History of Ben Affleck in Timeline
Ben Affleck is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker known for his roles in movies like "Dazed and Confused" and "Chasing Amy." He started his career as a child actor in the educational series "The Voyage of the Mimi." His work has earned him prestigious awards including two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.
August 15, 1972: Birth of Ben Affleck
Benjamin Géza Affleck was born on August 15, 1972.
1979: Iran Hostage Crisis
The Iran Hostage Crisis, which began in 1979, serves as the historical backdrop for Ben Affleck's film "Argo" (2012). The film portrays the CIA's covert operation to rescue six American diplomats during this international crisis.
1981: First Film Role
Ben Affleck appeared in his first film, "The Dark End of the Street," at the age of seven in 1981.
1984: Start of "The Voyage of the Mimi"
At eight years old, Ben Affleck began working on the PBS children's series "The Voyage of the Mimi" in 1984.
1984: Start of "The Voyage of the Mimi"
Ben Affleck began starring in the PBS educational series "The Voyage of the Mimi" in 1984.
1986: Appearance in "Wanted: A Perfect Man"
Ben Affleck appeared in the ABC after-school special "Wanted: A Perfect Man" in 1986.
1987: Appearance in "Hands of a Stranger"
Ben Affleck had a role in the television film "Hands of a Stranger" in 1987.
1988: End of "The Voyage of the Mimi"
Ben Affleck's time on "The Voyage of the Mimi" ended in 1988.
1988: End of Work on "The Voyage of the Mimi"
Ben Affleck's work on "The Second Voyage of the Mimi" concluded in 1988.
1989: Burger King Commercial
Ben Affleck was featured in a Burger King commercial in 1989.
1991: Role in "Daddy"
Ben Affleck played Patrick Duffy's son in the television film "Daddy" in 1991.
1992: Appearances in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "School Ties"
Ben Affleck had an uncredited role as a basketball player in the film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and a supporting role in "School Ties" in 1992.
1992: Affleck Registers as Democrat
Ben Affleck officially registered to vote as a Democrat in 1992.
1992: Beginning of "Good Will Hunting" Screenplay
Matt Damon wrote a 40-page script that would become "Good Will Hunting" in 1992 for a playwriting class at Harvard University.
1993: Role in "Against the Grain" and "Dazed and Confused"
Ben Affleck appeared in the NBC television series "Against the Grain" and had a notable role in Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" in 1993.
1993: Appearance in "Dazed and Confused"
Ben Affleck appeared in the independent comedy "Dazed and Confused" in 1993.
1994: Selling of the "Good Will Hunting" Screenplay
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon sold the screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" to Castle Rock in 1994.
1994: Appearance in "Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story"
Ben Affleck played a steroid-abusing high school football player in "Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story" in 1994.
1995: First Starring Role in "Glory Daze" and Appearance in "Mallrats"
Ben Affleck landed his first starring role in the college drama "Glory Daze" and appeared in Kevin Smith's comedy "Mallrats" in 1995.
October 1997: Start of Relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow began dating in October 1997 after meeting at a Miramax dinner.
1997: Release of "Good Will Hunting"
The film "Good Will Hunting," co-written by and starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, was released in 1997.
1997: Allegations Against Harvey Weinstein Surface - Affleck's Involvement
In 1997, actress Rose McGowan alleged that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her during the Sundance Film Festival. McGowan stated that she later encountered Ben Affleck and, while upset, mentioned the incident. Affleck's response and the details surrounding this encounter have been a subject of debate and conflicting accounts.
1997: Affleck Wins Golden Globe and Academy Award for "Good Will Hunting"
In 1997, Ben Affleck, at the age of 25, became the youngest person to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the film "Good Will Hunting," which he co-wrote with Matt Damon. This award marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his talent as a writer in Hollywood.
1997: Breakthrough with "Chasing Amy" and Role in "Going All the Way"
Ben Affleck had his breakthrough role in the romantic comedy "Chasing Amy" and starred in the coming-of-age drama "Going All the Way" in 1997.
1997: Academy Award for "Good Will Hunting"
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" in 1997, a film they both starred in.
1997: Release of "Chasing Amy"
Ben Affleck starred in the romantic comedy "Chasing Amy," directed by Kevin Smith, in 1997.
1998: Early Sobriety
Ben Affleck achieves sobriety in his mid-twenties and discusses the dangers of alcohol in a 1998 interview.
1998: Working Together on Shakespeare in Love
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow work together on the movie Shakespeare in Love in 1998.
1998: Roles in "Shakespeare in Love" and "Phantoms"
Ben Affleck appeared in the romantic comedy "Shakespeare in Love" and the horror film "Phantoms" in 1998.
1998: First Meeting with Hillary Clinton
Ben Affleck first met Hillary Clinton in 1998 at Camp David, marking the beginning of their political association.
