Ben Affleck biography, net worth, dating history, girlfriend, children, young, height 2025

Ben Affleck Biography

Benjamin Géza Affleck is an American actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter who won an Academy Award for his outstanding contribution to cinema for "Good Will Hunting". He's the older brother of actor Casey Affleck.

Childhood

Born in 1972 in Berkeley, California, Benjamin Affleck came from Irish-Scottish roots. His mother, Christine Anne Boldt, taught school, while his father, Timothy Byers Affleck, performed at a Boston theater in his younger days. Affleck Sr.'s acting career died in its infancy, but during his time on stage, he managed to befriend Dustin Hoffman and Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow's mom).

After leaving theater, Timothy cycled through countless jobs: janitor, social worker, bartender, auto mechanic. Never finding his place in Boston, he moved to California and became a pharmaceutical rep.

When Ben was 3, his brother Casey was born, who'd also become an actor. The family later relocated from California to Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ben Affleck's film debut came in 1981 – the 8-year-old landed a bit part in the social drama "The Dark End of the Street", shot in Berkeley. According to the actor himself, he got into the film by chance because a family friend was directing it. "Not because my mom was obsessed with turning me into a child actor and cash cow," Ben explained.

In 1984, Ben's parents divorced due to his father's drinking problem. Christine Anne took a job at a Cambridge school, and the Afflecks started building their new life.

Timothy kept drinking and eventually lost everything, joining the ranks of Cambridge's homeless population. Timothy caught a break in the late '80s when he got into a rehab center and beat his alcohol addiction – though he had to stay there for the next 12 years to do it.

Ben Affleck with his mom and younger brother

Ben's mother was an intellectual woman with very liberal views. Local artists gathered at their house, and she regularly took Ben and Casey to theaters, introducing her sons to classic literature. Tightening her belt, she saved up for a video camera so the boys could make home movies. She took them to auditions for commercials, though she hoped they'd choose the noble profession of teaching when they grew up.

Through an acquaintance who worked as a casting director in television, she found 12-year-old Benjamin a role in the educational series "The Voyage of the Mimi". Appearing in the low-budget program was enough to make the teenager literally fall in love with acting. His mom introduced him to her friend David Wheeler, an acting coach. Wheeler happily worked with Ben, considering him "a very gifted and curious kid."

Ben Affleck in "The Voyage of the Mimi" – his first serious role

The boy kept appearing in "The Voyage of the Mimi" until he was 15, sometimes shooting in Mexico.

Meeting Matt Damon

In Cambridge, as zoomboola.com notes, Ben Affleck befriended Matt Damon – they lived a couple of blocks from each other, attended the same school (though in different grades, as Matt was a couple of years older), and participated in the school's theater club. Damon recalled that their acting teacher, Jerry Speca, always gave Ben the longest roles and most demanding monologues.

Affleck and Damon's friendship has stood the test of time

Matt was a regular at the Affleck house, where things were pretty laid-back: Ben could freely bring friends over, drink beer, and smoke weed. During one of their hangout sessions, the close friends made a firm decision to become professional actors and started hitting up auditions. But all they could land were extra roles in mediocre films ("Wanted: The Perfect Guy," "Hands of a Stranger").

Young Ben Affleck in the movie "Wanted: The Perfect Guy"

In 1989, Ben Affleck appeared on TV screens in a Burger King commercial. By then, the young man was already 17 – time to think about his future career. He enrolled at the University of Vermont, and the reason for choosing this particular school was pretty straightforward: Affleck had an unrequited crush on a girl who wasn't even a Vermont student but attended a nearby high school.

Ben Affleck in Burger King commercial

Unsurprisingly, Ben didn't last long at the university, leaving after his first semester to head to Hollywood with his best friend Matt.

In Hollywood

Affleck's mom was horrified – the center of global filmmaking seemed like a vicious circle of hell to her. She figured her son, prone to wild living, would inevitably spend his remaining days in some rehab center.

She was partly right – barely into their twenties, the actors rented a house in the heart of the city, threw parties, blew their meager earnings on booze and soft drugs, and between binges, showed up for auditions.

Hollywood put the young men through a brutal character test – at first, casting calls only resulted in extra work. In 1992, the buddies landed lead roles in the drama "School Ties". The film about the harsh fate of high schoolers from different social castes gave Affleck and Damon their big break into major cinema, along with a whole constellation of future movie stars: Chris O'Donnell, Brendan Fraser, and Amy Locane.

Future stars. A shot from the movie "School Ties"

After getting paid for their first major role ($40,000 each), Ben and Matt went completely wild: they rented a cottage on the Pacific coast and immediately threw a party for 800 people. The friends started burning through money left and right – for instance, Affleck spent part of his earnings on a short film project called "I Killed My Lesbian Wife, Hung Her on a Meat Hook, and Now I Have a Three-Picture Deal at Disney".

