11 Strange Facts About Ben Affleck | Things That Will Shock You About Affleck and His Movie ‘Triple Frontier’!
Ben Affleck, the popular actor and filmmaker, is enjoying success with the resurgence of his action movie, “Triple Frontier,” on Netflix. Notably, the director has patiently waited for six months for Affleck to return from rehab. This adds an intriguing layer to the actor’s journey. Let’s explore 11 strange facts about Ben Affleck and “Triple Frontier.”
1. Named after a Holocaust survivor
Ben Affleck’s full name, Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt, honors a Hungarian Holocaust survivor and family friend named Geza Boldt. The unique middle name reflects his parents’ choice and the historical significance behind it.
“My parents named me after a Hungarian friend of theirs named Geza. Now when I got to be in fourth or fifth grade, I accused them of being the worst namers in the world! I said, Everyone calls me Ben Gay!”
Ben Affleck (Writers Guild of America)
2. Affleck wrote about condoms to a teen sex guide
In 1990, Affleck contributed to a teen sex guide, recounting his first experience buying condoms. The awkward yet relatable story was part of “Risky Times: How to be AIDS Smart and Stay Healthy,” written by Damon’s stepmother.
“I felt so self-conscious and idiotic, but it was all over in a second. I put them down and she looked at me with this stoic face and rang them up and put them in a bag, and I ran out of that store really fast!”
Ben Affleck
3. His refusal to wear a Yankees hat halted “Gone Girl” production
Affleck is a die-hard fan of the Boston Red Sox. This loyalty led to a production standstill on the set of “Gone Girl.” The actor refused to wear a Yankees hat, representing his favorite team’s rival, causing a temporary halt in filming. However, the director and actor are on good terms and are teasing around on the incident.
“David, I love you, I would do anything for you, but I will not wear a Yankees hat. I just can’t. I can’t wear it because it’s going to become a thing, David. I will never hear the end of it. I can’t do it. And I couldn’t put it on my head.”
Ben Affleck (Times Interview)
According to sources, Affleck is distantly related to sixteen U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama. It does not stop there. He is even related to the late Princess Diana. Undoubtedly, Affleck’s family tree holds surprising connections. This is surely one of the many strange facts about Ben Affleck.
5. A declaration of love to Jennifer through a newspaper ad
Affleck’s relationship with Jennifer Lopez was publicly acknowledged through a heartfelt newspaper ad, expressing admiration and gratitude. This marked the beginning of the iconic Hollywood couple known as “Bennifer.” The couple first met on the set of the movie ‘Gigli’ and at the time Jennifer was married to Chris Judd. According to them, there was no romance going on.
However, in April 2002, Ben Affleck took out ads in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, in which he spilled some unexpected comments about working with Lopez. Affleck wrote, “You have shown kindness, dedication, diligence, humility, graciousness of spirit, beauty in courage, great empathy, astonishing talent, real poise, and true grace…It has been nothing but an honor and a pleasure to work with you. I only wish I were lucky enough to be in all your movies.” He also did not forget to sign the ad by saying, ”With love, respect, and gratitude, Ben Affleck.”
6. Banned for life from a casino in Las Vegas
Affleck’s card-counting skills got him banned for life from playing blackjack at the Hard Rock casino in Las Vegas. His candid admission gave people an insight into the unconventional threads he pulled at the high-rollers’ table. Affleck confirmed the banned claims and regarding the card-counting report when speaking with ‘by Details.’
7. Got knocked unconscious during a film shoot!
While filming “Reindeer Games” in 2000, Affleck was accidentally knocked unconscious by football player Dana Stubblefield. Despite the setback, Affleck fully recovered after a hospital visit.
8. Finalist for ‘Worst Actor’ in the Razzie Awards
Affleck faced a strange recognition in Hollywood. He was named one of the finalists in the Worst Actor category at the 2022 Razzie Awards for his role in “The Last Duel.”
9. Public apology for groping another movie star!
In 2017, Affleck publicly apologized for groping Hilarie Burton during an appearance on MTV’s “Total Request Live.” Hilarie was hosting the show and his questionable actions on stage stirred the internet. The actor acknowledged his inappropriate actions and expressed sincere regret.
I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 11, 2017
10. Walking an imaginary dog as a child
Affleck had a desire to have a dog when he was young. However, his mother was not fully convinced of his ability to take care of a pet. This prompted Chris, his mother to make him prove his responsibility. Before getting a real dog, he had to walk an imaginary one, showcasing his commitment to caring for a pet.
“My conservative parenting style wasn’t always easy on them. Ben wanted a dog. I made him walk an imaginary dog for weeks to prove he could take care of it.”
Chris (Ben Affleck’s mother)
11. Triple Frontier’s director’s six-month wait
Director J.C. Chandor’s commitment to keeping Affleck in “Triple Frontier” led to a six-month wait for the actor to return from rehab. Affleck struggled with alcohol addiction at the time and this was his third time going to rehab to battle his addiction.
The actor had seemingly had health issues after signing for the movie. Chandor believed the role was perfect for Affleck and he wanted to wait for him to return. However, the director was happy to have Affleck back on the project and he believed it was worth the wait.
“The two of us had a little bit of a heart-to-heart where I asked, ‘Are you really gonna come back? We’ll wait for you if you are. And he was so committed and so I’m so glad that I did because this part felt like it was the right part for him right now… We waited six months, and it was worth it.”
J.C Chandor (Director of Triple Frontier)
Conclusion
Ben Affleck’s journey, filled with surprising facts, showcases the multifaceted nature of the acclaimed actor. From family connections to personal challenges, each fact adds a layer to the man behind the movies. However, the most intriguing aspect remains the director’s six-month wait during the making of “Triple Frontier,” emphasizing the dedication and resilience that define Ben’s career. The article gives you a comprehensive tour of the strange facts about Ben Affleck and his movie ‘Triple Frontier.’
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