As autumn showers finally descended upon Los Angeles, Ben Affleck was spotted seeking warmth from an unlikely source—a cigarette—during a dash around the city. This sighting adds another chapter to the actor's long and very public relationship with nicotine, a habit that first became an internet sensation back in 2016.
From 'Sad Affleck' to Sharp-Dressed Man
The 53-year-old actor was glimpsed this week in the Marina Del Rey area, appearing in much finer spirits than during the now-viral 'Sad Affleck' meme of August 22, 2016. On that occasion, he looked miserable and exhausted while smoking. This time, however, he was the picture of relaxation, drawing on his cigarette while driving.
His clean-cut appearance marked a dramatic shift from his scruffy 2016 meme persona. He was dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and a sophisticated camel-toned coat, a world away from the dishevelled look that originally captured the public's imagination.
A Glittering Night of Honours
That very same evening, Affleck transformed into the image of classic red-carpet glamour. He took to the stage at the Beverly Hilton for the American Cinematheque Award ceremony, which was held to honour Michael B. Jordan.
He joined a star-studded lineup of presenters that included Bradley Cooper, Tessa Thompson, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali, Octavia Spencer, and Phylicia Rashad. Ryan Coogler, the director who has helmed five of Jordan's films including Black Panther, was also part of the evening's proceedings.
Affleck's connection to the guest of honour runs deep. The two have known each other since 2013, when Affleck saw Jordan's breakthrough performance in Fruitvale Station. Jordan has since described their bond as a 'big brother–little brother kind of relationship.'
A Lifelong Battle with Nicotine
Affleck's smoking habit has been a recurring theme in his life. He smoked for two decades, at one point consuming a pack a day and describing the vice as 'part of who I was.' He initially quit in 2005 when his then-wife, Jennifer Garner, was pregnant with their first child, Violet.
In a turn of events driven by his friend Matt Damon, Affleck sought hypnotherapy in 2008 to finally kick the habit. He famously told Oprah Winfrey that the sessions made him realise nicotine was 'poison' and that smoking was 'asinine.' After quitting, he raved about feeling healthier and in better shape.
Despite this success, Affleck, who has also been candid about his past struggles with alcoholism, has been seen indulging in cigarettes again for the past several years. Last August, the day after Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from him, he was photographed chain-smoking in his car.
At the start of this year, a source close to the actor alleged that he was attempting to quit once more and was considering another round of hypnotherapy. The insider revealed that Affleck hates the smell and knows it sets a terrible example for his children, but he often reaches for a cigarette when feeling stressed.
