Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ben Affleck
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ben Affleck made an impact.
Ben Affleck is a highly accomplished American actor and filmmaker, recognized with multiple prestigious awards including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes. He started his acting career early with roles in 'The Voyage of the Mimi' and later gained recognition in independent films like 'Dazed and Confused' and Kevin Smith comedies such as 'Chasing Amy'. He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1981: 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", directed by a family friend.
1984: 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: Wanted: A Perfect Man
In 1986, Ben Affleck appeared in the ABC after school special "Wanted: A Perfect Man".
1987: 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: Daddy
In 1991, Ben Affleck played Patrick Duffy's son in the television film "Daddy".
1992: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and School Ties
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: Good Will Hunting Script Origin
In 1992, Matt Damon wrote a 40-page script for a playwriting class at Harvard University which would eventually become the screenplay for "Good Will Hunting".
1993: Dazed and Confused
In 1993, Ben Affleck appeared in the independent comedy "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 appeared in the cult classic "Dazed and Confused".
1994: Good Will Hunting Screenplay Sale
In 1994, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon sold the screenplay of "Good Will Hunting" to Castle Rock when Affleck was 22 years old.
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".
1995: Glory Daze and Mallrats
In 1995, Ben Affleck had his first starring film role in "Glory Daze", and played a bully in Kevin Smith's comedy "Mallrats".
1997: Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting", in which they also starred.
1997: Chasing Amy
In 1997, Ben Affleck appeared in several Kevin Smith comedies, including "Chasing Amy".
1997: Chasing Amy and Going All the Way
In 1997, Ben Affleck starred in the romantic comedy "Chasing Amy", and in the coming-of-age drama "Going All the Way".
1997: Won 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, co-written with Matt Damon.
1997: Good Will Hunting's Success
In 1997, the success of "Good Will Hunting", which Ben Affleck co-wrote and acted in, marked a turning point in his career.
1998: Pearl Street Films
In 1998, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon set up Pearl Street Films, named after the street that ran between their childhood homes.
1998: Armageddon
In 1998, Ben Affleck established himself as a leading man in studio films, including the disaster film "Armageddon".
1998: Shakespeare in Love and Phantoms
Later in 1998, Ben Affleck played an English actor in "Shakespeare in Love" and appeared as a small-town sheriff in "Phantoms".
1998: Befriending Joe Kindregan
While filming "Forces of Nature" in 1998, Ben Affleck befriended ten-year-old Joe Kindregan, who had the rare disease ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T).
1999: Dogma, Forces of Nature, and 200 Cigarettes
In 1999, Ben Affleck starred in "Dogma", "Forces of Nature", and "200 Cigarettes".
1999: Foreword for Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil
In 1999, Ben Affleck wrote a foreword for Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil, expressing his love for the character of Daredevil.
2000: LivePlanet Co-founded
In 2000, Ben Affleck co-founded LivePlanet with Sean Bailey and Chris Moore, seeking 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: Reindeer Games, Boiler Room, Joseph: King of Dreams, and Bounce
In 2000, Ben Affleck starred in "Reindeer Games", had a supporting role in "Boiler Room", voiced Joseph in "Joseph: King of Dreams", and starred in "Bounce".
2000: 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 Congress with Joe Kindregan
In 2001, Ben Affleck and Joe Kindregan testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, asking senators to support stem-cell research and to double the budget of the National Institutes of Health.
2001: Pearl Harbor and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
In 2001, Ben Affleck reunited with Michael Bay for "Pearl Harbor" and parodied Good Will Hunting in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back". He also made a cameo in "Daddy and Them".
2002: Supporting 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: Narrating Occupation documentary
In 2002, Ben Affleck narrated a documentary, "Occupation", about a sit-in organized by the Harvard Living Wage Campaign.
2002: The Sum of All Fears and Changing Lanes
In 2002, Ben Affleck portrayed Jack Ryan in "The Sum of All Fears" and had an "amazing experience" making "Changing Lanes".
2002: The Sum of All Fears
In 2002, Ben Affleck starred in the thriller "The Sum of All Fears".
2002: Project Greenlight and Push, Nevada
In 2002, LivePlanet's biggest success was the documentary series Project Greenlight, and Affleck created, wrote, and produced the ABC mystery drama series Push, Nevada.
2003: Intention to adapt Dennis Lehane's story
In 2003, Ben Affleck first mentioned his intention to adapt Dennis Lehane's story.
2003: Roles in Daredevil, Gigli, and Paycheck
In 2003, Ben Affleck starred in Daredevil as the blind superhero, a role he later regretted. He also appeared in the critically panned Gigli, co-starring Jennifer Lopez, and the sci-fi thriller Paycheck.
2003: Visiting Marines in the Persian Gulf
In 2003, as part of USO-sponsored tours, Ben Affleck visited marines stationed in the Persian Gulf.
2004: Press conference with Ted Kennedy on Minimum Wage
In 2004, Ben Affleck and Senator Ted Kennedy held a press conference on Capitol Hill, pushing for an increase in the minimum wage.
2004: Roles in Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas, Career Break
In 2004, Ben Affleck starred in Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas, receiving poor critical notices. He then decided to take a career break due to the declining quality of scripts and negative press coverage.