1998: Release of "Armageddon"
Ben Affleck starred in the commercially successful film "Armageddon," solidifying his position as a leading man in Hollywood in 1998.
1998: Release of "Armageddon"
Ben Affleck starred in the disaster film "Armageddon" in 1998.
1998: Affleck and Damon Establish Pearl Street Films
In 1998, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon founded their first production company, Pearl Street Films, named after the street they grew up on.
1998: Affleck Befriends Joe Kindregan
In 1998, while filming "Forces of Nature", Ben Affleck befriended 10-year-old Joe Kindregan and his family. Joe had a rare disease called ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T).
January 1999: First Breakup
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow break up for the first time in January 1999.
1999: Affleck and Damon Reunite in "Dogma" and Other Roles
In 1999, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon appeared together in Kevin Smith's religious satire "Dogma," which premiered at Cannes. Affleck also starred in the romantic comedy "Forces of Nature" alongside Sandra Bullock and appeared in the ensemble comedy "200 Cigarettes."
1999: Affleck Expresses Admiration for Daredevil
In 1999, Ben Affleck, a self-proclaimed comic book fan, wrote the foreword for Kevin Smith's "Guardian Devil," expressing his fondness for the Daredevil character.
October 2000: Second Breakup
Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow break up for the second time in October 2000.
2000: Affleck Supports Living Wage at Harvard
At a rally held at Harvard University in 2000, Ben Affleck voiced his support for increasing the living wage for all workers on campus. His father had worked as a janitor at the university.
2000: Hosting Saturday Night Live
Ben Affleck hosts Saturday Night Live for the first of five times in 2000.
2000: Support for Clinton's Senate Campaign
Ben Affleck showed his support for Hillary Clinton's political career by introducing her at a Cornell University rally and helping with fundraising during her 2000 Senate campaign.
2000: Release of "Reindeer Games"
Ben Affleck starred in the action crime thriller "Reindeer Games" in 2000.
2000: Affleck Explores Diverse Roles and Shadows Director John Frankenheimer
In 2000, Ben Affleck took on a range of roles, including a hardened criminal in "Reindeer Games," a ruthless stockbroker in "Boiler Room," and the voice of Joseph in the animated film "Joseph: King of Dreams." He also starred opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the romantic drama "Bounce." Additionally, he shadowed director John Frankenheimer on the set of "Reindeer Games" to learn about directing.
2000: Affleck Co-Founds LivePlanet, a Multimedia Production Company
In 2000, Ben Affleck, along with Sean Bailey and Chris Moore, launched LivePlanet, a production company focused on integrating the internet with film and television.
2000: Affleck Voices Support for Abortion Rights
In a 2000 interview, Ben Affleck publicly expressed his strong belief in a woman's right to choose.
2000: Affleck Supports Al Gore's Campaign
In the final weeks of the 2000 presidential election, Ben Affleck actively supported Al Gore's campaign by attending rallies in California, Pennsylvania, and Florida. However, he was unable to vote due to a registration issue in New York.
December 2001: Meeting on the set of Gigli
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first met at industry parties and later became friends on the set of their movie Gigli in December 2001.
2001: Release of "Pearl Harbor"
Ben Affleck appeared in the war drama "Pearl Harbor" in 2001.
2001: Residential Treatment
Ben Affleck undergoes residential treatment for addiction in 2001 and maintains sobriety for a couple of years.
2001: Affleck and Kindregan Testify Before Congress
In 2001, Ben Affleck and Joe Kindregan testified before a House Appropriations Subcommittee to advocate for stem-cell research funding and increased support for the National Institutes of Health.
2001: Affleck Stars in "Pearl Harbor" and Makes Cameo Appearances
In 2001, Ben Affleck starred in Michael Bay's war drama "Pearl Harbor." He also parodied "Good Will Hunting" in Kevin Smith's "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," made a cameo in the comedy "Daddy and Them," and had a supporting role in "The Third Wheel."
2001: Meeting Jennifer Garner on "Pearl Harbor" Set
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner first met on the set of the movie "Pearl Harbor" in 2001, where their friendship began.
July 2002: Start of Relationship
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez began dating in July 2002 after Lopez filed for divorce from her then husband, Cris Judd.
November 2002: Engagement
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez got engaged in November 2002.
2002: Affleck Narrates "Occupation" Documentary
Ben Affleck narrated the 2002 documentary "Occupation", which focused on a sit-in organized by the Harvard Living Wage Campaign.
2002: Release of "The Sum of All Fears"
Ben Affleck starred in the thriller "The Sum of All Fears" in 2002.
2002: Affleck Takes on Challenging Roles and Works Behind the Scenes
In 2002, Ben Affleck portrayed CIA analyst Jack Ryan in "The Sum of All Fears" and starred in the thriller "Changing Lanes." He learned from director Roger Michell while filming "Changing Lanes."
