Ben Affleck is one of the low-key actors in the Hollywood industry who likes to live a casual life. Many have often witnessed the A-lister in comfy outfits rather than showing off his lavish lifestyle through his wardrobe unless it’s very important. Though many would think that he might not be interested in the wild party life celebrities are much known for, the answer might be quite clear due to his biggest mistake.
The actor in a recent interview opened up about how he once opted to live a lavish life in his 20s which eventually ended up getting him broke in 6 months.
Ben Affleck on Getting a Big Break in The Hollywood Industry During His 20s
The 50-year-old actor, Ben Affleck in a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show opened up about getting a big break in the industry when he was just starting with his BFF, Matt Damon.
The former shared,
“We were friends and we wanted each other to succeed. So it seemed clear, like, let’s do this together.”
He added,
“In retrospect, [it was] really valuable because I think kind of starting out in a field like that can be very lonely.”
The duo who were then-aspiring actors lived together in Los Angeles and shared a bank account. During their stay together in LA, they co-wrote the 1997 drama film, Good Will Hunting and even starred together in the film which went on to become a critical success.
Recalling his time back then, he stated,
“When we sold Good Will Hunting, I was like, ‘We are now rich for life. My needs are over. I will never have to work again. I’m rich, forever.'”
Though they sold the script for $600,000, it eventually gave them much hope which ended up troubling the duo.
Ben Affleck Talked About How He Went Broke Due to Money Mismanagement!
The Air director told host, Drew Barrymore, how the duo’s $600,000 cheque quickly diminished in just six months. Having split up the money, both got $300,000 each.
The next step they did was to pay their agent a $30,000 fee and take out $160,000 for the taxes. After they were done with the basic expenditures, the duo decided to utilize their spare money for their wants.
Affleck shared,
“We had $110,000. We each bought $55,000 Jeep Cherokees.”
He continued,
“And then had $55,000 left which, naturally, we decided to rent a $5,000 a month party house on Glencoe Way by the Hollywood Bowl and we were broke in six months.”
Their decision to opt for a lavish party house ended up leaving them broke. However, it didn’t affect their friendship as the duo continued to stay as great friends.
While he would not leave Damon’s side, he has also confessed about not living together once again due to the latter’s cleaning habits. They are recently seen sharing the screen in the new film, Air which is now available in theatres.
Source: The Drew Barrymore Show
