Ben Affleck: Life in pictures

Ben Affleck’s career and personal life had their share of downturns and comebacks. At times he was as known for his love life as he was for his box office hits and misses.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Growing up, Affleck appeared on TV shows and in an after-school special. He later had uncredited roles in “Field of Dreams” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the movie that inspired the series.  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Affleck teamed up with his childhood buddy Damon to write a screenplay. With a bit of input from Hollywood heavies like Rob Reiner and William Goldman, the script got a makeover and eventually became “Good Will Hunting.” Both Damon and Affleck scored Oscars for best original screenplay.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Affleck’s roots in Berkeley, Calif., may have inspired his political prowess. He campaigned for John Kerry in 2004 and was a pundit on “Hardball” and “Real Time With Bill Maher.”  (Scott McCloskey / Associated Press)

Affleck spent the ‘90s appearing in cult classics like “Dazed and Confused,” “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy” and formed a relationship with writer-director Kevin Smith.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Ben Affleck joins the super hero ranks and will play Batman/Bruce Wayne in 2016’s “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Here, he is next to Henry Cavill, who will play Superman.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)