2002: Early Political Donations
In 2002, Ben Affleck's political engagement was evident through his donations to various campaigns, including those of Dick Gephardt, Robert Reich, and his former classmate Marjorie Decker.
2002: LivePlanet's "Project Greenlight" and "Push, Nevada" Premiere
In 2002, LivePlanet released the documentary series "Project Greenlight" on HBO and the mystery drama "Push, Nevada" on ABC. "Project Greenlight" gave aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to direct a feature film.
2002: Affleck Supports Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Act
Ben Affleck appeared at a press conference with Senator Chuck Schumer in 2002 to advocate for the proposed Anti-Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act.
September 14, 2003: Postponement of Wedding
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez postponed their wedding that was scheduled for September 14, 2003 due to excessive media attention.
2003: Working with Garner on "Daredevil"
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner worked together again in 2003 on the set of the movie "Daredevil", further solidifying their friendship.
2003: Interest in Adapting "Gone Baby Gone"
Ben Affleck first mentioned his interest in adapting Dennis Lehane's novel "Gone Baby Gone" into a film in 2003. This interest eventually led to his directorial debut with the film in 2007.
2003: Affleck Visits Troops in Persian Gulf
Ben Affleck participated in USO-sponsored tours to visit marines stationed in the Persian Gulf in 2003.
2003: Donations to Presidential Campaigns
Ben Affleck's interest in presidential politics was visible in 2003 when he made donations to the campaigns of Dennis Kucinich and Wesley Clark.
2003: Allegation of Inappropriate Behavior on 'TRL Uncensored'
Hilarie Burton alleges that Ben Affleck groped her during an appearance on "TRL Uncensored" in 2003. Affleck apologizes for his actions.
2003: Affleck Stars in "Daredevil," "Gigli," and "Paycheck"
In 2003, Ben Affleck starred as the titular superhero in "Daredevil," a role he would later express regret for. He also appeared in the critically panned romantic comedy "Gigli" alongside Jennifer Lopez and the sci-fi thriller "Paycheck."
2003: Affleck Criticizes Patriot Act
In 2003, Ben Affleck voiced his criticism of the "questionable and aggressive" implementation of the Patriot Act and expressed concerns about its impact on civil liberties.
2003: Affleck's High-Profile Relationship and Career Scrutiny
In 2003, Ben Affleck's relationship with Jennifer Lopez put him under intense media scrutiny, coinciding with a series of poorly received films. He became a constant presence in tabloids and faced criticism for his career choices.
January 2004: End of Engagement
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez ended their engagement in January 2004.
August 2004: Beginning of Relationship with Jennifer Garner
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner began dating in August 2004, after becoming friends on the sets of their movies.
2004: Affleck Campaigns for John Kerry
Ben Affleck was actively involved in John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004. He participated in the Democratic National Convention, engaged in political discussions, attended fundraisers, and traveled with Kerry during his campaign tour, delivering speeches at rallies.
2004: California State Poker Championship Win
Ben Affleck wins the California State Poker Championship, earning $356,400 and qualifying for the 2004 World Poker Tour final tournament.
2004: "Project Greenlight" Receives Second Emmy Nomination
In 2004, "Project Greenlight," produced by Ben Affleck's LivePlanet, received its second Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Reality Program.
2004: Affleck Stars in "Jersey Girl" and "Surviving Christmas"
In 2004, Ben Affleck appeared in two more romantic comedies: "Jersey Girl," directed by Kevin Smith, and "Surviving Christmas," co-starring James Gandolfini. This period marked a low point in Affleck's career as he faced negative press and struggled to find quality roles, leading him to take a break from acting.
2004: Affleck and Kennedy Advocate for Minimum Wage Increase
In 2004, Ben Affleck joined Senator Ted Kennedy for a press conference on Capitol Hill to advocate for raising the minimum wage.
2004: Affleck Supports Gay Marriage and Transgender Rights
Ben Affleck expressed his support for legalizing gay marriage in 2004 and stated his belief that the future would look back on the marriage debate with embarrassment. He also remarked that it was "outrageous and offensive" to deny equal rights to the transgender community.
June 29, 2005: Marriage to Jennifer Garner
On June 29, 2005, Ben Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner in a private ceremony in Turks and Caicos.
December 2005: Birth of Violet Affleck
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner welcomed their first child, Violet Anne Affleck, in December 2005.
2005: Support for Deval Patrick
Ben Affleck donated to Deval Patrick's campaign for Governor of Massachusetts in 2005, illustrating his continued involvement in political fundraising.
2005: "Project Greenlight" Earns Third Emmy Nomination
In 2005, "Project Greenlight," produced by Ben Affleck and his partners at LivePlanet, received its third Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Reality Program.
2005: Affleck Appears in PFLAG Ad Campaign
In 2005, Ben Affleck demonstrated his support for the LGBTQ+ community by appearing alongside his gay cousin in a print advertising campaign for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
2005: Rumors of Senate Run
In 2005, The Washington Post reported rumors of Virginia Democrats attempting to persuade Ben Affleck to run for a Senate seat, a rumor his publicist dismissed.