Ben Affleck's directorial debut

When the money ran out, they discovered they owed massive back taxes – $15,000. They had to move out of the upscale neighborhood and rent a small house in the secluded area of Eagle Rock.

Around this time, Ben Affleck made a second attempt at higher education and enrolled at Occidental College in Los Angeles. For a while, the young actor successfully juggled school and filming; during that period he landed a bit part in the series "Buffy" and was cast in "Dazed and Confused", where he hit it off nicely with Matthew McConaughey.

One day, a creative writing professor gave Affleck's class homework – write a short story on any topic. Ben and Matt spent several evenings creating a 20-page piece, but the instructor just laughed in the student's face, declaring that nobody would ever read such garbage. Pissed off, Affleck withdrew from the college.

Ben Affleck only received his higher education in 2013

Career Peak

In 1995, the young acting duo caught the eye of up-and-coming writer-director Kevin Smith. The guys impressed him during the making of "Mallrats," and though the film didn't exactly set the world on fire, the Affleck-Damon duo went on to appear in nearly every Smith comedy that followed: "Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "Jersey Girl."

Smith also served as co-producer on the 1997 film "Good Will Hunting," which catapulted Affleck and Damon to massive fame. Matt took the lead role of Will, a janitor with a phenomenal IQ, while Ben Affleck played none other than Hunting's best friend. The plot was based on that same 20-page story that their Occidental College professor had laughingly rejected.

Good Will Hunting was based on a script by Affleck and Damon

The film's box office take came in at 22 times its production budget. In 1998, the successful picture won two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (that statuette went to Robin Williams); that same year, the screenplay won a Golden Globe, and the friends received the prestigious National Board of Review award for special contribution to cinema.

Affleck and Damon receive Oscar for "Good Will Hunting"

Offers of all kinds came flooding in for the young actor, from the romantic comedy "Shakespeare in Love," where Affleck's character witnessed a love triangle between Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Colin Firth, to the disaster film "Armageddon." On Michael Bay's set, the actor found himself immediately surrounded by Hollywood's A-list: his co-stars included Bruce Willis, Steve Buscemi, and Billy Bob Thornton, while the stunning Liv Tyler played Affleck's on-screen love interest.

Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis in "Armageddon"

In 2001, the historical drama "Pearl Harbor" premiered, instantly shooting to the top of the worldwide box office. This time, Affleck shared the triumph with Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale.

Pearl Harbor – Affleck as Lieutenant McCawley

In 2003, Affleck starred in the comic book adaptation "Daredevil," which he'd loved since childhood. The film pulled in decent box office numbers and earned solid reviews from critics, but the movies that followed – "Gigli" and "Surviving Christmas" – pretty much tanked. His pairing with Jennifer Lopez in "Gigli" was dubbed the worst on-screen duo in cinema history.

Critics weren't fans of Affleck and Lopez's on-screen romance

Still, even two back-to-back flops couldn't dent Affleck's popularity. In 2006, he and Adrien Brody were cast in the lead roles for "Hollywoodland." This biographical film about the mysterious death of actor George Reeves won multiple awards; Ben took home the prestigious Volpi Cup and Golden Globe.

In 2009, Affleck joined the crime thriller "Smokin' Aces" in a supporting role as Jack Dupree, diving into an FBI-versus-mob saga. Ryan Reynolds took the lead as Special Agent Richard Messner.

After "Smokin' Aces," Affleck slowed down his acting work, dedicating most of his free time to his own projects where he served as director and screenwriter.

Producer, director and lead actor of "Argo" – Ben Affleck

One such project was the political thriller "Argo," whose script was built on real events. The plot was based on the story of rescuing American diplomats from captivity after the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. Brad Pitt was up for the lead role of CIA agent Tony Mendez, but his packed schedule didn't allow time for such a massive project, so Ben had to juggle directing duties with acting. Bryan Cranston, however, managed to step away from the "Breaking Bad" set and played Mendez's boss Jack O'Donnell.

Despite accusations that Affleck took too many liberties with historical facts, in 2013 his third directorial effort won three Oscars, including the statue for Best Picture.

Ben Affleck receives Oscar for "Argo"

In 2009, the world saw him as the love interest of charming Jennifer Aniston in the comedy "He's Just Not That Into You." And in 2014, audiences were mesmerized following the plot twists of the detective thriller "Gone Girl," where Affleck's character had to unravel a string of tangled mysteries to find his missing wife, brilliantly played by Rosamund Pike.

In 2016, a massive blockbuster hit screens with his involvement: "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Affleck played Batman and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne, and in November 2017 came its follow-up "Justice League." He appeared in the same role in "Suicide Squad" with Margot Robbie, giving viewers a glimpse into the other side of the good versus evil battle. Both films received a lukewarm reception, especially from DC Comics fans.

