Having started his acting career in his pre-teens, Ben Affleck has since climbed the career ladder to become one of the most revered actors in Hollywood.
Alongside being an actor, he’s also an award-winning producer, screenwriter, director, and the proud father of three children with his wife Jennifer Garner.
There’s much more to Affleck than what meets the eye, however, and behind his impressive résumé and a physique that once earned him the title of “Sexiest Man Alive,” he’s also a pretty down to Earth and downright inspirational guy.
The reasons I think this are numerous but here’s just a few to get you thinking…
#1 He’s A Philanthropist
Despite his busy schedule, Affleck still finds plenty of time to support those in need. Over the years he’s been involved in many charity projects, he’s donated not only his time but also his money to causes that he believes in, he’s spoken out on various TV shows about the illnesses and hardships people are fighting, and he also had a hand in creating a short film to highlight the plight of Congolese refugees and later wrote an essay to Time about the issue.
Having done all this, Affleck still wanted to do more to help others; consequently, in 2010, he announced the creation of the Eastern Congo Initiative, a charity that he co-created to help further support the people of Congo.
Affleck’s efforts to help anyone and everyone he can don’t seem likely to stop anytime soon showing he’s clearly putting his fame to good use. I don’t know about you, but that makes him a pretty great guy in my book.
#2 He’s Created Some Inspirational Movies
Even if Affleck’s personal life isn’t enough to make you appreciate how inspirational a person he is, I’m sure you’ll agree he’s had a hand in creating some pretty inspirational movies. Good Will Hunting, Armageddon, Pearl Harbour, Argo… the list goes on.
As well as having appeared in or having helped produce some inspiring movies, his career itself is pretty amazing.
Having only made a few small steps in the acting world by the mid-1990s, Affleck decided to shape his own career and wrote Good Will Hunting with his childhood friend Matt Damon.
The movie was a turning point for the pair of them, proving that with enough determination you can make your own luck.
#3 He Took Control Of His Life
Prior to 2001, Affleck loved to have a drink (or a few). However, with a history of alcoholism in his family, he grew ever more concerned about the path this could lead him down. In what Affleck later described as a “pre-emptive strike,” he willingly entered alcohol rehab in an attempt to take control of his life and grow into what he saw as a better person.
His spokesperson at the time said, “Ben is a self-aware and smart man who has decided that a fuller life awaits him without alcohol.” I’m sure we can all appreciate how inspirational it is that he chose to take control of a spiralling situation and made the best of it.
He proved that your history need not define you and that if you want it bad enough you can change the course of your future.
#4 He’s A Very Down-to-earth Guy
Despite his roaring success in the entertainment industry, Affleck is still a very down-to-earth guy. He loves his family, is thankful for his success, and appreciates everything he has. On the subject of his career, he once said, “All I do, really, is go to work and try to be professional, be on time and be prepared.” If that isn’t down-to-earth I don’t know what is.
#5 He’s Not Afraid To Speak Out
Even when Affleck isn’t actively working alongside various charities, he’s always supporting one group or another.
As I mentioned earlier, he’s putting his fame to good use and over the years he’s constantly spoken out on controversial issues in the hopes of helping anyone he can.
He’s appeared at events supporting gay marriage, Kony 2012, and anything else he believes in. If he thinks something is right, he’s not afraid to say so – a lesson I think we all ought to learn.
So, have I convinced you that Ben Affleck is a truly inspiring guy? Over the years he’s done some pretty great things and I’m sure, like me, you can appreciate how great it is that he constantly supports others.
He believes in everyone having a voice, that every opinion matters, and I hope his belief in this helps you find your own voice and speak out to support the world around you.
Cover photo: www.pinterest.com
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