# Ben Affleck anecdotes regarding Bruce Willis

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ben-affleck-anecdotes-regarding-bruce-willis
> Updated: 2026-10-27T19:15:56.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Actor Ben Affleck shared recollections of professional advice received from Bruce Willis during their time working together on the film ‘Armageddon’ in 1998. 

Speaking on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Affleck noted that Willis advised him against accepting a role in the film ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ Affleck clarified that while Willis was ‘the sweetest guy in the world,’ he had not actually read the script before offering the warning. The film eventually won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Affleck also mentioned other blunt critiques from Willis, such as the suggestion that his natural speaking voice was ‘too high.’ Affleck stated he held no resentment toward the advice, noting, ‘I love Bruce. He was really giving me advice.’

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Ben Affleck recalls Bruce Willis advising him against role in Oscar-winning film

Ben Affleck shared that Bruce Willis once advised him to turn down his role in the seven-time Oscar winner “Shakespeare in Love,” despite not having read the script.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-affleck-recalls-bruce-willis-advising-him-against-role-in-oscar-winning-film

### 2026-10-15: Ben Affleck recalls Bruce Willis advising him against “Shakespeare in Love”

Ben Affleck revealed that Bruce Willis once advised him against starring in “Shakespeare in Love,” a film that eventually won seven Oscars.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-affleck-recalls-bruce-willis-advising-him-against-shakespeare-in-love

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Cite as: Ben Affleck anecdotes regarding Bruce Willis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ben-affleck-anecdotes-regarding-bruce-willis