Ben Affleck recalls Bruce Willis advising him against role in Oscar-winning film

Actor Ben Affleck revealed during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that Bruce Willis once advised him to reject a role in the film “Shakespeare in Love.” Willis, who previously worked with Affleck on “Armageddon,” reportedly told the actor not to take the part, though Affleck noted that Willis had not actually read the script.

“Shakespeare in Love,” released in 1998, went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Affleck portrayed Ned Alleyn, a theater actor performing Shakespearean plays.

Affleck also shared anecdotes regarding Willis’s blunt career and personal advice, including an instance where Willis commented that Affleck’s voice was “too high.” Despite the unsolicited critiques, Affleck stated that he never held any resentment toward Willis, noting, “I love Bruce. He was really giving me advice.”