I Love Kevin Costner’s Classic 1989 Sports Movie — And Just Found Out Ben Affleck Had an Uncredited Role!
Ben Affleck’s Early Career: The Hidden Roles You Might Not Know About
Ben Affleck is now one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, known for everything from his Oscar-winning writing partnership with Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting to iconic roles in blockbusters like Armageddon and critically acclaimed films such as Gone Girl. He’s also famously taken on superhero roles, playing both Daredevil and Batman. However, before he became a household name, Affleck’s career had some humble beginnings, including a little-known uncredited appearance in a beloved classic.
A Surprising Early Role: Ben Affleck as an Extra in Field of Dreams
Long before fame found him, Affleck appeared as an extra in the 1989 sports fantasy Field of Dreams. The Kevin Costner-led film tells the story of an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice, resulting in a magical experience. Alongside Costner’s memorable performance, the movie features standout roles from actors like Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, and Burt Lancaster.
But finding Affleck in the crowd is no easy feat. He and Matt Damon both made brief appearances as extras at a baseball game scene, likely excited to be part of the film since it was shot at Boston’s Fenway Park — a special treat for the lifelong Red Sox fans. Kevin Costner himself later recalled meeting the young duo during filming. Though Affleck’s screen time was minimal and it’s unclear if he appears in the final cut, this early role remains a fun footnote in his career.
More Early Roles You Might Have Missed
Before rising to stardom, Affleck took on several small parts in ‘90s films featuring future stars. For example, in the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie (a campy teen horror-comedy that inspired the hit TV show), he played a basketball player with a brief, dubbed line. The cast included other soon-to-be big names like Hilary Swank and David Arquette.
Affleck and Damon’s first credited collaboration came with the 1992 drama School Ties. The film centers on a young Jewish student facing antisemitism at a prestigious private school in the 1950s. Damon plays the lead antagonist, while Affleck appears in a supporting role as one of the classmates involved in the conflict. Interestingly, the film also features Cole Hauser, now known for Yellowstone.
Early Roles That Laid the Groundwork for Success
While these early appearances might not have turned many heads at the time, they are fun to revisit with the knowledge of Affleck’s later achievements. These small roles helped him build his craft and connections, setting the stage for his breakthrough with Damon and eventual reinvention as a successful actor and filmmaker. From Field of Dreams to School Ties, Affleck’s early career was a crucial stepping stone on his journey to Hollywood stardom.