2004: Supporting Gay Marriage
In 2004, Ben Affleck was a longtime supporter of legalizing gay marriage, saying he hoped to look back on the marriage debate "with some degree of embarrassment for how antiquated it was". Also that year, he remarked that it was "outrageous and offensive" to suggest members of the transgender community were not entitled to equal rights.
2004: Involvement in John Kerry's presidential campaign
In 2004, Ben Affleck was involved in the presidential campaign of John Kerry, speaking to delegations, appearing on political discussion shows, attending fundraising events, and traveling with Kerry during his Believe in America Tour.
2005: Appearing in PFLAG ad campaign
In 2005, Ben Affleck appeared alongside his gay cousin in a Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) print advertising campaign.
2006: Supporting Proposition 87 at rally
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
In 2006, Ben Affleck began a career comeback with his acclaimed performance in Hollywoodland as George Reeves. He received the Volpi Cup and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also made a cameo in Clerks II, starred in Man About Town, and had a minor role in Smokin' Aces.
2006: Hollywoodland
In 2006, Ben Affleck made a comeback by portraying 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: Appearing in global warming awareness video and admitting he was not "particularly good at being green"
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 and which was well received.
2007: Supporting SEIU's 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: Disney Film Production Deal Expiration
In 2007, the film production deal between Affleck and his partners and Disney expired.
2008: Supporting Writers' Strike
During the Writers' Strike in 2008, Ben Affleck voiced support for the picketers.
2008: Expressing concern about Obama conspiracy theories
In 2008, Ben Affleck expressed concern about conspiracy theories claiming Barack Obama was an Arab or a Muslim.
2008: Appearance at Denver food bank
In 2008, Ben Affleck made an appearance at a Denver food bank.
2009: Acting roles in three films
In 2009, Ben Affleck acted in three films: He's Just Not That Into You, State of Play, and Extract. His chemistry with Jennifer Aniston was praised in He's Just Not That Into You.
2009: Filming PSA for Paralyzed Veterans of America
In 2009, Ben Affleck filmed a public service announcement for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
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
In 2010, Ben Affleck directed and starred in The Town, an adaptation of Chuck Hogan's novel Prince of Thieves. The film was 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
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 the charity, Feeding America.
2010: Starring in The Company Men
In 2010, Ben Affleck starred in The Company Men as a sales executive made redundant during the 2008 financial crisis. His performance was considered one of his best.
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 Feeding America's Small Change Campaign and co-writing an article
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, highlighting food insecurity issues.
2012: Directing and Starring in Argo
In 2012, Ben Affleck directed and starred in Argo, a film about the CIA plan to save six U.S. diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The film won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Picture. Affleck himself won the Golden Globe Award, Directors Guild of America Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Director.
2012: 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 John McCain's defense of Huma Abedin
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".
2013: Roles in To the Wonder and Runner Runner
In 2013, Ben Affleck played a romantic lead in Terrence Malick's experimental drama To the Wonder and starred in the thriller Runner Runner.
2013: Matching Donations for A-T Children's Project
In 2013, in celebration of Joe Kindregan's 25th birthday and "15 years of friendship with Joe and his family," Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner matched donations made to the A-T Children's Project. Affleck also appeared in "CinemAbility", a documentary film which explores Hollywood's portrayals of people with disabilities.
2014: Filming another 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 as a husband accused of murder in David Fincher's psychological thriller Gone Girl. His performance was highly praised.
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, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Project Greenlight 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 and The Accountant
In 2016, Ben Affleck played Batman in the DC Extended Universe and starred in the thriller "The Accountant".
2017: Visiting troops at Ramstein Air Base
In 2017, Ben Affleck visited troops at Germany's Ramstein Air Base as part of USO-sponsored tours.
2017: Release of Justice League
In 2017, the superhero film Justice League, in which Ben Affleck returned as Batman, was released. Affleck later described it as a "difficult" on-set experience.
2018: Filming of The Last Thing He Wanted
In 2020, Ben Affleck played a supporting role in The Last Thing He Wanted, filmed in mid-2018, a Netflix movie that received negative reviews.
2019: Release of Triple Frontier and cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
In 2019, Triple Frontier was released after filming was postponed to accommodate Ben Affleck's treatment for health issues. He also made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.
2020: Role in The Last Thing He Wanted
In 2020, Ben Affleck played a supporting role in The Last Thing He Wanted, a Netflix movie that received negative reviews.
2020: The Way Back
In 2020, Ben Affleck starred in the sports drama "The Way Back".
2021: Supporting roles in The Last Duel and The Tender Bar
In 2021, Ben Affleck had supporting roles in "The Last Duel", where he played Peter II, Count of Alençon and co-wrote the movie's screenplay, and "The Tender Bar", where he appeared as a substitute father figure. He received nominations for the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor for "The Tender Bar".
2021: 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 Snyder's Justice League release
In 2021, Ben Affleck received a Best Actor nomination at the Critics' Choice Awards for his performance 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 cameo in Clerks III
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".
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 appearances in Hypnotic and The Flash
In 2023, Ben Affleck's fifth directorial project, "Air", premiered and was well-reviewed. Also in 2023, Affleck starred as a detective 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 set to star in the action thriller "The Accountant 2".
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