Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck
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Name:
Ben Affleck
Birth date:
(52 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Berkeley, California, U.S.
Height:
6'2 ft ()
Weight:
165 lb (75 kg)
Relationship:
married with Jennifer Lopez
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:
Links:

Photos: Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck photo 1
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Ben Affleck Biography

Benjamin Géza Affleck is an American actor, director, filmmaker, and Oscar winner. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for co-writing "Good Will Hunting." Benjamin is an older brother of Casey Affleck. Net worth: $150 million.
Ben Affleck is an idol for millions of his fans
Ben Affleck is an idol for millions of his fans

Early life

Benjamin Affleck was born on August 15, 1972, in Berkeley, California in an Irish-Scottish family. His mother, Christopher Ann (nee Boldt) was a school teacher and father, Timothy Byers Affleck, was an aspiring actor who used to perform in one of the Boston theatres. His father's acting career never really took off, but he managed to make friends with Dustin Hoffman and Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow's mother).
Since the early childhood Ben Affleck stood out with his expressive looks
Since the early childhood Ben Affleck stood out with his expressive looks
After leaving the theater, Timothy tried to make a living as a janitor, social worker, bartender, and auto mechanic. He was not satisfied with his life in Boston, so he moved to California where he became a pharmacological sales representative.
Tim and Chris, Ben Affleck`s parents
Tim and Chris, Ben Affleck`s parents
In 1981, 8-year-old Ben got his first acting role in the social drama film "Dark Side of the Street." Just three years later, in 1984, Affleck's parents divorced and his mother took him and his younger brother Casey to Massachusetts. She got a job at the local school and the Affleck family began settling into their new home.
Benjamin Affleck with his mother and younger brother
Benjamin Affleck with his mother and younger brother
Right after the move, Chris, thanks to her friends, managed to get her son a role in an educational series called "The Voyage of the Mimi." This small role was enough to set young Ben on an acting path.
Ben Affleck`s first serious role in «The Voyage of the Mimi»
Ben Affleck`s first serious role in «The Voyage of the Mimi»

Meeting Matt Damon

Living in Cambridge, Ben struck up a friendship with Matt Damon. They lived just a couple of blocks apart, attended the same school (with Damon being two years older), and went to theater school together. According to Damon, their acting teacher Gerry Speca always gave Affleck the most important roles and monologues. Matt was a regular at the Affleck house, where the family's liberal values meant they could drink beer and smoke weed without judgment.
Ben Affleck was quite a hothead in his youth
Ben Affleck was quite a hothead in his youth
During one of their hangouts, the two friends made a pact to become professional actors and started hitting the audition circuit, but they only landed background roles in forgettable movies like «Wanted: A Perfect Man», «Hands of a Stranger» and «The Second Voyage of the Mimi».
Affleck and Damon's friendship has stood the test of time
Affleck and Damon's friendship has stood the test of time
According to Zoomboola.com, in 1989 Ben Affleck had an appearance in Burger King's fast-food TV commercial. At 17, he was already thinking about his future career path. He applied to the University of Vermont purely because of unrequited love for a girl who didn't even attend the university—she went to a nearby school. Predictably, he dropped out after just one semester and set off to conquer Hollywood with his friend Matt Damon.
Ben Affleck in Burger King TV commercial

