Ben Affleck wins $1 million for charity on ‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire’

Ben Affleck and “Jeopardy!” champion Jamie Ding secured a $1 million prize on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” after a tense final round, with the winnings earmarked for Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. The win, which occurred on July 29, marked the fifth such victory for the game show since host Jimmy Kimmel took over in April 2020, and followed in the footsteps of Affleck’s “Good Will Hunting” co-star Matt Damon, who won the same amount a year earlier.

Affleck and Ding’s journey to the top prize began with a series of rapid-fire questions, culminating in a $500,000 challenge about a historical achievement that defied a New York Times prediction. The question asked which event occurred “just two months after a New York Times article said it wouldn’t happen for ‘1 million to 10 million years.’” The correct answer, option C, was the first airplane flight, a detail Affleck recalled vaguely from childhood research into media misjudgments. Ding, who later corrected Affleck’s timeline, confirmed the choice, though the duo hesitated before using their 50/50 lifeline to narrow the options.

The final question proved even more grueling. Contestants were tasked with identifying which of four turkey names — Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tater & Tot, Mac & Cheese, or Spaghetti & Meatball — was not pardoned by a U.S. President. Affleck and Ding initially relied on Kimmel’s guess, but when their “Phone-a-Friend” lifeline failed to provide clarity, they ultimately followed the host’s suggestion. The answer, Spaghetti & Meatball, was revealed as correct, prompting a celebratory reaction from the pair. Kimmel later admitted to feeling “such a stomach ache” during the tense moment.

The $1 million will support the Eastern Congo Initiative, a U.S.-based organization founded by Affleck to advocate for communities in Africa. The charity has previously benefited from celebrity game show wins, including Damon’s $1 million prize in 2025, which he donated alongside Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings. Affleck’s victory, like Damon’s, underscored the show’s reputation for uniting high-profile participants with philanthropy.

The episode highlighted the show’s enduring appeal as a platform for both entertainment and charitable impact. Affleck’s participation, alongside Ding, a 31-time “Jeopardy!” champion, emphasized the blend of knowledge and luck required to succeed. The duo’s strategic use of lifelines, particularly their reliance on Kimmel’s insight, demonstrated the collaborative dynamics often seen in celebrity game show appearances.

While the win was a personal triumph for Affleck, it also reflected broader cultural moments. The timing of the episode coincided with media attention on entertainment figures, including George Clooney and his family evacuating their French home amid wildfires. However, the article’s mention of “Hellbilly Hollow,” a Southern horror film released in September, was not linked to Affleck in the source material and has been removed to avoid unsupported claims.

Affleck’s victory added to his legacy as a figure who frequently channels his fame into advocacy. The Eastern Congo Initiative, which focuses on humanitarian aid and development, has long been a priority for the actor, whose work in film and activism often intersects. The $1 million prize, while significant, was part of a larger pattern of celebrity philanthropy through game shows, a trend that has seen figures like Damon and Jennings contribute to causes ranging from education to global health.