Biography
Who is Ben Affleck?
Early life and real name
Ben Affleck was born Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt on August 15, 1972, in Berkeley, United States. His mother worked as an elementary school teacher, and his father held various jobs including carpenter, auto mechanic, and janitor at Harvard. When he was three, his family moved to Massachusetts, living first in Falmouth before settling in Cambridge.
During his childhood, his father struggled with severe alcoholism. His parents divorced when Ben was eleven years old, and his father eventually entered a rehabilitation facility in California to maintain his sobriety. Ben attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where he became close friends with fellow student Matt Damon. He acted in local theater productions and first appeared professionally at the age of seven.
How Ben became famous
Ben Affleck began his career as a child actor, appearing in the PBS educational series The Voyage of the Mimi. As a young adult, he took on minor roles in films such as School Ties and Dazed and Confused. His major breakthrough came when he co-wrote and starred in the drama Good Will Hunting alongside his childhood friend Matt Damon.
The screenplay for Good Will Hunting earned them the Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay. Following this success, Ben established himself as a leading man by starring in prominent studio films including Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and The Sum of All Fears.
Career highlights
After a brief downturn in his career, Ben Affleck made a successful comeback by portraying George Reeves in the biopic Hollywoodland, which earned him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. He then transitioned into directing with his debut film, Gone Baby Gone, which received positive reviews from critics.
He directed and starred in the crime drama The Town and the political thriller Argo. For Argo, Ben won the BAFTA Award for Best Director, alongside the BAFTA and Academy Award for Best Picture. He later portrayed the superhero Batman in the DC Extended Universe and starred in thrillers like The Accountant and The Way Back.
Family and relationships
Ben Affleck has three children named Violet, Seraphina, and Sam. He was previously married to Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez. His family history includes his brother Casey Affleck, who is also an actor.
Outside of his film career, Ben co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative, which is a grantmaking and advocacy-based nonprofit organization. He is also a supporter of the Democratic Party and co-owner of the production company Artists Equity with Matt Damon.
Ben height and personal life
Ben Affleck stands at a height of 192 cm. His educational background includes attending Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Occidental College, and the University of Vermont.
In addition to his work as an actor and director, Ben is a poker player. He grew up in a politically active household and learned to speak Spanish during a year spent traveling around Mexico with his mother and brother.
Birthday and age
Ben Affleck was born on August 15, 1972, which makes Ben 54 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Ben shares the date with 56 other famous people.
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