2006: Affleck Campaigns for Barack Obama
In 2006, Ben Affleck showed his support for Barack Obama by appearing at a rally and introducing him as a galvanizing leader.
2006: Career Comeback with "Hollywoodland"
In 2006, Ben Affleck made a career comeback with his critically acclaimed performance as George Reeves in the film "Hollywoodland." He received praise for his nuanced portrayal of the actor and was awarded the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
2006: Support for Various Campaigns
In 2006, Ben Affleck broadened his political support by contributing to Cory Booker's Newark mayoral campaign, Eliot Spitzer's New York gubernatorial campaign, and introducing Congressmen Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy at rallies.
2006: Other Roles and Cameo Appearances
Besides "Hollywoodland," Ben Affleck also appeared in other films in 2006, including a cameo in "Clerks II," a starring role in "Man About Town," and a minor role in the crime drama "Smokin' Aces."
2006: Affleck Earns Golden Globe Nomination for "Hollywoodland"
Ben Affleck's performance in the 2006 film "Hollywoodland" garnered critical acclaim, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. This nomination underscored his versatility and talent as a dramatic actor.
2006: Volpi Cup for "Hollywoodland"
Ben Affleck won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his portrayal of George Reeves in the biopic "Hollywoodland" in 2006.
2006: Affleck Supports Proposition 87
Ben Affleck joined then-Senator Barack Obama at a rally in 2006 to show his support for Proposition 87, which aimed to reduce reliance on petroleum and promote alternative energy sources.
2007: Begins Travels in the Eastern Congo
Affleck began traveling to the Eastern Congo region in 2007, marking the beginning of his humanitarian work in the area.
2007: Affleck Supports Greater Boston Food Bank
Ben Affleck appeared at the Greater Boston Food Bank in 2007, demonstrating his commitment to fighting hunger.
2007: Affleck Donates to Obama's Presidential Campaign
Ben Affleck donated to Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007, further solidifying his support.
2007: Directorial Debut with "Gone Baby Gone"
Ben Affleck made his directorial debut with "Gone Baby Gone," a film he also co-wrote, in 2007.
2007: Directorial Debut with "Gone Baby Gone"
Ben Affleck made his feature film directorial debut in 2007 with "Gone Baby Gone," a crime drama set in Boston. The film, starring his brother Casey Affleck, was praised for its sensitive portrayal of real-life struggles and strong direction.
2007: Affleck Supports Affordable Healthcare Campaign
Ben Affleck participated in the Divided We Fail campaign, a nonpartisan initiative by AARP, in 2007. He filmed a public service announcement for the campaign, advocating for affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans.
2007: Affleck Speaks at Kindregan's Graduation
Ben Affleck served as the keynote speaker at Joe Kindregan's high school graduation ceremony in Fairfax, Virginia in 2007.
2007: Affleck Supports SEIU Unionization Efforts
Ben Affleck showed his support for unionization efforts by speaking at a press conference in 2007 at Boston's City Hall, where he backed SEIU's work to unionize low-paid hospital workers in the city.
2007: Affleck Appears in Global Warming Video
Demonstrating his concern for environmental issues, Ben Affleck appeared in a video produced by the Center for American Progress Action Fund in 2007 to raise awareness about global warming.
2007: Affleck and LivePlanet's Film Deal with Disney Ends
In 2007, Ben Affleck and his partners at LivePlanet saw the end of their film production deal with Disney.
2007: Denying Political Ambitions
Since 2007, Ben Affleck has consistently denied any personal political aspirations, despite expressing interest in the past.
2008: Acknowledging Clinton's Shift
While supporting Obama in the 2008 Democratic Primary, Ben Affleck acknowledged Hillary Clinton's shift toward the center during the campaign.
2008: Affleck Condemns Prejudice Against Obama
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Ben Affleck openly criticized the conspiracy theories circulating about Barack Obama's religion and ethnicity, highlighting the problem of prejudice.
2008: Active Support for Obama's Campaign
During the 2008 election cycle, Ben Affleck actively campaigned for Barack Obama, hosting fundraisers and urging voters to make history.
2008: Affleck Visits Denver Food Bank
Continuing his advocacy for food security, Ben Affleck visited a food bank in Denver in 2008.
2008: Donation to Patrick Murphy's Campaign
Ben Affleck donated to Patrick Murphy's congressional campaign in 2008, showing his support for the Pennsylvania representative.
2008: Affleck Supports Writers' Strike
Ben Affleck stood in solidarity with writers during the Writers' Strike in 2008 by expressing his support for the picketers.
2008: Mentioning the Gospel of Matthew
Ben Affleck lists the Gospel of Matthew as one of the books that has impacted his life in 2008.
