Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ben Affleck’s Net Worth?
Ben Affleck, a prominent figure in the American entertainment industry, boasts a net worth of $150 million. This substantial wealth is primarily accumulated from his diverse roles as an actor, screenwriter, producer, and director. His career trajectory showcases a blend of artistic talent and business acumen, leading to significant financial success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt was born on August 15, 1972, in Berkeley, California. His early life played a crucial role in shaping his career path. At the age of three, his family relocated to Falmouth, Massachusetts, and later settled in Cambridge. From a young age, Ben was exposed to the arts, attending theater performances and engaging with individuals working in creative fields. This early exposure was facilitated by his mother’s connection to a local casting agent, who arranged auditions for both Ben and his younger brother, Casey Affleck. While residing in Cambridge, Ben formed a lasting friendship with Matt Damon, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey that would significantly impact their careers.
Affleck’s formal education includes graduation from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in 1990. During his formative years, he secured his first professional acting job at the age of seven in a local independent film. Between the ages of 8 and 15, Affleck starred in the PBS children’s shows “Voyage of the Mimi” and “Second Voyage of the Mimi,” filmed both in Cambridge and in Mexico. These early roles laid the groundwork for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Key Milestones and Major Paydays
Affleck’s breakthrough came with “Good Will Hunting,” a film he co-wrote with Matt Damon. The screenplay, initially a 40-page assignment for Damon’s playwriting class at Harvard University, was developed into a full screenplay when they lived together in Los Angeles. In 1994, Castle Rock initially accepted the script but did not grant them the desired creative control. Subsequently, they presented it to Miramax, where they were afforded greater creative freedom. The success of “Good Will Hunting” in 1997, both critically and commercially, marked a turning point in Affleck’s career.
The sale of the “Good Will Hunting” screenplay earned Affleck and Damon each $300,000. This early success was followed by significant paychecks for his acting roles. For “Reindeer Games,” Affleck earned $6 million, while “Pearl Harbor” brought him $250,000. He secured $10 million each for “Changing Lanes” and “The Sum of All Fears.” Despite the mixed reception of “Daredevil” and “Gigli,” Affleck earned $11.5 million and $12.5 million, respectively, for these roles. These figures highlight his increasing market value as a leading man in Hollywood.
One of Affleck’s highest base salaries was $15 million for the 2003 film “Paycheck.” His peak earnings reached $15-20 million per movie, supplemented by backend bonuses, indicating his substantial earning potential during his prime years as an actor. In 2016, Affleck took on the role of Batman in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” which, along with subsequent appearances in the DC Extended Universe, contributed significantly to his income.
Collaboration with Matt Damon and Artists Equity
The collaborative partnership between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon has been a cornerstone of their careers. In 1998, they established Pearl Street Films, followed by LivePlanet, which produced the documentary TV series “Project Greenlight.” Today, they co-own Artists Equity, an independent production company that aims to share profits with all stakeholders. Affleck serves as CEO, focusing on filmmaking within the company.
Dunkin’ Donuts Super Bowl Commercial
In 2023, Affleck famously appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Dunkin’ Donuts, earning $10 million for the 30-second spot. The commercial generated over 7 billion media impressions and led to Dunkin’s biggest single-day sales in history the day after the Super Bowl. Affleck not only starred in the commercial but also helped conceive the concept. His production company, Artists Equity, co-run with Matt Damon, produced and directed the commercial.
Real Estate Investments
Affleck’s real estate portfolio reflects his financial success and strategic investments. In 2009, he and Jennifer Garner purchased a home in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood for $17.55 million from producer Brian Grazer. They later sold this mansion to Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine for $32 million in December 2018. The same month, Jennifer spent $8 million on a new home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood Park neighborhood.
In April 2018, Affleck acquired a $19 million mansion in the Pacific Palisades. This 13,450-square-foot home, built in 2017, features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a sprawling lawn, and a pool area. He listed this property for sale in August 2022 for $29.995 million and sold it within two weeks for the asking price.
In June 2023, Affleck and Jennifer Lopez closed on a $61 million mansion in Beverly Hills. However, amid rumors of a split, Ben paid $20.5 million for his own Palisades mansion in July 2024. He secured a $10 million mortgage to purchase the home, which is located next door to Diane Keaton’s longtime estate. These real estate transactions highlight Affleck’s significant investments in high-value properties.
Directing Career and Awards
Affleck’s directing career has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. He made his directorial debut with “Gone Baby Gone” in 2007. He then wrote, produced, and directed “The Town” in 2010. In 2012, he produced, directed, and starred in “Argo,” which achieved significant commercial and critical success. In addition to portraying Phil Knight in 2023’s “Air,” Affleck directed and produced the film, marking the first release for Artists Equity.
Affleck has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He won Academy Awards for “Good Will Hunting” (Best Original Screenplay, shared with Matt Damon) and “Argo” (Best Picture). He has also won several BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild awards, primarily for these two films. These accolades underscore his contributions to the film industry as both a writer and director.
Personal Life and Relationships
Affleck’s personal life has often been under public scrutiny, particularly his relationships. His high-profile romance with Jennifer Lopez from 2002 to 2004, dubbed “Bennifer” by the media, brought intense media attention. He married Jennifer Garner in 2005, and they had three children before announcing their separation in 2015 and finalizing their divorce in late 2018.
Affleck has been open about his struggles with alcoholism, attending residential therapy in 2001, 2017, and 2018. In July 2022, he married Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a reconciliation years after their initial relationship. She filed for divorce in August 2024.
Charity and Philanthropy
Ben Affleck has supported various charitable causes, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Eastern Congo Initiative, the A-T Children’s Project, and Feeding America. These philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to social issues and his willingness to use his platform for the greater good.
