Ben Affleck's career took a major turn for the better in 1997 when he co-wrote and acted in "Good Will Hunting," alongside his longtime pal Matt Damon. Affleck recalled writing the script to Boston Magazine, saying, "Matt said, 'Look, will you help me write this? I'm not sure what it is or where to go.' So we started writing it sort of back and forth."
The two not only wrote the film, but then starred in it. Hollywood was clearly impressed. "Good Will Hunting" not only grossed $225.9 million, but earned nine Academy Award nominations, making Affleck the youngest writer to win the Oscar for Best Screenplay at age 25.
After the film's release, Affleck made a name for himself as one of the hottest rising stars. The "Justice League" actor told Parade, "It was a dreamlike time for me from December 1997 to March of '98. Before that, I was basically unknown. Then, bang! The starting gun fired, and everybody just started running." He continued, "It was learn-on-the-job. And there were more opportunities for work than I had time to do them."
The opportunities did continue to come in for Affleck, making him an official leading man.
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