Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ben Affleck
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ben Affleck made an impact.
Ben Affleck is an American actor and filmmaker recognized with multiple awards, including two Academy Awards. His early career began with a role in the PBS series 'The Voyage of the Mimi.' He gained further prominence through appearances in the cult classic 'Dazed and Confused' and several Kevin Smith comedies, most notably 'Chasing Amy.' Affleck has established himself as a leading figure in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.
1981: First Film Appearance in The Dark End of the Street
In 1981, at the age of seven, Ben Affleck first appeared in an independent film, The Dark End of the Street.
1984: Starring in The Voyage of the Mimi
In 1984, Ben Affleck began his career as a child actor, starring in the PBS educational series The Voyage of the Mimi.
1986: Appearance in Wanted: A Perfect Man
In 1986, Ben Affleck appeared in the ABC after school special Wanted: A Perfect Man.
1987: Role in Hands of a Stranger
In 1987, Ben Affleck appeared in the television film Hands of a Stranger.
1988: The Voyage of the Mimi
In 1988, Ben Affleck continued his role in the PBS educational series The Voyage of the Mimi.
1989: Burger King Commercial
In 1989, Ben Affleck appeared in a Burger King commercial.
1991: Role in Daddy
In 1991, Ben Affleck played Patrick Duffy's son in the television film Daddy.
1992: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In 1992, Ben Affleck made an uncredited appearance as a basketball player in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer film and had a supporting role in School Ties.
1992: Origin of Good Will Hunting Screenplay
In 1992, Matt Damon wrote a 40-page script for a playwriting class at Harvard University, which would later become the basis for Good Will Hunting. He asked Affleck to act out the scenes with him in front of the class.
1993: Appearance in Dazed and Confused
In 1993, Ben Affleck appeared in the independent comedy film Dazed and Confused.
1993: Against the Grain and Dazed and Confused
In 1993, Ben Affleck played a high school quarterback in the NBC television series Against the Grain and played a high school bully in Dazed and Confused.
1994: Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story
In 1994, Ben Affleck played a steroid-abusing high school football player in Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story.
1994: Sale of Good Will Hunting Screenplay to Castle Rock
In 1994, Ben Affleck, then 22 years old, and Matt Damon sold the screenplay for Good Will Hunting to Castle Rock.
1995: Starring Role in Glory Daze and Mallrats
In 1995, Ben Affleck's first starring film role was in Glory Daze, and he played a bully in Mallrats, befriending Kevin Smith during filming.
1997: Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for writing and starring in Good Will Hunting.
1997: Chasing Amy Release
In 1997, Ben Affleck appeared in several Kevin Smith comedies, including Chasing Amy.
1997: Breakthrough Role in Chasing Amy
In 1997, Ben Affleck starred in the romantic comedy Chasing Amy, written by Kevin Smith, which became his breakthrough role.
1997: Wins Golden Globe and Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Ben Affleck won the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with Matt Damon.
1997: Success of Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Good Will Hunting, co-written and acted in by Ben Affleck, marked a turning point in his career.
1998: Release of Armageddon
In 1998, Armageddon was released, establishing Ben Affleck as a leading man in Hollywood studio films. He starred opposite Bruce Willis.
1998: Founding of Pearl Street Films
In 1998, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon set up Pearl Street Films.
1998: Shakespeare in Love and Phantoms
In 1998, Ben Affleck had a supporting role in Shakespeare in Love, starring his then-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow. He also appeared in the supernatural horror film Phantoms.
1998: Befriending Joe Kindregan
While filming 'Forces of Nature' in 1998, Ben Affleck befriended ten-year-old Joe Kindregan, who had ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), and his family.
1999: Roles in Dogma, Forces of Nature, and 200 Cigarettes
In 1999, Ben Affleck reunited with Matt Damon in Dogma, starred opposite Sandra Bullock in Forces of Nature, and appeared in 200 Cigarettes.
1999: Foreword for Guardian Devil
In 1999, Ben Affleck, a longtime comic book fan, wrote a foreword for Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil, expressing his love for the character of Daredevil.
2000: Co-founding LivePlanet
In 2000, Ben Affleck co-founded LivePlanet with Sean Bailey and Chris Moore, aiming to integrate the Internet into television and film production.
