Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champion teammate win US$1 million for charity on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
Affleck’s winnings will go to Eastern Congo Initiative, the non-profit he co-founded in 2010 to support community-led organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ben Affleck attends the premiere of “The Rip” in New York City, US, Jan 13, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo
New: You can now listen to articles.
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
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 (Jul 29) night as the pair competed for charity under the watch of host Jimmy Kimmel.
Affleck’s winnings will go to Eastern Congo Initiative, the non-profit he 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 Affleck, 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.
Kimmel presented Affleck and Ding with the US$1 million (S$1.28 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, and Spaghetti and Meatball.
The contestants initially chose to use their Phone-A-Friend lifeline to contact Ding’s long-time trivia teammate Stephen Morrison.
Kimmel reminded the contestants they also still had the Ask-The-Host lifeline available, prompting Affleck 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.”
Kimmel 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.”
Affleck said: “Probably the best person in the world to ask this question to.”
Kimmel 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, Ding 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.”
Kimmel replied: “Are you looking for trouble?”
Ding echoed the remark, asking: “Are you looking for trouble?” – drawing laughter from the audience.
Morrison told the pair he could not confidently identify the correct answer.
Kimmel said: “But listen, you know what? He’s smart because if you don’t know it, you don’t know it, right?”
Affleck and Ding chose to trust Kimmel’s suggestion and selected Spaghetti and Meatball.
The answer was confirmed as correct, securing the US$1 million prize, before Affleck and Ding 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.”
Affleck follows his long-time friend and collaborator Matt Damon onto the winners’ list after Damon 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, Kimmel 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.”
Source: Others/Bang Showbiz/sr
RECOMMENDED
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST
Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
About The Author
