Over the past 12 months, he's headlined the box office blockbuster 'Armageddon', dated his 'Shakespeare in Love' co-star Gwenyth Paltow, and won an Oscar for co-writing his movie script, 'Good Will Hunting'.  So, how was your year?

Yes, Ben Affleck's career is on a roll...or maybe a steamroll is more like it. Recently he scored a big-screen double whammy by appearing in two hot feature films: '200 Cigarettes' with a cast list that read like a Who's WHo of Young Hollywood (Christina Ricci, Courtney Love, Kate Hudson, Gaby Hoffman, Janeane Garafolo); and 'Forces of Nature,' a romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock, which allows him to show off his softer side.

But that's not all Ben shows off.  Movie fans, brace yourselves!  'Forces of Nature' features a must-see dance scene in which Affleck shakes his bare derriere!  Now isn't that worth the price of admission?!  And on top of that, he gets paid to make out with America's sweetheart!  It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

Although Ben's only been a star for the past few years, he began his acting career at the tender age of 8, appearing in the PBS TV series "Voyage of the Mimi".  Among his other television credits are "Almost Home" and "Hands of a Stranger".

In 1997, the 26-year-old actor starred with Joey Lauren Adams in Kevin Smith's 'Chasing Amy,' his second collaboration with Smith.  HIs first was 'Mallrats' and the third is the soon-to-be-released 'Dogma,' opposite best bud and 'Good Will Hunting' co-star (and co-Oscar winner) Matt Damon.

In addition to his previous film credits in 'Going All the Way,' 'Dazed and Confused,' 'Cruz' and 'School Ties,' Affleck's upcoming films will include 'The Boiler Room,' 'Daddy and Them' and 'Reindeer Games.'  And when he's not acting, Ben can be found sitting at a keyboard writing three more screenplays.

Courtesy ETOnline Star Profiles