2000: Speaking at Harvard Rally
In 2000, Ben Affleck spoke at a rally at Harvard University in support of an increased living wage for all workers on campus. His father worked as a janitor at the university.
2000: Roles in Reindeer Games, Boiler Room, and Bounce
In 2000, Ben Affleck starred in Reindeer Games, had a supporting role in Boiler Room, provided the voice of Joseph in Joseph: King of Dreams, and starred in Bounce with Gwyneth Paltrow.
2000: Starring in Reindeer Games
In 2000, Ben Affleck starred in the action crime thriller Reindeer Games.
2000: Stating belief in a woman's right to choose
In a 2000 interview, Ben Affleck stated that he believes "very strongly in a woman's right to choose."
2001: Testifying Before House Appropriations Subcommittee
In 2001, Ben Affleck and Joe Kindregan testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, advocating for stem-cell research and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health.
2001: Pearl Harbor and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
In 2001, Ben Affleck starred in Pearl Harbor and parodied Good Will Hunting in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. He also made a cameo in Daddy and Them.
2002: Support for Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act
In 2002, Ben Affleck appeared at a press conference with New York Senator Chuck Schumer in support of a proposed Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act.
2002: The Third Wheel, The Sum of All Fears and Changing Lanes
In 2002, Ben Affleck had a supporting role in The Third Wheel, portrayed Jack Ryan in The Sum of All Fears, and starred in Changing Lanes.
2002: Narrating Occupation Documentary
In 2002, Ben Affleck narrated a documentary called 'Occupation' about a sit-in organized by the Harvard Living Wage Campaign.
2002: Role in The Sum of All Fears
In 2002, Ben Affleck starred in the thriller The Sum of All Fears.
2002: Project Greenlight Nomination and Push, Nevada
In 2002, Project Greenlight was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Also Push, Nevada, created, written and produced by Affleck and Bailey, was an ABC mystery drama series.
2003: Intention to Adapt Gone Baby Gone
In 2003, Ben Affleck first mentioned his intention to adapt the Dennis Lehane story for the movie Gone Baby Gone, which he released as a movie in 2007.
2003: Roles in Daredevil, Gigli, and Paycheck
In 2003, Ben Affleck starred as the blind superhero in Daredevil, which received mixed reviews despite being a commercial success. He also appeared in Gigli, which was widely panned, and in the sci-fi thriller Paycheck. Manohla Dargis of the Los Angeles Times felt it was "almost unfair" to critique Affleck, given that he "had such a rough year".
2004: Press Conference with Ted Kennedy
In 2004, Ben Affleck and Senator Ted Kennedy held a press conference on Capitol Hill, advocating for an increase in the minimum wage.
2004: Supporting Gay Marriage Legalization
In 2004, Ben Affleck expressed his long-time support for legalizing gay marriage and said it was "outrageous and offensive" to suggest members of the transgender community were not entitled to equal rights.
2004: Roles in Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas
In 2004, Ben Affleck starred in Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas, both of which received poor critical notices. The Los Angeles Times published a piece on the downfall of Affleck's career in late 2004, and he decided to take a career break.
2004: Project Greenlight Emmy Nomination
In 2004, Project Greenlight was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program.
2005: Appearing in PFLAG Advertising Campaign
In 2005, Ben Affleck appeared alongside his gay cousin in a Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) print advertising campaign.
2005: Project Greenlight Emmy Nomination
In 2005, Project Greenlight was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program.
2006: Rally in support of Proposition 87
In 2006, Ben Affleck appeared alongside then-Senator Barack Obama at a rally in support of Proposition 87, which sought to reduce petroleum consumption in favor of alternative energy.
2006: Career Comeback with Hollywoodland and other roles
In 2006, Ben Affleck began a career comeback with his acclaimed performance in Hollywoodland, for which he won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Globe. Also in 2006, he made a cameo in Clerks II, starred in Man About Town, and had a minor role in Smokin' Aces.
2006: Volpi Cup for Hollywoodland
In 2006, Ben Affleck portrayed George Reeves in the biopic Hollywoodland, winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.
2006: Golden Globe Nomination for Hollywoodland
In 2006, Ben Affleck received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Hollywoodland.
2007: Appearance in global warming awareness video
In 2007, Ben Affleck appeared in a global warming awareness video produced by the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Also that year, Affleck admitted he was not "particularly good at being green".