Ben Affleck in Hollywood

Affleck`s mother was devastated by his decision. For her Hollywood was a city full of vice and temptation. She was afraid that her son, who was always a sucker for the high life, would spend his remaining years in some rehab. She was partially right though, since her Ben and Matt, barely 20 years old, were renting a house in a middle of a city, throwing gigantic parties and blowing what little money they had on booze and drugs, occasionally hitting auditions and casting calls.
Affleck and Damon conquering the Hollywood
Affleck and Damon conquering the Hollywood
Hollywood really tested the mettle of young actors, offering them only minor and crowd scene roles. In 1992 both actors finally got their break in "School Ties." The film covered the problems and hardships that shape the lives of students from different backgrounds and started careers of many now-famous actors such as Chris O'Donnell, Brendan Fraser, and Amy Locane.
The stars in the making. Shot from «School Ties» movie
The stars in the making. Shot from «School Ties» movie
When the friends got their paychecks from the movie ($40,000 each), they decided to celebrate big and rented a cottage on the Pacific coast and threw a massive party for 800 people. They started literally burning through cash left and right. Affleck even spent some of his money on a short film 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
Only when they ran out of money did they discover they had racked up a massive $15,000 tax debt. To save money, they had to move out of the city center and settle in the Eagle Rock neighborhood near Los Angeles.
Eagle Rock Residence of Affleck and Damon
Eagle Rock Residence of Affleck and Damon
During this time Affleck decided to make a second attempt to get a degree and applied to liberal arts Occidental College in Los Angeles. For some time he was able to successfully juggle his study and acting career. He managed to snag a guest role on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and landed a part in "Dazed and Confused" where he first met and befriended Matthew McConaughey.
Ben Affleck in «Dazed and Confused»
Ben Affleck in «Dazed and Confused»
One day, a creative writing professor tasked Affleck`s university group to write a short story on a free topic. Ben and Matt spent several evenings writing it, but the teacher only laughed in the actor`s face and said that no one in their right mind would ever read his drivel. Angered by her attitude Ben left the university.
Ben Affleck got his university degree only in 2013
Ben Affleck got his university degree only in 2013

Career Take-off

In 1995, two actors caught the eye of aspiring director and screenwriter Kevin Smith. He spotted them during the filming of «Mallrats» and from that day forward, despite the movie's failures, the Affleck-Damon duo appeared in almost every Smith comedy including «Chasing Amy», «Dogma», «Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back» and «Jersey Girl».
Affleck and Damon in «Dogma»
Affleck and Damon in «Dogma»
Smith also co-produced the 1997 film «Good Will Hunting», which skyrocketed Affleck's and Damon's careers and brought them overwhelming popularity. The film starred Damon as Will Hunting, a young man with genius-level IQ working as a janitor, and Affleck as his best friend. This movie was based on a 20-page story the actors wrote as a class assignment that was initially dismissed by their Occidental University professor.
«Good Will Hunting» was based on a script that Affleck and Damon wrote together
«Good Will Hunting» was based on a script that Affleck and Damon wrote together
The movie grossed over $225 million from a $10 million budget and earned 2 Oscars: «Best Original Screenplay» for Affleck and Damon, and «Best Supporting Actor» for Robin Williams. That same year, the two friends won the «Golden Globe» for «Best Screenplay» and received the National Board of Review award for «Special Achievement in Filmmaking».
Affleck and Damon receiving Oscar for «Good Will Hunting»
The young actor was flooded with movie offers: from «Shakespeare in Love», where Affleck's character witnessed a love triangle between Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Colin Firth, to the disaster film «Armageddon». During filming of Michael Bay's blockbuster, Ben was surrounded by Hollywood superstars. His partners were Bruce Willis, Steve Buscemi and Billy Bob Thornton, and wonderful Liv Tyler as his on-screen lover.
Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis in «Armageddon»
Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis in «Armageddon»
In 2001, Affleck reunited with Michael Bay for the war drama «Pearl Harbor», which quickly became a worldwide hit. This time Affleck teamed up with Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale.
Ben Affleck as Captain Rafe McCawley in «Pearl Harbor»
Ben Affleck as Captain Rafe McCawley in «Pearl Harbor»
In 2003, Ben starred in «Daredevil», based on the comic book series of the same name—one of Affleck's personal favorites. «Daredevil» was a commercial success, unlike some of Ben's subsequent films like «Gigli» and «Surviving Christmas», both of which bombed at the box office. His duo with Jennifer Lopez in «Gigli» was considered the worst acting tandem in the history of moviemaking.
Affleck and Lopez movie romance was shredded by the critics
Affleck and Lopez movie romance was shredded by the critics
However, even two universally panned movies couldn't bring Ben's popularity down. In 2006, Affleck and Adrien Brody starred in «Hollywoodland». This biographical mystery film presented a fictionalized take on the mysterious death of actor George Reeves and earned numerous awards and nominations. Ben Affleck himself was awarded the «Golden Globe» and «Volpi Cup».
Ben Affleck is a superman!
Ben Affleck is a superman!
In 2006, Ben appeared in "Smokin' Aces" as bail bondsman Jack Dupree. The movie also starred Ryan Reynolds, performing the role of special agent Richard Messner.

