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 celebrated American actor and filmmaker, recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards and Golden Globes. His career began in his childhood, featuring in 'The Voyage of the Mimi'. He gained prominence through roles in independent films like 'Dazed and Confused' and Kevin Smith comedies like 'Chasing Amy', marking the beginning of a successful career in Hollywood.
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 starred in the PBS children's 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 (1984–1988)
From 1984 to 1988, Ben Affleck starred in the PBS educational series The Voyage of the Mimi.
1988: The Second Voyage of the Mimi
In 1988, Ben Affleck starred in The Second Voyage of the Mimi, produced for sixth-grade science classes.
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 as a prep school student in School Ties.
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 a high school bully in Richard Linklater's cult classic 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.
1995: Glory Daze and Mallrats
In 1995, Ben Affleck's first starring film role was in Glory Daze, and he also played a bully in Kevin Smith's comedy Mallrats, becoming friends with 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 Good Will Hunting, which they also starred in.
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 Kevin Smith's romantic comedy Chasing Amy, which was his breakthrough, and he also starred in the coming-of-age drama Going All the Way.
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. Affleck remains the youngest person ever to win a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, at 25 years old.
1997: Success of Good Will Hunting
The success of Good Will Hunting in 1997, which Ben Affleck co-wrote and acted in, marked a turning point in his career.
1998: Armageddon
In 1998, Armageddon was released, establishing Ben Affleck as a viable leading man for Hollywood studio films, after initial dismissal by director Michael Bay.
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: Leading man in Armageddon
In 1998, Ben Affleck established himself as a leading man in studio films, including the disaster film Armageddon.
1998: Befriending Joe Kindregan
In 1998, while filming 'Forces of Nature,' Ben Affleck befriended ten-year-old Joe Kindregan, who had ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), and his family, later becoming actively involved in fundraising for A-T.
1998: Shakespeare in Love and Phantoms
Later in 1998, Ben Affleck had a supporting role in Shakespeare in Love and also appeared as a small-town sheriff in the supernatural horror film Phantoms.
1999: Dogma, Forces of Nature, and 200 Cigarettes
In 1999, Ben Affleck starred in Kevin Smith's Dogma, the romantic comedy Forces of Nature opposite Sandra Bullock, and the ensemble comedy 200 Cigarettes.
1999: Wrote foreword for Kevin Smith's 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: LivePlanet Co-Founded
In 2000, Ben Affleck co-founded LivePlanet with Sean Bailey and Chris Moore to integrate the Internet into mainstream 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, where his father once worked as a janitor.
2000: Reindeer Games, Boiler Room, Joseph: King of Dreams and Bounce
In 2000, Ben Affleck starred in Reindeer Games, Boiler Room, provided the voice of Joseph in Joseph: King of Dreams, and starred in Bounce opposite Gwyneth Paltrow.
2000: Reindeer Games
In 2000, Ben Affleck starred in the action crime thriller Reindeer Games.
2000: Supporting Al Gore and Voting Issue
In 2000, Ben Affleck supported Al Gore in the final weeks of the presidential campaign. However, he was unable to vote due to a registration issue in New York City.
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", expressing his pro-choice stance.
2001: Testifying Before House Subcommittee
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, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Daddy and Them
In 2001, Ben Affleck reunited with Michael Bay for Pearl Harbor, parodied Good Will Hunting in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and 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: 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: 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 Push, Nevada.
2003: Visiting Marines in the Persian Gulf
As part of USO-sponsored tours, Ben Affleck visited marines stationed in the Persian Gulf in 2003.
2003: Intention to adapt 'Gone Baby Gone'
In 2003, Ben Affleck first mentioned his intention to adapt the story of Gone Baby Gone, which he then released in 2007.
2003: Roles in 'Daredevil', 'Gigli', and 'Paycheck'
In 2003, Ben Affleck starred as Daredevil in the film 'Daredevil', a role he later expressed regret for. He also appeared in 'Gigli' with Jennifer Lopez, which was critically panned, and 'Paycheck', a sci-fi thriller.
2004: Press Conference with Ted Kennedy for 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: Starred 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 an article on the downfall of Affleck's career, however industry professionals didn't seem to be gloating over it.
2004: Supporting Legalizing Gay Marriage
In 2004, Ben Affleck was a longtime supporter of legalizing gay marriage, saying that he hoped to look back on the marriage debate "with some degree of embarrassment for how antiquated it was". Also in 2004, 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 actively involved in John Kerry's presidential campaign, speaking at events, appearing on political shows, and traveling with Kerry during his 'Believe in America Tour'.
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 to show his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
2006: Supporting 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 performance in 'Hollywoodland'. He also made a cameo in 'Clerks II', starred in 'Man About Town', and had a minor role in 'Smokin' Aces'. He won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Globe for 'Hollywoodland'.
2006: Golden Globe nomination for Hollywoodland
In 2006, Ben Affleck received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Hollywoodland.
2006: Volpi Cup for Hollywoodland
In 2006, after a career downturn, Ben Affleck made a comeback by portraying George Reeves in the biopic Hollywoodland, winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.
2007: Appearing 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. He also admitted he was not "particularly good at being green."
2007: Filming PSA for Divided We Fail Campaign
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: Gone Baby Gone
In 2007, Ben Affleck made his directorial debut with "Gone Baby Gone," which he also co-wrote and was well-received.