January 2009: Birth of Seraphina Affleck
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's second child, Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck, was born in January 2009.
December 2009: Arrest of Jennifer Garner's Stalker
In December 2009, Steven Burky, Jennifer Garner's longtime stalker, was arrested while trying to approach her and Affleck's daughter's preschool.
2009: Affleck Speaks at Feeding America Rally
Ben Affleck showed his support for Feeding America by speaking at a rally in Washington D.C. in 2009.
2009: Versatile Roles in Film
In 2009, Ben Affleck showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles. He appeared in the romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You," the political thriller "State of Play," and the comedy film "Extract." His performances garnered a range of responses, highlighting his range as an actor.
2009: Affleck Criticizes Israeli Invasion of Gaza
In 2009, Ben Affleck's criticism of the Israeli invasion of Gaza was reported by The Washington Post. He reportedly engaged in a nuanced discussion about the conflict, suggesting his views aligned more with the Israeli Labor Party than Likud.
2009: Discovery of Relation to Barack Obama
The New England Historic Genealogical Society discovers that Ben Affleck is an 11th cousin of Barack Obama.
March 2010: Ruling on Garner's Stalker
In March 2010, Steven Burky was ruled insane and confined to a mental institution for stalking Jennifer Garner.
2010: Affleck Films PSA for Feeding America
In 2010, Ben Affleck used his platform to raise awareness about hunger by filming a public service announcement for Feeding America.
2010: Support for Kirsten Gillibrand
Ben Affleck's political contributions continued in 2010 with a donation to Kirsten Gillibrand's Senate campaign.
2010: Release of "The Town"
Ben Affleck directed and starred in the crime drama "The Town" in 2010.
2010: Directing and Starring in "The Town"
Ben Affleck directed, co-wrote, and starred in the 2010 crime drama "The Town," based on Chuck Hogan's novel. The film was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Affleck's talent as a director.
2010: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "The Company Men"
Ben Affleck delivered what some critics considered his best performance yet in the 2010 film "The Company Men." He played a sales executive facing redundancy during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, earning acclaim for his portrayal of a man experiencing a downfall.
2010: Co-Founds the Eastern Congo Initiative
After several years of involvement in the region, Affleck and Whitney Williams co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) in 2010. ECI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-based initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2010: Production Deal with Warner Bros.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's production company, Pearl Street Films, signed a first-look producing deal with Warner Bros. in 2010. This deal marked a significant step in their careers as producers.
2011: Affleck and DeGeneres Launch Feeding America Campaign
Ben Affleck partnered with Ellen DeGeneres in 2011 to launch Feeding America's Small Change Campaign.
February 2012: Birth of Samuel Affleck
Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's third child and only son, was born in February 2012.
2012: Affleck Praises McCain's Defense of Huma Abedin
In 2012, Ben Affleck praised Senator John McCain for his stance against the anti-Muslim attacks directed at Huma Abedin.
2012: Affleck's Directorial Triumph with "Argo"
The year 2012 marked a pivotal point in Ben Affleck's career with the release of "Argo." The film, which he directed, co-produced, and starred in, received widespread acclaim, earning him the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Directors Guild Award for Best Director, as well as the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Producers Guild Award, and the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture.
2012: Speculation About Senate Run
Political analysts and strategists speculated about Ben Affleck considering a run for a Massachusetts Senate seat in 2012, a rumor he denied with humor.
2012: Kindregan Appears in "Argo"
Joe Kindregan made a cameo appearance as an extra in Ben Affleck's film "Argo", which was released in 2012.
2012: BAFTA and Academy Award for "Argo"
Ben Affleck won the BAFTA Award for Best Director, and both the BAFTA and Academy Award for Best Picture for the political thriller "Argo" in 2012.
2012: Support for Elizabeth Warren
Ben Affleck hosted a fundraiser for Elizabeth Warren's Senate campaign in 2012, endorsed her in a video, and made a campaign donation, demonstrating his strong support for her candidacy.
2012: Critical and Commercial Success with "Argo"
Ben Affleck directed and starred in the historical drama "Argo" in 2012, which depicted the CIA's rescue of American diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The film was a major success, winning numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2012: Affleck Acknowledges Gun Ownership
Ben Affleck confirmed that he owned guns for both skeet shooting and family protection in 2012.
2012: Continued Support for Obama
Although Ben Affleck did not actively campaign for Barack Obama in 2012, he maintained his support for Obama's reelection.
2012: Affleck Supports Draw the Line Campaign
Ben Affleck showed his support for reproductive rights by backing the Draw the Line campaign in 2012, emphasizing that these rights are "fundamental".
2013: Advocating for Paparazzi Restrictions
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner hosted an event at their home in 2013, advocating for legislation to protect celebrities' children from paparazzi harassment.