After "Aces," Affleck decided to scale back his acting to focus on his own projects, where he could work on screenwriting and directing.
Ben Affleck as a producer, director and lead actor in «Argo»
Ben Affleck as a producer, director and lead actor in «Argo»
One of his projects became the true-story political thriller "Argo." The film's plot centered on the evacuation of U.S. diplomats from captivity in Tehran in 1979. Brad Pitt was supposed to appear in the movie as CIA agent Tony Mende but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, so Ben Affleck had to star in a movie he was directing. "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston, however, managed to join Affleck as Mendez's boss Jack O'Donnell.
Affleck and Cranston became CIA agents
Affleck and Cranston became CIA agents
Affleck's loose interpretation of historical events was initially criticized, but he still managed to win three Oscar awards, including the prestigious Best Picture award.
Ben Affleck receives «Oscar» for his work on «Argo»
In 2009, he appeared as the love interest of Jennifer Aniston in the romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You." In 2014, audiences worldwide were captivated by the twisting plot of "Gone Girl," a psychological thriller starring the incredible Rosamund Pike.

In 2016 he appeared on screen as a Batman\Bruce Wayne in «Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice» blockbuster and only a year later in «Justice League», establishing himself as a cornerstone of the DC Comics franchise. He also appeared in the same role in «Suicide Squad» starring Margot Robbie, giving audiences a glimpse into another side of the eternal good-versus-evil struggle.
Ben Affleck, Batman and Bruce Wayne
Ben Affleck, Batman and Bruce Wayne
In 2019, several high-profile films featuring Ben Affleck were released. These included Netflix's "Triple Frontier" and "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot," which continued the beloved stories from the 2000s. The 2020 premiere of "The Way Back" was also postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, Ben has battled chronic depression and alcoholism. In 2007 he completed a residential rehabilitation program, stating that he felt like a completely new man after treatment. In August, 2018 he had to enter another residential rehabilitation program. Due to his addiction, insurance companies increased his life insurance premiums, significantly raising the cost of DC Studios projects involving Affleck.