2007: Filming PSA for Divided We Fail
In 2007, Ben Affleck filmed a public service announcement for Divided We Fail, a nonpartisan AARP campaign seeking affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans.
2007: Directorial Debut with Gone Baby Gone
In 2007, Ben Affleck made his directorial debut with Gone Baby Gone, which he also co-wrote. The film was well received.
2007: Support for SEIU Unionization Efforts
In 2007, Ben Affleck spoke at a press conference at Boston's City Hall in support of SEIU's unionization efforts for the city's low-paid hospital workers.
2007: Keynote Speaker at Joe Kindregan's Graduation
In 2007, Ben Affleck was the keynote speaker at Joe Kindregan's high school graduation ceremony in Fairfax, Virginia.
2007: Expiration of Film Production Deal with Disney
In 2007, the film production deal between Affleck's company, LivePlanet, and Disney expired.
2008: Support for Writers' Strike
During the Writers' Strike in 2008, Ben Affleck voiced his support for the picketers.
2008: Appearance at Denver Food Bank
In 2008, Ben Affleck made an appearance at a Denver food bank to support Feeding America.
2009: Roles in He's Just Not That Into You, State of Play, and Extract
In 2009, Ben Affleck acted in three films: the romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You, the political thriller State of Play, and the comedy film Extract.
2009: Filming PSA for Paralyzed Veterans of America
In 2009, Ben Affleck filmed public service announcements for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He also volunteered on behalf of Operation Gratitude.
2009: Speaking at Feeding America rally
In 2009, Ben Affleck spoke at a Feeding America rally in Washington D.C.
2010: Directing and Starring in The Town and Producing Deal with Warner Bros.
In 2010, Ben Affleck directed and starred in The Town, which became a box office hit and gained critical acclaim. Also in 2010, Affleck and Damon's production company, Pearl Street Films, signed a first-look producing deal at Warner Bros.
2010: The Town Release
In 2010, Ben Affleck directed and starred in the crime drama The Town, which was a critical and commercial success.
2010: Filming PSA for Feeding America
In 2010, Ben Affleck filmed a public service announcement for Feeding America.
2010: Starring in The Company Men
In 2010, Ben Affleck starred in The Company Men, receiving praise for his performance. David Denby of The New Yorker declared that Affleck "gives his best performance yet".
2010: Co-founding Eastern Congo Initiative
In 2010, after traveling in the region between 2007 and early 2010, Ben Affleck and Whitney Williams co-founded the nonprofit organization Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI).
2011: Launching Small Change Campaign
In 2011, Ben Affleck and Ellen DeGeneres launched Feeding America's Small Change Campaign. Also that year, he and Howard Graham Buffett co-wrote an article for The Huffington Post.
2012: Directing and Starring in Argo
In 2012, Ben Affleck directed and starred in Argo, a critical and commercial success that won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Picture. Affleck also won several directing awards for the film.
2012: BAFTA and Academy Award for Argo
In 2012, Ben Affleck directed and starred in the political thriller Argo, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Director, and the BAFTA and Academy Award for Best Picture.
2012: Praising Senator John McCain's Leadership
In 2012, Ben Affleck praised Senator John McCain's leadership in defending Huma Abedin against anti-Muslim attacks.
2012: Supporting Draw the Line campaign
In 2012, Ben Affleck supported the Draw the Line campaign, describing reproductive rights as "fundamental".
2012: Awards for Argo
In 2012, Ben Affleck's film Argo won him several awards, including the Golden Globe Award, BAFTA, and Directors Guild Award for Best Director, as well as the Golden Globe Award, BAFTA, the Producers Guild Award, and the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2012: Kindregan appeared as an extra in Argo
In 2012, Joe Kindregan appeared as an extra in Argo, a film directed by and starring Ben Affleck.
2013: Matching Donations to A-T Children's Project
In 2013, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner matched donations made to the A-T Children's Project in celebration of Joe Kindregan's 25th birthday and their 15 years of friendship. Affleck also appeared in CinemAbility (2013).
2013: Roles in To the Wonder and Runner Runner
In 2013, Ben Affleck played a romantic lead in Terrence Malick's To the Wonder and starred in Runner Runner. His performance as a poker boss in Runner Runner was considered a highlight.
