Ben Affleck has walked away with the top prize on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
The Oscar-winning actor, 53, appeared on the latest episode of the ABC quiz show alongside Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding on Wednesday (July 29) night as the pair competed for charity under the watch of host Jimmy Kimmel.
Ben’s winnings will go to Eastern Congo Initiative, the non-profit Ben co-founded with Whitney Williams in 2010 to support community-led organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The appearance comes during a busy period for Ben, who has remained in the spotlight following his recent projects as both an actor and producer, including The Accountant 2, while his long-standing creative partnership with Matt Damon continues through their Artists Equity production company.
Jimmy presented Ben and Jamie with the US$1 million (S$1.2 million) question, asking: “In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, all but which of these have been the names of turkeys pardoned by a US president?”
The possible answers were Peanut Butter and Jelly, Tater and Tot, Mac and Cheese, as well as Spaghetti and Meatball.
Ben and Jamie initially chose to use their Phone-A-Friend lifeline to contact Jamie’s long-time trivia teammate Stephen Morrison.
Jimmy reminded the contestants they also still had the Ask-The-Host lifeline available, prompting Ben to suggest they seek the presenter’s advice instead.
He said: “Actually, you’re very good with cooking and food, current events, too. Actually, you might know this.”
Jimmy replied by suggesting the answer could be “Spaghetti and Meatball”.
He joked: “I could see me adding a big bowl in Donald Trump’s hands and him slurping up the spaghetti and meatballs. That one sounds like it wasn’t the one to me.”
Ben said: “Probably the best person in the world to ask this question to.”
Jimmy responded: “If I’m wrong, I’m so sorry,” before locking in Spaghetti and Meatball as his recommendation.
The contestants nevertheless decided to use their Phone-A-Friend lifeline.
Introducing his friend, Jamie said: “Jimmy, you might like this friend of mine. I mean, Harvard-educated, father, we’re two years apart.
“But we’ve been through a lot of trials and tribulations together. Just like Ben and Matt.”
Jimmy replied: “Are you looking for trouble?”
Jamie echoed the remark, asking: “Are you looking for trouble?” – drawing laughter from the audience.
Stephen told the pair he could not confidently identify the correct answer.
Jimmy said: “But listen, you know what? He’s smart because if you don’t know it, you don’t know it, right?”
Ben and Jamie chose to trust Jimmy’s suggestion and selected Spaghetti and Meatball.
The answer was confirmed as correct, securing the $1 million prize, before Ben and Jamie embraced on stage as confetti fell around them.
The donation will go to Eastern Congo Initiative, which states it works to “support locally led organisations to expand access to essential services, strengthen economic opportunities, and promote justice”.
The organisation adds: “Our work is designed to create scalable, sustainable impact across eastern Congo.”
Ben follows his long-time friend and collaborator Matt Damon onto the winners’ list after Matt won the top prize on the programme last year alongside Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings, with the money donated to Water.org.
Speaking to Variety before the episode aired, Jimmy said: “I’m not sure Ben knew that he was paired with a champion when he agreed to do the show.
“But when I told him, he seemed surprised and delighted. I think he was prepared to do it on his own. He’s very smart, that Ben Affleck.”
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