In 2019, Affleck teamed up again with old friend Kevin Smith, who'd set out to revive the Jay and Silent Bob film series. Affleck reprised his role as Holden McNeil, co-creator of the "Bluntman and Chronic" comic.

In 2020, the actor was busy filming the sports drama "The Way Back" with a pretty straightforward plot: he played a once-promising basketball player turned alcoholic loser who gets a chance to coach a high school team.

Due to Affleck's growing struggle with alcohol, the insurance company raised his life insurance premiums, and the cost of DC projects featuring the actor shot up dramatically. So after wrapping "Justice League," the studio didn't want him as Batman anymore. The new "Dark Knight" became Robert Pattinson.

In 2020, Ben Affleck appeared in "The Flash" – fans were thrilled to learn the actor would return as Batman for at least one more franchise film. His appearance was brief, though – literally five minutes. Still, Affleck called the work a perfect conclusion to his Batman's story arc and admitted he'd only now finally understood his character completely. 2021 also saw the premiere of Zack Snyder's director's cut of "Justice League" on HBO Max, where Affleck once again appeared as Bruce Wayne.

Affleck also directed the drama "King Leopold's Ghost" – about the tyrant King Leopold II. He ruled the Congo in the 18th century and turned the entire local population into his slaves while hiding behind Christian morality.

Ben Affleck's Personal Life

Ben Affleck's first love was Cheyenne Rothman, the very girl who inspired the future actor to enroll at the University of Vermont he hated. His beloved didn't appreciate the grand gesture, though, never giving Ben the boyfriend title. Ten years later, Affleck called her rejection "the biggest disappointment of my life."

Gwyneth Paltrow

In 1997, Affleck started a romance with Gwyneth Paltrow, who'd just broken up with Brad Pitt. For a long time they were considered Hollywood's most exemplary couple; for Gwyneth's 24th birthday, Affleck gave her diamond earrings and agreed to star with his girlfriend in the uncharacteristic project "Shakespeare in Love" – a film that proved fatal for their relationship.

Affleck and Paltrow's romance was under threat

Not only did Paltrow refuse a body double for her bedroom scenes with Joseph Fiennes, she constantly raved about her co-star in front of Ben: "Fiennes is so great, such a good actor!" One day after filming, Ben caught Gwyneth and Joseph in a passionate embrace. Though the actress insisted to Ben it was just rehearsal, the relationship was over.

Paltrow played the bed scenes without an understudy

For the next four years, Ben Affleck's romantic life became one of Hollywood's most discussed mysteries. Rumors swirled about romances with Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and former "James Bond villain" – Dutch actress Famke Janssen, but Affleck never commented on any of it.

Jennifer Lopez

In 2002, while filming "Gigli," he started a romance with Jennifer Lopez. Things were heading toward marriage – Ben even earned the nickname "Mr. Lopez." He bought an engagement ring with a rare pink diamond, and tabloids were ready to savor every wedding detail, but four days before the ceremony, Lopez's press agent notified the media: Affleck and J.Lo had split. Ben later admitted the romance with the singer had exhausted him so much he barely had energy left for filming.

In public, J.Lo and Affleck always behaved with restraint

Jennifer Garner

Soon after the breakup, Affleck was spotted publicly with his former "Pearl Harbor" and "Daredevil" co-star, Jennifer Garner.

In 2005, the couple secretly tied the knot in the Caribbean, and that December, Violet Anne Affleck was born. The marriage gave Ben two more children: younger daughter Seraphina Rose Elizabeth and son Samuel.

In 2015, the day after their tenth wedding anniversary, Affleck and Garner announced they were divorcing. The exact reason for the split remained a mystery, but an anonymous insider claimed it stemmed from Ben's infidelities—which he'd grown tired of hiding—and his struggles with alcohol. Even a family therapist couldn't save their relationship. At one point, an angry Garner kicked Affleck out of the house, forcing him to bounce between hotels.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's children are a charming trio

The divorce dragged on for three years. Jennifer hoped her husband would get his act together, complete treatment for alcoholism, and stop cheating. But those hopes went nowhere. The divorce was finalized in 2018, with the former couple sharing custody of their children equally.

In 2017, Ben started dating producer Lindsay Shookus (though rumors suggested they'd been together since 2015). The relationship ended when Affleck was spotted with Playboy model Shauna Sexton.

In November 2019, Ben Affleck was found on a dating app—a paid, VIP version of Tinder. His profile said he was looking for a regular girl, not a celebrity. He later deleted all his photos and made the profile private.

After divorcing Garner, the actor battled recurring depression, which he tried to drown in alcohol. In 2017, he completed rehab and said he felt like a new man. By summer 2018, he was back in treatment for another month-long stint.

