Ben Affleck Facts: 14 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About 'The Accountant' Star
Ben Affleck, aka Batfleck, has two Oscars and an impressive filmography, but that doesn't mean you know everything about him. He's been acting since the '80s, but he keeps his personal life pretty private. Before seeing his new movie, "The Accountant," here are 14 things you should know about the star.
1. Say My Name
Affleck’s full name is Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt.
2. NoCal State of Mind
Affleck was born in Berkeley, California, prior to relocating to Massachusetts with his family when he was two years old. He spent his entire childhood in Cambridge.
3. Possible Prodigy
Affleck knew from a very early point in his life, age 9, that acting was what he wanted to pursue.
4. Ideal Inspiration
From a very young age, Affleck and his brother, Casey, were encouraged to participate in the arts, and even to make home movies. Their mother regularly took them to the theater.
5. Have It Your Way
Affleck landed his first acting gig for a Burger King commercial during the same time he was working on the PBS series "The Voyage of the Mimi."
6. Lifelong Pals
Everyone knows Affleck and Matt Damon have been friends for quite some time. But how long, exactly? Turns out the two met on the set of “The Voyage of the Mimi” way back in 1984.
7. Getting It Together
In 2001, Affleck checked himself into a treatment center for alcohol abuse. It was reported that he was dropped off at the facility by Charlie Sheen. Surprising, yeah?
8. Don’t Be Fooled by the Rocks That She’s Got
The ever-so-popular Bennifer made headlines when Affleck gave then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez a whopping 6.1 carat ring. She wore it up until the couple parted ways due to the insane level of media coverage around their relationship.
9. An Embarrassing Memory
J.Lo and Affleck's relationship is cemented in history by their work in 2003's critical and commercial flop "Gigli." The two won Golden Razzies for Worst Actor and Worst Actress for their work in the movie. Ouch!
10. In It Together
While living with bestie Damon, the pair crafted the script for "Good Will Hunting," hoping they would star in it themselves. Dreams do come true!
11. Loyal Fan
Affleck is such a huge fan of the Boston Celtics that he reportedly had their logo painted on the basketball court of a former home. ... Yes, he had his own basketball court.
12. Change of Scenery
Ben's first time in the director's chair was for the 2007 film "Gone Baby Gone."
13. Remembering the Importance of Giving Back
Affleck has publicly associated himself with more than 25 charities throughout his career, ranging from work with GLAAD to founding the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI).
14. Keeping It in the Royal Family
Affleck is distantly related to 16 U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama. But that't not all: he also has distant family ties to Princess Diana. [Source: IMDB]
