Ben Affleck is an American actor and filmmaker who has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes.
He began his career as a child actor and gained wider recognition for his roles in various films, such as Good Will Hunting, Argo, Gone Girl and as Batman in the DC Extended Universe.
Affleck has also ventured into directing, with successful films like Gone Baby Gone and The Town.
Apart from his work in the entertainment industry, he is known for his philanthropic efforts and political involvement.
Affleck co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative and is a supporter of the Democratic Party.
Additionally, he co-owns production companies like Artists Equity and Pearl Street Films with Matt Damon.
Net worth | $120 million |
Profession | Actor, filmmaker |
Date of birth | August 15, 1972, |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Affleck was born on August 15, 1972, in Berkeley, California, and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
His mother, Chris Anne Boldt, was a school teacher, and his father, Timothy Byers Affleck, was a social worker.
Affleck has a younger brother, Casey Affleck, who is also an actor.
He developed an interest in acting from a young age and had his first acting experience in a Burger King commercial.
Affleck’s early acting roles included appearances in TV movies and series like The Voyage of the Mimi and Dazed and Confused.
He later gained recognition for his work in independent films and achieved widespread acclaim for co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting.alongside Matt Damon, which won them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1997.
Net worth
Affleck’s net worth varies across sources but is estimated to be around $120 million in 2024.
However, when combined with his wife Jennifer Lopez’s net worth, their total assets amount to over $640 million.
Affleck has amassed his wealth through a successful career as an actor and filmmaker, starring in numerous films and earning significant paychecks for his roles.
Additionally, his ventures into directing, producing and commercial deals, like his partnership with Dunkin’, have contributed to his financial success.
Despite fluctuations in his net worth over the years, Affleck’s financial standing remains substantial, reflecting his long-standing presence in the entertainment industry and his diverse portfolio of projects and investments.
Salary per film
Affleck’s salary per movie varies, with reports indicating that he can earn up to $15 million per film.
Throughout his career, Affleck has received substantial paychecks for his roles in various movies.
Notably, he earned $15 million for the movie Paycheck in 2003, $6 million for Reindeer Games, $10 million for Changing Lanes and The Sum of All Fears and $12.5 million for Gigli.
Despite these significant earnings, Affleck’s salary for Good Will Hunting, the film that launched his career, was relatively smaller.
Additionally, his exact salary for portraying Batman in films like Dawn of Justice has not been disclosed, but reports suggest that he received a substantial paycheck, contributing to his overall earnings in the film industry.
Dunkin’ Donuts deal
Affleck’s Dunkin’ Donuts deal is a multimillion-dollar partnership where he serves as a brand ambassador for the popular coffee chain.
This endorsement deal, worth ‘several million dollars,’ includes not only a significant paycheck but also involves a charitable component, with Dunkin’ making a donation to Affleck’s non-profit organization, the Eastern Congo Initiative.
Affleck’s connection to Dunkin’ Donuts runs deep, stemming from his roots in Massachusetts, where the chain was founded.
His involvement with Dunkin’ has led to the creation of various humorous commercials where he showcases his love for the brand and his Massachusetts accent, often featuring his wife and other celebrities.
Additionally, Affleck’s Dunkin’ Donuts deal highlights his ability to leverage his fame and persona to engage in successful endorsement partnerships that go beyond traditional acting roles.
LivePlanet
Affleck co-founded LivePlanet in 2000 with Damon, Chris Moore and Sean Bailey.
LivePlanet was a multimedia company that aimed to blend entertainment with new media and branding. was a multimedia company that aimed to blend entertainment with new media and branding.
The company’s projects included interactive ventures like ABC’s The Runner and Push, Nevada, as well as the successful HBO series, Project Greenlight, which led to the production of three films distributed by Miramax.
LivePlanet’s film unit eventually closed, with its deal with Disney ending in 2008, leading to the formation of Idealogy Inc. by Sean Bailey to continue producing scripted film projects initiated through LivePlanet.
Despite LivePlanet’s closure, the company left a mark in the entertainment industry through its innovative projects and successful collaborations between Affleck, Damon, and their partners.
Car collection
Affleck’s car collection reflects his diverse taste and appreciation for luxury vehicles.
Among his impressive array of cars are models from renowned brands like Bentley, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla.
Notable vehicles in his collection include a 2020 Bentley Mulsanne, a classic Chevrolet Chevelle SS, a restored Cadillac DeVille Coupe, a Lexus LS for luxury and comfort and a Tesla Model S for its performance and eco-friendly features.
Affleck’s collection showcases his love for a variety of cars, from classic muscle cars to modern luxury sedans and electric vehicles, demonstrating his passion for automotive excellence and style.
Real estate portfolio
Affleck owns an impressive array of real estate properties and houses, showcasing his penchant for luxurious living spaces.
Notable among his properties are;
$60 million estate: Affleck and Lopez purchased an incredible home for $60 million, featuring 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a cinema, wine room, whiskey lounge, spa, sports facility and a 5,000-square-foot guard house.
The property sits on a 5-acre promontory and offers unmatched security, making it a crown jewel in Wallingford.
Savannah estate: Affleck’s Savannah estate in Georgia, where he hosted his wedding celebration with Lopez, is a remarkable property overlooking the North Newport River.
The estate includes a plantation-style mansion known as the Big House, a Summer Cottage perfect for entertaining and an Oyster House with equestrian facilities and access to the sea from a private dock.
Other properties: Affleck has listed his expansive property for sale at $12.7 million, featuring stunning views of the North Newport River.
This property showcases his taste for elegant and spacious living spaces, reflecting his appreciation for luxurious homes.
