Matt Damon was really, really lucky to end up in this film. Not only does he owe the part to Robin Williams and Steven Spielberg being friends, but yet another well-known actor dropped out of the production in order to open the door for him. Edward Norton, who in 1998 was as much a newcomer to the movie world as Damon was, was also in the frame to play Private Ryan.
Ultimately, Norton had to choose between the role, and a larger part in 'American History X' and went with the latter. A year later he got the lead role in 'Fight Club' and his career continued to go from strength to strength. So much success in the acting world seems to depend on being in the right place at the right time. Damon almost got this role by default because Spielberg couldn't find anyone else to do it!