Personal Life

Cheyenne Rothman, the same girl who inspired Ben Affleck to get into the hated Vermont University, was the actor's first love. However, she wasn't really impressed with his heroics and nipped his attempts to become her boyfriend in the bud. Ten years later, Affleck admitted that being rejected by Cheyenne was the "biggest disappointment in his life."
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow were considered a perfect match
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow were considered a perfect match
In 1997 Ben started a romance with Gwyneth Paltrow, who just ended her relationship with Brad Pitt. For a long time, they were considered the most perfect pair in all of Hollywood. On her 24th birthday, he gifted her with a pair of diamond earrings and agreed to join her in a film uncharacteristic for him called "Shakespeare in Love." This movie would prove fatal to their relationship.
The relationship of Affleck and Paltrow is under threat
The relationship of Affleck and Paltrow is under threat
Not only did Paltrow decide not to use a double in erotic scenes with Joseph Fiennes, but she had the nerve to constantly praise him, saying: "Fiennes is such a good actor, what a talent!" Once, just after a screening, Ben found the two actors in a passionate embrace and, despite Paltrow's attempts to brush it off as just rehearsing before the show, it was the end of their relationship.
Paltrow decided not to use a double in erotic scenes
Paltrow decided not to use a double in erotic scenes
For the next four years, Ben's personal life became the hottest talking point in Hollywood. There were rumors about his romances with Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and even the «ex enemy of James Bond» – Netherland actress Famke Janssen, but Affleck never confirmed or denied any of these claims.
Affleck and Bullock were often seen together
Affleck and Bullock were often seen together
In 2002, during the filming of "Gigli," Ben started a romance with Jennifer Lopez. The marriage already looked like a done deal; fans even gave Ben the nickname "Mr. Lopez." He even bought a wedding ring with incredibly rare rose diamonds and all the newspapers were ready to savor every detail of the wedding, but just four days before the ceremony, Lopez's agent announced that the actors were no longer together. Afterward, Ben admitted that his relationship with Jennifer exhausted him so much that he struggled to find the energy to act in movies.
J Lo and Affleck always looked reserved in public
J Lo and Affleck always looked reserved in public
Right after the breakup with Lopez, Ben appeared in public with his former co-star from "Pearl Harbor" and "Daredevil," actress Jennifer Garner.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
The couple secretly married in 2005 on a small Caribbean isle. In December 2005, Jennifer gave birth to their first daughter, Violet Ann Affleck, with another daughter Seraphina and son Samuel following a few years later.
Ben Affleck with wife and children
Ben Affleck with wife and children
In 2015, just a day after their 10-year anniversary, the couple announced their intention to divorce. The exact reasoning behind their decision remains unclear, but an insider who wanted to remain anonymous reported that relations between the pair were so bad that even their family counselor couldn't help them reconcile. At some point, his furious wife even kicked Affleck out of the house, forcing him to live in hotels.

The divorce proceeded, but the ex-couple decided to live together to focus on their kids. In 2018, the divorce was officially finalized, and for two years Affleck was spotted with Ana de Armas, his co-star in the erotic thriller Deep Water. A source close to the couple confirmed that the relationship between the actors was much more than friendly.
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas
In January 2021, the couple broke up after a year together. According to insiders, the initiator of the breakup was Ana de Armas. Affleck's dramatic weight loss was also attributed to this – fans were convinced it was linked to the stress of the breakup.
Ben Affleck before anf after the breakup
Ben Affleck before anf after the breakup
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. In November 2021, Affleck gave a big interview to WSJ Magazine, saying that on their second try, their relationship had become even stronger because they're both now mature people who understand personal boundaries.
Ben Affleck And J Lo are the coulpe again
Ben Affleck And J Lo are the coulpe again
It seems both really learned from their past mistakes. In spring 2022, Ben proposed to his beloved, and in July tabloids reported on Ben and Jennifer's Las Vegas wedding. The celebration was as low-key as possible: J.Lo wore a dress from one of her movies, while Ben wore a simple jacket.

Ben Affleck Now

Due to his addiction issues, insurance companies hiked Affleck's life insurance premiums, and the cost of DC projects involving the actor skyrocketed. As a result, after wrapping Justice League, the studio no longer wanted him as Batman. Robert Pattinson became the new Dark Knight.
The actor lost the role of Batman
The actor lost the role of Batman
In 2020, Ben Affleck starred in "The Flash" – fans were thrilled that the actor returned to the Batman role at least once. In 2021, Zack Snyder's director's cut of "Justice League" also premiered, with Affleck reprising his role as Bruce Wayne.

Meanwhile, he starred in the drama "The Tender Bar" and appeared in Ridley Scott's historical drama "The Last Duel."

Ben Affleck: latest news and articles

  • I can`t really remember movies with Affleck and as an actor for me he is so-so.
    2021-04-13 20:34:15
  • 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
  • The best movie with Affleck is Gone Girl! It`s just a top!
    2021-03-29 13:59:54
  • The best chin for Batman is Affleck :)
    2021-03-28 17:35:46
  • Yeah, I guess Affleck can`t be ashamed for Daredevil.
    2021-03-13 22:07:02
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