These properties not only serve as residences but also reflect Affleck’s investment in exquisite real estate, providing him with comfort, privacy and a touch of luxury in his everyday life.
Early career
Affleck’s early career began with roles in television shows like The Voyage of the Mimi and The Second Voyage of the Mimi in the mid-1980s.
He appeared in TV movies and series as a teenager, showcasing his acting skills from a young age.
Affleck briefly attended the University of Vermont and Occidental College but left before graduating to pursue his acting career.
During this period, his height and stature often led to him being cast as a bully or antagonist in films like School Ties and Dazed and Confused.
Affleck’s early experiences in acting laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough roles and ventures into screenwriting, directing and producing.
Breakthrough
Affleck’s breakthrough in his career came in 1997 with the film, Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote and co-starred in with Damon.
The movie was a significant success, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
Affleck and Damon’s screenplay for Good Will Hunting won them the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, propelling them into the spotlight and establishing them as talented actors and writers in Hollywood.
Matt Damon collaboration
Affleck and Damon have a longstanding collaboration in the film industry, starting with their most notable work, Good Will Hunting, which they co-wrote and co-starred in, earning them their first Academy Awards.
In 2022, they established their own production company, Artist’s Equity, releasing their first film, Air, which was well-received.
Their upcoming project, Animals, is set to be released on Netflix, showcasing their continued partnership both in front of and behind the camera.
Over the years, they have worked on ten films together, with their collaborations spanning from the 1980s to the 2020s, demonstrating a deep and enduring creative bond.
Their friendship, which began in childhood, has evolved into a successful professional partnership, solidifying them as one of Hollywood’s most beloved duos with a rich history of collaborative projects.
Working with Kevin Smith
Affleck’s collaboration with Kevin Smith began with the films Mallrats and Chasing Amy, marking the start of their creative partnership.Â
He has appeared in numerous films directed by Kevin Smith, including Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II, showcasing a longstanding working relationship that has spanned several projects over the years.
Despite a period where Smith and Affleck were not on speaking terms, their friendship and collaboration have endured, with Smith celebrating Affleck’s contributions to the View Askewniverse and naming him as one of the “co-architects” of his film franchise.
Their collaboration has been significant in both their careers, with Affleck’s involvement in Smith’s films reflecting a deep bond and mutual respect between the two creatives.
Notable films
Affleck has starred in several notable films throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and filmmaker.
Some of his standout movies include Good Will Hunting, where he co-wrote and starred in the film that earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
In Argo, Affleck directed, co-produced, and starred in this thriller based on the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Gone Baby Gone marked Affleck’s feature film directorial debut with this critically praised thriller.
In Gone Girl, Affleck delivered a compelling performance in this David Fincher thriller.
The Town saw Affleck directing and starring in this crime drama, showcasing his skills behind and in front of the camera.
Awards and accolades
Affleck has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his talent as an actor, director and producer.
Notable among his achievements are the Academy Awards he received for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting in 1998 and for Best Picture for Argo in 2013.
Affleck also clinched the Golden Globe Award for Best Director – Motion Picture for Argo in 2013 and the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay – Motion Picture for Good Will Hunting in 1998.
Additionally, he received nominations for an Emmy Award for his work on Project Greenlight in 2016.
Affleck’s accolades extend to other prestigious honors like the Critics’ Choice Movie Award, Saturn Award and Hollywood Film Award, underscoring his multifaceted success in the entertainment industry.
Philanthropic works
Affleck is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back and supporting charitable causes.
He has been a strong advocate for human rights, supporting initiatives that aim to address issues like hunger relief, cancer research and preventing human rights violations.
Affleck has shown support for organizations such as the Jimmy Fund, the A-T Children’s Project, and the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI).
Through the ECI, he works to invest in communities in the eastern Congo, focusing on community-based approaches tailored to local societies to increase inward investment and support those in need.
Affleck has also participated in campaigns like the Small Change Campaign with Ellen DeGeneres to benefit Feeding America, urging people to donate their small change to help fund food banks.
Additionally, he has directed a short film and public service announcement highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and supporting those affected by conflict and displacement.
Controversies
Affleck has encountered various controversies throughout his career, from personal behavior to public statements.
In 2003, he faced allegations of cheating on Lopez while they were engaged, which reportedly led to the end of their relationship.
Affleck also drew criticism for comments perceived as homophobic during the filming of Chasing Amy in 1997.
Additionally, he admitted to inappropriate behavior towards actress Hilarie Burton, grabbing her breasts during a TV appearance, which resurfaced during the #MeToo Movement.
Affleck’s struggles with alcoholism and his comments about feeling “trapped” in his marriage to Jennifer Garner have also sparked controversy, with some interpreting his remarks as placing blame on Garner for his drinking issues.
These controversies have often overshadowed Affleck’s professional accomplishments, attracting significant media attention and public scrutiny.
Ben Affleck family
Affleck shares a close bond with his family, including his children and former spouse Jennifer Garner.
Together, Affleck and Jennifer co-parent their three children, Violet Anne, 18, Seraphina Rose, 15, and Samuel, 12.
Despite their divorce, Ben and Jennifer have maintained an amicable relationship and successfully co-parent their children.
Affleck is now married to Lopez and is a stepfather to her children, Emme and Max, who are both 15 years old.
Affleck has been spotted spending quality time with his children, notably bonding with his two youngest, Seraphina and Samuel, during activities like picking them up from skateboarding sessions.
Their family dynamic reflects a commitment to providing a nurturing environment for their children, ensuring they grow up surrounded by love and support.