2013: Role in the Thriller "Runner Runner"
Ben Affleck appeared in the thriller "Runner Runner" in 2013, playing a poker boss. While the film itself received negative reviews, Affleck's performance was considered a highlight.
2013: Affleck and Garner Support A-T Children's Project
In 2013, Ben Affleck and his then-wife Jennifer Garner matched donations to the A-T Children's Project in honor of Joe Kindregan's 25th birthday and their 15-year friendship with the Kindregan family.
2013: Support for Cory Booker and Alison Lundergan Grimes
In 2013, Ben Affleck continued his political involvement by hosting a fundraiser for Cory Booker and donating to the Senate campaigns of both Booker and Alison Lundergan Grimes.
2013: Performance in Terrence Malick's "To the Wonder"
In 2013, Ben Affleck starred in Terrence Malick's experimental drama "To the Wonder." Although the film received mixed reviews, Affleck's performance was generally praised.
2014: Appearance in "Gone Girl"
Ben Affleck starred in the psychological thriller "Gone Girl" in 2014.
2014: Affleck Publicly Regrets "Daredevil"
In 2014, Ben Affleck admitted that he regretted starring in the 2003 film "Daredevil," calling it the only movie he wished he hadn't made.
2014: Affleck Discusses Liberalism and Islam
During an appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher" in 2014, Ben Affleck participated in a discussion exploring the intersection of liberal principles and Islam.
2014: Support for Local California Campaigns
Ben Affleck's political contributions in 2014 focused on local California races, donating to Bobby Shriver's Los Angeles County Supervisor campaign and Prophet La'omar Walker's California State Assembly campaign.
2014: Blackjack Incident
Ben Affleck is asked to stop playing blackjack at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas after a series of wins raised suspicion of card counting.
2014: Starring in David Fincher's "Gone Girl"
Ben Affleck starred as a husband suspected of murder in David Fincher's psychological thriller "Gone Girl" in 2014. Affleck's performance was praised, with many critics highlighting his ability to convey complexity and nuance under Fincher's direction.
2014: Supporting UK-Style Paparazzi Laws
Ben Affleck expressed support in 2014 for stricter paparazzi laws similar to those in the United Kingdom, highlighting the dangers of intrusive photography.
2014: Appearance on 'Finding Your Roots'
Ben Affleck appears on the PBS show 'Finding Your Roots' and learns about his slave-owning ancestor.
2014: Allegation of Inappropriate Behavior at Golden Globes Party
Annamarie Tendler accuses Ben Affleck of groping her at a Golden Globes party in 2014.
June 2015: Announcing Separation
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner publicly announced their separation in June 2015.
2015: Donation to Kamala Harris's Senate Campaign
Ben Affleck showed early support for Kamala Harris by donating to her Senate campaign in 2015.
2015: Attending Methodist Church Services
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and their children are regularly seen at Methodist church services in Los Angeles between 2015 and 2020.
2015: Remaining Friends
Gwyneth Paltrow states that she and Ben Affleck are friends in 2015.
2015: Resurrection of "Project Greenlight"
In 2015, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's filmmaking competition series "Project Greenlight" was revived by HBO for one season. The show provided a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talents.
2015: 'Finding Your Roots' Controversy
Leaked emails reveal that Ben Affleck was uncomfortable with the segment about his slave-owning ancestor, leading to its removal. An investigation found that Affleck exerted "improper influence" on the show's editorial process.
October 2016: Live Reading of Good Will Hunting Screenplay
In October 2016, Affleck and Matt Damon reunited for a special one-off event at New York's Skirball Theater, where they performed a live reading of the screenplay for their acclaimed film, Good Will Hunting.
2016: Support for Melissa Gilbert and Corey Palumbo
Ben Affleck's political donations in 2016 included contributions to Melissa Gilbert's Congressional campaign and Corey Palumbo's West Virginia Senate campaign.
2016: Controversial Casting as Batman
Ben Affleck's casting as Batman in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) was met with mixed reactions, but his performance ultimately received a generally positive response.
2016: Starring in "The Accountant"
Ben Affleck starred as an autistic accountant in the action thriller "The Accountant" in 2016, which performed well commercially.
2016: Support for Hillary Clinton's Campaign
Ben Affleck supported Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign, donating to her campaign fund and even being named a "Hillblazer" for his contributions.
2016: Cameo in "Suicide Squad"
Ben Affleck made a brief cameo appearance as Batman in the 2016 film "Suicide Squad."
2016: Debut as Batman and Release of "The Accountant"
Ben Affleck began his role as Batman in the DC Extended Universe and starred in the thriller "The Accountant" in 2016.
2016: Affleck Opposes Dakota Access Pipeline
Ben Affleck showed his support for environmental protection in 2016 by endorsing Rezpect Our Water, an online petition aimed at halting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
April 2017: Filing for Divorce
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner filed for divorce in April 2017, seeking joint custody of their children.