2007: Supporting 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: Disney Film Production Deal Expiration
In 2007, the film production deal between Affleck and his partners at LivePlanet with Disney expired.
2008: Expressing Concern About Obama Conspiracy Theories
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Ben Affleck expressed concern about conspiracy theories claiming Barack Obama was an Arab or a Muslim.
2008: Supporting Writers' Strike
During the Writers' Strike in 2008, Ben Affleck voiced support for the picketers, advocating for fair treatment of writers.
2008: Appearance at Denver Food Bank
In 2008, Ben Affleck made an appearance at a Denver food bank as part of his work with Feeding America.
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'.
2009: Filming Public Service Announcements for Paralyzed Veterans of America
In 2009, Ben Affleck filmed public service announcements 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. to raise awareness about food insecurity.
2010: Directed and starred in 'The Town', Pearl Street Films deal
In 2010, Ben Affleck directed and starred in 'The Town', which became a box office hit and gained critical acclaim. Also, 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, to support their efforts to combat hunger.
2010: Starred in 'The Company Men'
In 2010, Ben Affleck starred in 'The Company Men', receiving positive reviews for his performance.
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), which acts as a grant maker for Congolese-led, community-based charities.
2011: Launching Feeding America's Small Change Campaign
In 2011, Ben Affleck and Ellen DeGeneres launched Feeding America's Small Change Campaign, and he co-wrote an article for The Huffington Post about food insecurity.
2012: Directed and starred in 'Argo'
In 2012, Ben Affleck directed and starred in 'Argo', which won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Picture. He also won several directing awards.
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 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, emphasizing that reproductive rights are "fundamental".
2012: Kindregan Appears as an Extra in Argo
In 2012, Joe Kindregan appeared as an extra in Ben Affleck's movie 'Argo'.
2012: Argo wins multiple awards
In 2012, the film Argo, which Ben Affleck directed, co-produced, and starred in, won him 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.
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 with Joe and his family." Affleck also appeared in CinemAbility (2013), a documentary film which explores Hollywood's portrayals of people with disabilities.
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', receiving positive reviews for his performance in the latter.
2014: Discussion About Liberal Principles and Islam
In 2014, Ben Affleck engaged in a discussion about the relationship between liberal principles and Islam during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher.
2014: Filming Public Service Announcements for Paralyzed Veterans of America
In 2014, Ben Affleck filmed public service announcements for the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
2014: Starred in 'Gone Girl'
In 2014, Ben Affleck starred in David Fincher's 'Gone Girl', receiving positive reviews for his performance.
2014: Expressed Regret for 'Daredevil'
In 2014, Ben Affleck stated that 'Daredevil' was the only film he regretted making.
2015: Resurrected Project Greenlight
In 2015, Affleck and 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 the superhero Batman in the DC Extended Universe and starred in the thriller The Accountant.
2016: Release of 'Live by Night'
In late 2016, Ben Affleck wrote, directed, co-produced, and starred in 'Live by Night', which received largely unenthusiastic reviews.
2017: Visiting Troops at Ramstein Air Base
As part of USO-sponsored tours, Ben Affleck visited troops at Germany's Ramstein Air Base in 2017.
2017: Stepped down from 'The Batman', Relapse
In 2017, Amidst an alcoholism relapse, Ben Affleck did not work. He stepped down as director, writer, and star of 'The Batman'.
2017: Release of Justice League
In 2017, Ben Affleck returned as Batman in 'Justice League', which he later described as a difficult on-set experience.
2017: Stating Belief Against Stereotyping Based on Race or Religion
In a 2017 Guardian interview, Ben Affleck said: "I strongly believe that no one should be stereotyped on the basis of their race or religion. It's one of the most fundamental tenets of liberal thought."
2018: Filmed 'The Last Thing He Wanted'
Filming for 'The Last Thing He Wanted', in which Ben Affleck played a supporting role as a diplomat, took place in mid-2018.
2019: Release of 'Triple Frontier' and cameo in 'Jay and Silent Bob Reboot'
In 2019, 'Triple Frontier' was released, with some critics noting the director and actor leaned into the "Sad Affleck" narrative. 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 Dee Rees's political thriller 'The Last Thing He Wanted'.
2020: Starring in 'The Way Back'
In 2020, Ben Affleck starred as a recovering alcoholic in the sports drama 'The Way Back,' which received widespread praise. However, 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.
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 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 '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 received largely negative reviews after its release on Hulu. He also made a cameo appearance in Smith's 'Clerks III'.
May 2023: Starring in 'Hypnotic'
In May 2023, Ben Affleck starred as a detective in Robert Rodriguez's action thriller 'Hypnotic', which was released in theaters.
June 2023: Cameo Appearance as Batman in 'The Flash'
In June 2023, Ben Affleck made a cameo appearance as Batman in the film 'The Flash'.
December 2023: Artists Equity Partnership with Wild State
In December 2023, Artists Equity, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's company, entered into a strategic partnership with Chris Hemsworth's Wild State production company on film and television projects.
2023: Air and DC Extended Universe
In 2023, Ben Affleck starred in Air, which he also directed, and concluded his role as Batman in the DC Extended Universe.
2023: Premiere of 'Air' and Launch of Artists Equity
In 2023, Ben Affleck's fifth directorial project, 'Air,' premiered at the SXSW Film Festival to critical acclaim and was later given a wide theatrical release by Amazon Studios. This event marked the first release from Affleck and Damon's independent production company, Artists Equity, where Affleck serves as CEO.
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