alive when I'm working on something I love. But not to the detriment of my family.

"Clint Eastwood will shoot a 10-hour day, which is the regular hours parents go to work. It's a great creative experience and then I'm home with my kids."

Matt - who has been directed by Clint in 'Hereafter' and 'Invictus' - also revealed he takes longer to prepare for movie roles these days because he hates having to diet beforehand.

He explained to Britain's Glamour magazine: "I exercise better than I used to. I have trouble cutting out all the food I like, so I start getting ready for movies by preparing earlier.

"I could eat a 10-course meal every night if you let me."