Affleck had serious problems with alcohol

Ana de Armas

Fall 2019 changed Ben's life—that's when he met Cuban actress Ana de Armas on the set of the thriller "Deep Water." She won him over, and the two started dating. Ben and Ana quarantined together during lockdown, then became fixtures on the streets and at events once restrictions lifted. Fans believed de Armas had "healed" Affleck.

In January 2021, the couple split after a year together. According to insiders, Ana de Armas initiated the breakup. Fans also noticed Affleck's weight loss around this time and attributed it to stress from the split.

Ben Affleck before and after breaking up with Ana de Armas

J.Lo Redux

Soon, Ben was spotted with his former flame Jennifer Lopez. Neither hid the fact that after 18 years, they'd decided to give their relationship another shot, stepping out together publicly. In November 2021, Affleck gave a major interview to WSJ Magazine, explaining that their second attempt was even stronger—both were now mature, established people who understood personal boundaries.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez – together again!

Looks like they really did learn from past mistakes. In spring 2022, Ben proposed, and that July, tabloids reported that Ben and Jennifer had tied the knot in Las Vegas. The ceremony was incredibly low-key: J.Lo wore a dress she'd once worn in a movie, while Ben threw on a regular jacket.

A month after the Vegas wedding, the newlyweds celebrated with friends and family in Georgia. Lopez wore a white Ralph Lauren gown with short sleeves, an open back, and a flowing ruffled train. A sheer veil completed her bridal look. Affleck went with a white tuxedo jacket, black pants, and a classic bow tie.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's wedding

Soon after, J.Lo revealed she'd taken Ben's last name:

Fans will still call me Jennifer Lopez. We're husband and wife. But officially, I'm Mrs. Affleck. And I'm proud of that.

Everything seemed perfect. Jennifer called breaking off their engagement 20 years earlier the biggest mistake of her life. Ben and his love got matching tattoos: hers, an infinity symbol with their names; his, crossed arrows with the initials B and J. Affleck gushed about Jennifer's genius, which helped him prepare for his role in the Nike film "Air" (the first project from Artists Equity, the company Affleck founded with Matt Damon, who both starred in it). And Jennifer couldn't stop talking about what an amazing father her husband was—not just to his kids, but to hers too.

Affleck and Lopez team up in Dunkin Donuts commercial

But by spring 2024, rumors of trouble started swirling. In mid-May, fans raised the alarm: Ben and Jennifer hadn't been seen together in public for six weeks. However, on May 30, they showed up together at Violet's (Ben's daughter) graduation. Sadly, a month later, insiders reported that Affleck had moved all his belongings out of their shared home and was renting a place of his own.

Ben Affleck with Jennifer Lopez and Violet

On July 24, Lopez celebrated her 55th birthday with close friends. But Affleck wasn't at the party. He was across the country buying a $20 million apartment.

On August 6, People magazine, citing a source, reported that both were moving on:

Jennifer's trying to find a new home to start fresh. Considering everything that's happening, she's having a good summer. She's had some rest and been able to focus on what's next. She's enjoyed spending time with the kids, family, and friends.

Ben Affleck Now

The drama "Air," the debut film from Affleck and Damon's Artists Equity studio, scored strong audience ratings and landed two Golden Globe nominations (for Best Picture and Best Actor). The drama tells the story of Nike's marketing department flipping the script in 1984 by securing an advertising deal with the legendary Michael Jordan.

Affleck didn't just star as one of the film's main characters – he also directed and produced it. Talking about why he chose this particular story, Ben explained:

We wanted to make a movie that would give people pleasure, lift their spirits. It's about human flaws, conflicts, struggles, but ultimately it gives you a positive feeling, and I wanted to make something that would genuinely inspire people. Just like Michael Jordan inspired the world.

In 2024, Artists Equity and Ben Affleck started work on "The Accountant 2" (a sequel to the 2016 action thriller). That August, the production company released the thriller "The Instigators," once again starring the best friend duo in the lead roles.

Ben Affleck: latest news and articles

Linda Brown

I can`t really remember movies with Affleck and as an actor for me he is so-so.

2021-04-13 20:34:15
Richard Sullivan

I never like Ben Affleck. Maybe as an actor, he is really good but everything I watched with him I didn`t like.

2021-04-06 20:58:16
Christina Richardson

The best movie with Affleck is Gone Girl! It`s just a top!

2021-03-29 13:59:54
Owen Hayden Reed

The best chin for Batman is Affleck :)

2021-03-28 17:35:46
Jason Fox

Yeah, I guess Affleck can`t be ashamed for Daredevil.

2021-03-13 22:07:02

Ben Affleck

Photos: Ben Affleck