2014: Filming PSA for Paralyzed Veterans of America
In 2014, Ben Affleck filmed another public service announcement for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
2014: Starring in Gone Girl
In 2014, Ben Affleck starred in David Fincher's Gone Girl, receiving praise for his performance. David Edelstein of New York Magazine noted that Fincher's controlled style of directing had a "remarkable" effect on Affleck's acting.
2014: Regret over Daredevil
In 2014, Ben Affleck stated that Daredevil was the only film he regretted making.
2015: Project Greenlight resurrected by HBO
In 2015, Project Greenlight, by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, was resurrected by HBO for one season.
October 2016: Live Reading of Good Will Hunting Screenplay
In October 2016, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon made a one-off stage appearance for a live reading of the Good Will Hunting screenplay at New York's Skirball Theater.
2016: Filming endorsement for Rezpect Our Water
In 2016, Ben Affleck filmed an endorsement for Rezpect Our Water, an online petition to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
2016: Batman in DC Extended Universe and The Accountant Release
In 2016, Ben Affleck played the superhero Batman in the DC Extended Universe and starred in the thriller The Accountant.
2016: Release of Live by Night
In late 2016, Live by Night, which Ben Affleck wrote, directed, co-produced, and starred in, was released. The film received largely unenthusiastic reviews and failed to recoup its budget.
2017: Release of Justice League
In 2017, Justice League, in which Ben Affleck returned as Batman, was released. Affleck later described it as a "difficult" on-set experience.
2017: Stepping down from The Batman and Alcoholism Relapse
In 2017, amidst an alcoholism relapse, Ben Affleck did not work and stepped down from The Batman as director, writer, and star.
2018: Filming of The Last Thing He Wanted
The Netflix movie The Last Thing He Wanted, in which Ben Affleck played a supporting role, was filmed in mid-2018.
2019: Release of Triple Frontier and Cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
In 2019, Triple Frontier was released after Ben Affleck's treatment for "health issues." Later in 2019, Affleck made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.
2020: Starring in The Last Thing He Wanted
In 2020, Ben Affleck played a supporting role in The Last Thing He Wanted, which received negative reviews.
2020: Starring in The Way Back
In 2020, Ben Affleck starred in the sports drama 'The Way Back' as a recovering alcoholic, a role that garnered widespread praise. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cinemas closed in the second week of the movie's release and Warner Bros. made it available to view-on-demand earlier than scheduled.
2021: Supporting Roles in The Last Duel and The Tender Bar
In 2021, Ben Affleck had supporting roles in the dramas The Last Duel and The Tender Bar.
2021: Critics' Choice Awards Nomination and Justice League appearance
In 2021, Ben Affleck received a Best Actor nomination at the Critics' Choice Awards for his role in 'The Way Back'. Also in 2021, Snyder's director's cut of Justice League featured a newly filmed scene with Affleck.
2021: Golden Globe Nomination for The Tender Bar
In 2021, Ben Affleck received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in The Tender Bar.
2022: Starring in Deep Water and Clerks III cameo
In 2022, Ben Affleck starred alongside Ana de Armas in Adrian Lyne's thriller 'Deep Water', which was released on Hulu and received negative reviews. He also made a cameo appearance in Smith's 'Clerks III' that same year.
2023: Supporting Role in Air
In 2023, Ben Affleck had a supporting role in the drama Air, which he also directed.
2023: Signing Artists4Ceasefire Letter
In 2023, Ben Affleck signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter calling for a ceasefire during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
2023: Premiere of Air and other projects
In 2023, Ben Affleck's fifth directorial project, 'Air', premiered to positive reviews. Also in 2023, Affleck starred in Robert Rodriguez's action thriller 'Hypnotic' and made a cameo appearance as Batman in the film 'The Flash'.
2025: Starring in The Accountant 2
In 2025, Ben Affleck is scheduled to star in the action thriller 'The Accountant 2'.
January 2026: Starring in The Rip
In January 2026, Ben Affleck, alongside Matt Damon, is scheduled to star in the crime thriller 'The Rip'.
March 2026: Acquisition of InterPositive by Netflix
In March 2026, Netflix acquired Ben Affleck's AI-focused post-production startup, InterPositive, for an estimated $600 million. At the same time, Affleck joined Netflix as a senior advisor to oversee the technology's integration.
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