Ben Affleck
Actor, director, producer, screenwriter
Born
August 15, 1972
Birthplace
Berkeley, California, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$150 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Good Will Hunting (1997); Argo (2012)
Ben Affleck Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1972 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years Active | 1981-present |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Spouse | Married Jennifer Lopez (2022-present); previously married Jennifer Garner (2005-2018) |
| Children | 3 (Violet, Seraphina, Samuel) |
| Net Worth | ~$150 million |
| Known For | Good Will Hunting, The Town, Argo, portraying Batman in the DC Extended Universe |
Early Life & Background
Affleck was born in Berkeley but moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his mother worked as a schoolteacher and his father held various jobs including janitor and mechanic. He and childhood friend Matt Damon took drama classes together, performing in local theater and auditioning for commercials. Affleck appeared on PBS's The Voyage of the Mimi at age 12, sparking a lifelong partnership with Damon.
Education
Affleck attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, performing in award-winning drama productions. He briefly studied Middle Eastern affairs at the University of Vermont and later film at Occidental College in Los Angeles before leaving to pursue acting full time. The informal education continued through writing workshops and collaborations with directors such as Kevin Smith and Terrence Malick.
Career Journey
Early Career
Affleck's early film credits include Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused (1993) and Kevin Smith's Mallrats (1995). He co-wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting (1997) with Matt Damon, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay at age 25.
Rise to Fame
Following breakout success, Affleck headlined blockbusters like Armageddon (1998), Pearl Harbor (2001), and The Sum of All Fears (2002). He also developed a reputation for nuanced supporting roles in Shakespeare in Love and Hollywoodland, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Established Career
Affleck shifted toward directing with Gone Baby Gone (2007) and crime thriller The Town (2010). His political thriller Argo (2012) won Best Picture at the Oscars, cementing his status behind the camera. He portrayed Batman/Bruce Wayne across several DC films (2016-2023) and co-founded the production company Artists Equity with Matt Damon in 2022, focusing on profit participation for casts and crews. Recent work includes directing and starring in Air (2023) and producing the 2025 heist drama Animals of Los Angeles. In 2026 he is developing The Town limited series for Prime Video while preparing to direct Witness for the Prosecution.
Complete Filmography
Movies (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Dazed and Confused | Fred O'Bannion | Cult-classic ensemble |
| 1997 | Good Will Hunting | Chuckie Sullivan | Also co-writer |
| 1998 | Armageddon | A.J. Frost | Global blockbuster |
| 2010 | The Town | Doug MacRay (also director) | Earned critical praise |
| 2012 | Argo | Tony Mendez (also director) | Won Best Picture |
| 2014 | Gone Girl | Nick Dunne | Psychological thriller |
| 2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Bruce Wayne / Batman | Introduced new Batman portrayal |
| 2023 | Air | Phil Knight (director and producer) | Launched Artists Equity slate |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Original Screenplay | Good Will Hunting | Won |
| 1998 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Screenplay | Good Will Hunting | Won |
| 2007 | Venice Film Festival | Future Film Festival Digital Award | Gone Baby Gone | Won |
| 2013 | Academy Awards | Best Picture (Producer) | Argo | Won |
| 2013 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Director | Argo | Won |
| 2014 | BAFTA Awards | Best Film | Argo | Won |
| 2024 | Producers Guild Awards | Theatrical Motion Picture | Air | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$150 million (2026)
Affleck's income flows from acting salaries, directing fees, backend deals through Artists Equity, and lucrative endorsements with brands such as Dunkin'. He retains a share in Plan B Entertainment projects he helped incubate and owns residential and commercial real estate in Los Angeles, New York, and Savannah.
Personal Life
Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner in 2005; they share three children and continue co-parenting after their 2018 divorce. In 2022 he married Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas, later holding a ceremony at his Georgia estate. Affleck is open about his sobriety journey, returning to rehab in 2018 and again seeking treatment in 2020, often emphasizing therapy and accountability in interviews.
Philanthropy & Social Work
He co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative in 2010, advocating for sustainable community programs, coffee cooperatives, and policy reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Affleck frequently supports Feeding America, A-T Children's Project, and Boston-based youth arts programs, leveraging premieres to raise funds.
Social Media Presence
Affleck does not maintain public personal Instagram or X accounts. Updates about his projects appear through Artists Equity, Jennifer Lopez's channels, and official studio pages.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Affleck speaks conversational Spanish after a childhood year in Mexico with his mother.
- He is an avid poker player and co-hosts charity tournaments benefiting Eastern Congo Initiative.
- Affleck and Matt Damon still share a joint bank account for collaborative writing expenses, a practice started in their teens.
- He is passionate about Boston sports, frequently attending Red Sox and Celtics playoff games.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Artists Equity entered a multi-picture financing partnership with Amazon MGM Studios in early 2026, with Affleck set to direct Witness for the Prosecution later in the year. He will also reprise Batman in a cameo for DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths event film and continues touring North America to promote the Artists Equity profit-sharing model to unions and film schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ben Affleck?
Ben Affleck is an American actor, writer, director, and producer known for co-writing Good Will Hunting, directing Argo, and portraying Batman in the DC Extended Universe.
What is Ben Affleck most famous for?
He is best known for his Academy Award-winning screenwriting partnership with Matt Damon, directing acclaimed thrillers like The Town and Argo, and founding Artists Equity to create more equitable film deals.
Is Ben Affleck active on social media?
No. Affleck keeps his digital footprint private, so verified updates appear via studio press releases or his production company's official channels.