When it comes to Hollywood’s leading men, Ben Affleck is a household name.
And that’s where we come in.
However, he was actually born on the west coast.
That’s right, Affleck is originally from California Berkeley, California to be exact (viaBritannica).
“I grew up in Central Square in Cambridge,” the actor toldCinezine.
“Went to the public schools there.”
He also grew up alongside his brother Casey Affleck, who, like Ben, also became an actor.
Although Ben Affleck left California as a young boy, he did return to his birthplace later in life.
As of this writing, the “Gone Girl” actor resides in Los Angeles, according toHello!
Affleck’s name isn’t coincidental, either.
In fact, his middle name has a specific meaning and sentimental origin story.
“I believe in a party of inclusiveness.
His directing doesn’t go unnoticed either.
While Affleck is now a certified star, this didn’t happen overnight.
The New Englander has actually been acting since he was a child.
His childhood acting coach David Wheeler described a young Affleck as “very bright and intensely curious” toPeople.
Even with an acting coach and credits under his belt, Affleck didn’t consider himself a child star.
Naturally, Affleck picked up the Spanish language while working in Mexico as a child.
Affleck isn’t the only Spanish-speaking person in his family, either.
Affleck’s daughter Violet is also learning the language.
His brother, actor Casey Affleck, has also flexed his bilingual skills ininterviews.
“We were basically best friends since I was 10 and he was 8,” Damon toldInterview Magazine.
So I was pretty much forced into hanging out with Ben.”
Affleck also credits Damon with helping to provide structure to his acting career.
As teenagers, the pair would travel to New York City for auditions.
“Matt gave acting a framework, an integration into the social hierarchy at school,” Affleck toldParade.
“Before Matt, I was by myself,” he added.
Although he didn’t graduate, he worked on the future Academy Award-winning screenplay while enrolled.
Additionally, Affleck’s mother received her Master’s degree from the ivy league school.
Affleck’s father also worked as a janitor at Harvard for a time, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Affleck loves the Boston Red Sox.
Throughout the years, the “Justice League” actor has been spotted at multiple Red Sox games.
Affleck is such a diehard Red Sox fan that it’s even interfered with his work.
While shooting the movie “Gone Girl,” Affleck and director David Fincher got along great.
However, they did have one issue.
However, Affleck opposed it.
“‘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.”
Affleck and Dune went back and forth until they agreed on Affleck’s character wearing a Mets hat.
Directing isn’t just a passion project for Affleck it’s a job he takes seriously.
As an actor himself, he also knows how actors feel and their importance to the movie making process.
“Every actor in the movie is, in effect, writing and directing the movie with you.
Throughout the years, the actor has been open about his addiction to alcohol.
“It was difficult,” Affleck toldThe Hollywood Reporter.
“When one’s parent is an alcoholic, it’s hard.”
One celebrity in particular helped Affleck out during a trying time.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
My lust, my love, my man, my child, my friend, and my king.”
He has some serious tattoos
Ben Affleck appears to have a love of ink.
“I was young,” he said in a 2000 interview with Canoe (viaPeople).
“It was fun and cool.
Most notable among his tattoos is a brightly colored phoenix that spans the length of his back.
Affleck made headlines in 2015 when paparazzi photos of the tattoo surfaced.
He continued, saying, “I actually do have a number of tattoos.
Apparently, though, that turned out not to be true.
“I’m very happy with it.”
Similar to fans, Affleck’s ex-wife,Jennifer Garner, also isn’t a fan of the ink.
“You know what we would say in my hometown about that?
‘Bless hisheart,'” she toldVanity Fair.
“A phoenix rising from the ashes.
Am I the ashes in this scenario?”
She continued, saying, “I take umbrage.
I refuse to be the ashes.”