2017: Affleck Visits Troops at Ramstein Air Base
As part of his ongoing support for the military, Ben Affleck visited troops at Germany's Ramstein Air Base in 2017.
2017: Relationship with Lindsay Shookus
Ben Affleck begins a long-distance relationship with Lindsay Shookus in mid-2017.
2017: Return to Residential Treatment
Ben Affleck returns to residential treatment for addiction in 2017.
2017: Me Too Movement Accusations
During the Me Too movement, Hilarie Burton and Annamarie Tendler accuse Ben Affleck of inappropriate behavior.
2017: Hiatus from Acting and Stepping Down from The Batman
In 2017, Affleck took a break from acting to focus on his health amidst an alcoholism relapse. He also made the decision to step down from directing, writing, and starring in The Batman, citing a lack of passion for the project.
2017: Support for Senate and Congressional Campaigns
In 2017, Ben Affleck continued his support for Democratic candidates by donating to the Senate reelection campaigns of Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons, as well as to Adam Schiff's Congressional campaign.
2017: Affleck Emphasizes Importance of Non-Discrimination
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Ben Affleck reiterated his belief that stereotyping based on race or religion is unacceptable and goes against the fundamental principles of liberal thought.
2017: Release of Justice League and Difficult On-Set Experience
Justice League, featuring Affleck's return as Batman, hit theaters in 2017. However, the film's production was marked by difficulties, including the departure of original director Zack Snyder and Affleck's personal struggles with addiction. The film received a mixed reception, with some critics noting Affleck's apparent disillusionment with the project.
October 2018: Divorce Finalized
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's divorce was finalized in October 2018.
2018: Pre-Production Challenges and Commitment to Recovery
During pre-production for The Way Back in 2018, Affleck faced personal challenges with relapse. Demonstrating his commitment to recovery, he agreed to put his salary in escrow and had a sober coach present on set to support his well-being.
2018: Breakup and Brief Reconciliation
Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus break up in mid-2018 but briefly reunite in early 2019.
2018: Diverse Political Contributions
Ben Affleck's political contributions in 2018 reflected his support for a diverse range of candidates, including donations to the Congressional campaigns of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sharice Davids, and Leann Jacobsen, as well as to gubernatorial candidates Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Stacey Abrams in Georgia.
2018: Relapse and Intervention
Ben Affleck experiences a public relapse and undergoes another intervention in 2018, followed by further outpatient treatment.
2018: Divorce from Jennifer Garner
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's divorce was finalized in 2018, marking the end of their marriage.
2019: Release of Triple Frontier and Cameo in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
Affleck returned to the screen in 2019 with the release of the drug-trafficking thriller Triple Frontier, which had been delayed due to his health treatment. The film sparked commentary on Affleck's persona and his personal struggles. That same year, he made a cameo appearance in Kevin Smith's Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, marking a brief reunion with the director after a period of limited contact.
2019: Meeting Ana de Armas
Ben Affleck begins dating Ana de Armas, whom he met on the set of Deep Water in the fall of 2019.
2019: Support for Booker and Harris Presidential Campaigns
Ben Affleck donated to the presidential campaign funds of both Cory Booker and Kamala Harris in 2019, demonstrating his support for their respective bids for the Democratic nomination.
2019: Public Slip and Reflection
Ben Affleck is filmed stumbling on a Los Angeles street, acknowledging a brief "slip" after over a year of sobriety. He later describes the incident as "embarrassing" and expresses regret for the impact on his children.
2019: Affleck Addresses Weinstein Allegations and Shows Support for McGowan
In 2019, amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the Harvey Weinstein allegations, Ben Affleck expressed his support for Rose McGowan, stating, "I believe Rose. I support her." He also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' stories.
2020: McGowan Clarifies Comments About Affleck, Highlighting Hollywood's Complicity
In 2020, Rose McGowan provided further context to her previous statements about Ben Affleck, clarifying that her intention was not to accuse him directly but to highlight the pervasive culture of silence and complicity within Hollywood regarding Harvey Weinstein's alleged actions.
2020: Last Recorded Church Appearance
The last recorded appearance of Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and their children at Methodist church services in Los Angeles is in 2020.
2020: Jennifer Garner's Support
Jennifer Garner speaks about her support for Ben Affleck's struggles with alcoholism during and after their marriage in 2020.
2020: Support for Democratic Nominee
In the 2020 Democratic Primaries, Ben Affleck expressed his support for Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and Elizabeth Warren, but emphasized his dislike for Donald Trump. When Biden became the nominee, Affleck donated to his campaign.
2020: Release of The Last Thing He Wanted
In 2020, the political thriller The Last Thing He Wanted, starring Affleck as a diplomat, was released on Netflix. The film, shot in mid-2018, received generally negative reviews.
2020: Support for Whitney Williams
Ben Affleck showed his support for Whitney Williams, a candidate in the 2020 Montana gubernatorial election, by speaking at a virtual rally and donating to her campaign fund.
