Ben Affleck Sought Role Advice From Anthony Weiner

By Kiki Von Glinow Posted Jun 9th 2011 01:40PM

Anthony Weiner is the last person who should be handing out do's and don'ts, now that he's the subject of the infamous "Weinergate" scandal, but that wasn't always the case, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The photogenic New York Congressman was the go-to guy for Ben Affleck when the actor was researching his role for the 2009 flick, 'State of Play.'

During the time Affleck spent with Weiner, hoping to flesh out his on-screen character by shadowing the real-life politician, the pair formed a genuine friendship, embarking on several dinner dates and sharing ideas about their respective political aspirations.

"There is something beautiful about a politician who is a real fighter," Affleck said of Weiner in a 2009 interview with The New York Times. "Anthony is a guy who hits so hard and so clean."

Hard? Yes. Clean? That's debatable. With Weiner's recent admission to sending sexually explicit photos of himself to six different women via social media platforms, we wonder if his Hollywood buddy still thinks so highly of his politician pal who likes to play dirty.

Tags: anthony weiner, ben affleck

Comments

(10)

Thursday 09 June

By joe

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Mr. Alec Baldwin's remarks about Rep. Weiner were really nice, and given his issue a few years ago very understanable and I certainly wouldn't want everything I've ever done exposed to media attention. At the very least I would expect that he should have cleaned up his act once he was elected and became a very public figure. There's quite a difference between an actor figuratively stumbling and falling and a politician doing the same. The actor owes nothing to his public except a good performance. Rep. Weiner certainly is not in that position and must resign.

By ofalaska

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Right-on, Joe. That Republican congressman who tweeted himself shirtless did in a matter of hours. Let Mr. Weineygate zip it. I'm sick of his excuses. Weiner can't waggle out of this one.

By JB

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60% of married people cheat on their spouses, so if you had your way they should all resign??? What he did was in very bad taste and hurtful to his wife, but has nothing to do with his work as a congressman. Get over the weiner jokes and admit you probably are a republican and really would love if this outspoken congressman wasnt around to debate political issues that make republicans look bad. I for one hope he weathers the storm, takes the jokes in stride and continues being the great democrat congressman that he is.

By NANCY

I am apalled at Weiner' behavior. I am sick of hearing about it 24/7 on the tube. I do think that he should resign. I think he needs a good psychologist. I can't get over how stupid, risky and creepy he has revealed himself to be. Also, his wife must think that she has been living with a stranger. If she is pregnant, how said for her. I am a Democrat.

By ruggit

Little Anthony may have been hard hitting, but certainly not a valued statesman.

By themeeker

No wonder Affleck's performance was mediocre (like most of his performances). The legend-in-his-own mind actor seeking out the lowlife egomaniac. Yeah...that's cinematic gold right there, you betcha.

By Susan

I like both Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe. State of Play is a really good movie, Rachel McAdams also stars. Weird he got advice from this creep.

By kathy

Did they say "photogenic".. Weiner?? I am sorry... he is "dog ugly"! Who the #!*# thinks that he is photogenic??? His family??
OMG!!!! My Shis Tzu is photogenic!!

By peter

the author of this article calls weiner "photogenic". He must love porn. Since when are underwear and a banana nose photogenic?

By egl1637

Peter, you have to realize, kiki wrote this. Keep your expectations low on popeater articles and you will not be disapointed

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