Matt Damon Shares The Hilarious Parenting Advice Sean Penn Gave Him Years Ago

Matt Damon has played countless heroes on screen, but his latest story is all about being a dad. As his four daughters grow older and start dating, the actor revealed that he has not had many reasons to worry.

Still, he admitted that one unforgettable piece of parenting advice from Sean Penn has stayed with him for years, and the hilarious warning left even Anne Hathaway laughing.

Sean Penn Gave Matt Damon A Dating Tip He Still Remembers

Matt Damon may not have needed to play the overprotective dad yet. But he knows exactly what he would say if the situation ever called for it.

Speaking to E! News, ‘The Odyssey‘, the actor admitted that his daughters have made parenting easy so far. It’s because they have chosen their partners wisely. “I’m pretty kind,” Damon said. Then added, “They so far have very wonderful taste.”

Related: Matt Damon Almost Rejected ‘The Martian’ Until Ridley Scott’s Brutal 5-Word Response Changed Everything

Still, Damon revealed that he has never forgotten a piece of advice from Sean Penn. Recalling a story about Penn’s daughter, Damon said, “My favorite line that I’ve ever seen was Sean Penn’s.”

He then shared the memorable warning Penn reportedly gave the young man. “Whatever you do to her, I’m gonna do to you when you get home. Have a nice night.”

The story had ‘The Odyssey‘ co-star Anne Hathaway laughing instantly. Damon could not resist adding one more joke, saying, “That man doesn’t lie.”

Matt Damon Says His Daughters Have Given Him Little To Worry About

Damon shares Isabella, Gia, and Stella with wife Luciana Barroso. He is also stepfather to Barroso’s eldest daughter, Alexia. Although his daughters are now old enough to date, the actor said their good judgment has kept him from worrying too much.

In case you missed it: ‘The Odyssey’ Star Matt Damon Makes A Surprising Confession About What He Will Never Do for a Movie Again

The Hollywood star appears happy to let his daughters make their own decisions while enjoying the lighter side of fatherhood. Penn’s story may still make him laugh, but for now, Damon has not felt the need to borrow the famous actor’s intimidating line.

Damon may have Sean Penn’s famous warning tucked away for a rainy day, but it does not sound like he expects to use it anytime soon. Between his daughters’ good judgment and his own approach to parenting, the actor seems more interested in trusting them than playing the intimidating dad.

Apart from dating, Damon’s latest film has also created some deeply personal memories. During a recent PEOPLE cover story, he revealed that one comment from one of his daughters meant more to him than almost any professional achievement.

After watching ‘The Odyssey‘, she looked at him and said, “Dad, I’m proud of you.” Damon admitted the words caught him off guard. “She’s never said anything like that because we joke around a lot, and so at that point, I was like, ‘I’m good. It was all worth it.’”

Family has remained at the heart of the film’s promotional tour. Damon stars as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation, and earlier this month he attended the London premiere alongside Luciana and all four daughters.

You might also like to read: “It Was All Worth It”: Matt Damon Shares the Heartwarming 5 Words From His Daughter That Left Him Speechless After ‘The Odyssey’