2020: Affleck Expresses Discomfort with Past Gun Use
In 2020, Ben Affleck revealed that he felt uncomfortable reflecting on his experiences at gun ranges as a young adult, given the tragic incidents involving young people and firearms that occurred later.
2020: Expressing Regret over Divorce
In 2020, Ben Affleck publicly expressed that his divorce from Jennifer Garner was the biggest regret of his life.
2020: Discussing Addiction in Relation to 'The Way Back'
During press for his movie "The Way Back" in 2020, Ben Affleck speaks about his experience with addiction, emphasizing the importance of not letting it define a person's identity.
2020: Release of "The Way Back"
Ben Affleck starred in the sports drama "The Way Back" in 2020.
2020: Relationship with Ana de Armas
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' relationship becomes public in early 2020.
2020: Critical Acclaim for The Way Back and Best Actor Nomination
Affleck's performance as a recovering alcoholic in the sports drama The Way Back (2020) garnered widespread critical acclaim. The film's themes resonated with Affleck's personal experiences, as he had relapsed during pre-production in 2018. Critics praised his raw and vulnerable portrayal, recognizing it as some of his finest work. Despite its theatrical release being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Affleck received a Best Actor nomination at the 2021 Critics' Choice Awards for his performance.
April 2021: Rekindled Romance
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez began dating again in April 2021, 20 years after they first met.
2021: Supporting Roles in "The Last Duel" and "The Tender Bar"
Ben Affleck had supporting roles in the dramas "The Last Duel" and "The Tender Bar" in 2021.
2021: Supporting Roles in The Last Duel and The Tender Bar and Award Nominations
In 2021, Affleck took on supporting roles in two films: Ridley Scott's medieval drama The Last Duel and George Clooney's coming-of-age story The Tender Bar. In The Last Duel, he played the hedonistic Count Pierre d'Alençon, a performance that earned praise for its over-the-top villainy. In The Tender Bar, he portrayed a kind and wise uncle figure, a role that resonated with audiences and critics alike. For his performance in The Tender Bar, Affleck received nominations for both a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.
2021: Golden Globe Nomination for Affleck's Performance in "The Tender Bar"
In 2021, Ben Affleck received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the film "The Tender Bar." This nomination further solidified his position as a respected and sought-after actor in Hollywood.
2021: Release of Zack Snyder's Justice League
In 2021, a new cut of Justice League, overseen by original director Zack Snyder, was released. This version included a newly filmed scene featuring Affleck as Batman.
2021: Breakup with Ana de Armas
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas break up in early 2021.
April 2022: Second Engagement
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez announced their second engagement in April 2022.
July 16, 2022: Wedding in Las Vegas
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez got married in a ceremony in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022.
2022: Release of Deep Water and Cameo in Clerks III
In 2022, Affleck starred opposite Ana de Armas in the thriller Deep Water, directed by Adrian Lyne. The film, adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel, was released on Hulu and received largely negative reviews, although Affleck's performance garnered some positive attention. He also made a cameo appearance in Kevin Smith's Clerks III, continuing his history of appearances in Smith's films.
May 2023: Release of Hypnotic
Affleck starred as a detective in Robert Rodriguez's action thriller Hypnotic, which premiered in theaters in May 2023.
June 2023: Cameo in The Flash and Deleted Scene in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Affleck made a brief return as Batman in the superhero film The Flash, released in June 2023. He had also filmed a scene for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, but it was ultimately removed from the final cut of the film.
October 2023: Signing Artists4Ceasefire Open Letter
In October 2023, Ben Affleck joined other artists in signing the Artists4Ceasefire open letter, calling for a ceasefire during the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
December 2023: Partnership between Artists Equity and Wild State Production Company
Affleck's production company, Artists Equity, announced a strategic partnership with Chris Hemsworth's Wild State production company in December 2023. The collaboration is aimed at developing both film and television projects.
2023: Premiere and Release of Air and Launch of Artists Equity
Affleck's fifth directorial effort, Air, premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival to critical acclaim. The film, centered around Nike's pursuit of Michael Jordan, was released theatrically by Amazon Studios and later became available for streaming on Amazon Prime. Air marked the debut release from Artists Equity, an independent production company founded by Affleck and Matt Damon. Affleck serves as CEO of the company, which aims to revolutionize profit-sharing in the film industry by including all stakeholders. He has expressed his intention to work exclusively for Artists Equity as a filmmaker moving forward.
2023: Advising Fellow Actors on Addiction
Ben Affleck reveals that he advises fellow actors to avoid publicly discussing their addiction issues to avoid being labeled, emphasizing personal choice in sharing such experiences.
2023: End of Role as Batman and Release of "Air"
Ben Affleck's time as Batman in the DC Extended Universe came to an end. He also starred in and directed the film "Air" in 2023.
August 2024: Divorce Filing
Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in August 2024.