Celebuzz » Ben Affleck

Tobey Maguire, Other Celebrities Reach Poker Settlement — Details of Hollywood’s Underground Ring Kept Out Of Court (EXCLUSIVE)

Dylan Howard — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:00:01 +0000

Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and a slew of Hollywood identities can rest assured — the secrets of their illegal high-stakes poker games won’t be spilled in a Los Angeles court.

Twenty-two people who sued to recoup poker winnings from a crooked hedge fund manager have all settled their cases for a total of more than $1.75 million, Celebuzz has exclusively learned.

“All of the poker defendant cases are settled,” confirmed Howard Ehrenberg, the bankruptcy trustee who sued Maguire and others in a bid to claw back as much as $5.2 million they won from Ponzi schemer Bradley Ruderman, at underground poker games.

“The settlement of every poker related case without having had to incur the cost of taking any of them to trial means that the fund available for the victims has been maximized.”

Ruderman bilked investors out of $44 million in a wire fraud scheme before he was caught, in 2009.

The con man, who was sentenced to 10 years in jail, in 2010, spent at least $8.7 million of investor money on personal expenses, including a summer rental in Malibu and two Porsches. He lost $5.2 of the fund in Texas Hold ‘Em games played on a regular basis at the homes of the Tinsel town card sharks, including Maguire’s, or in five-star hotels in Beverly Hills, such as The Four Seasons, between 2006 and 2009.

Ruderman wrote checks and wire transfers to Spiderman star Maguire, totaling $311,200 to cover poker losses, according to one of the lawsuits filed and later settled. Maguire, 36, was one of the first to settle, agreeing to fork over $80,000 to be dropped from the litigation.

In total, Ehrenberg was able to settle the cases for roughly 30 cents on the dollar. The money will be used to repay victims of the scheme, which Maguire and other players were unaware of.

“To be completely clear: Three of the cases were resolved by default or bankruptcy, so the funds recovered are from 19 cases,” said Ehrenberg.

TOBEY MAGUIRE & LEONARDO DICAPRIO GO SAILING

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Other celebrities targeted in a lawsuit launched last June were The Notebook director Nick Cassavetes, Welcome Back, Kotter star Gabe Kaplan, Paris Hilton‘s ex-boyfriend and sex tape partner, Rick Salomon, and record label owner Cody Leibel.

Other A-list stars, including New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, were tied to the poker games, with had a $50,000 buy-in — but like DicCaprio, Affleck and Damon, he was not sued.

Whilst details of the ring’s inner workings won’t get a public airing, Celebuzz has viewed the FBI’s nearly 1,000-page dossier on the case which identified Maguire as the shadowy club’s “best player.”

HOLLYWOOD HOLD 'EM: TINSEL TOWN'S POKER STARS

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The sensational files on the sophisticated and organized illegal poker group were created when Los Angeles-based agents spoke to Ruderman, who became their ultimate snitch.

As part of his confession to the Ponzi scheme, Ruderman ratted out Maguire, declaring: “Tobey Maguire is the best player and a winner.”

Ruderman also turned over to the Feds a trove of evidence, including eight boxes of documents and computer drives, which revealed how he wrote seven checks in total to Maguire during a period of just 10 months, from July, 2007, to May, 2008.

A-ROD KNOWS WHEN TO HOLD 'EM

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Ruderman also sang like a bird to FBI agents Jeremy Tarwater and Steve Goldman about the poker group’s ringleader, Molly Bloom, in the hope that turning informant would deliver him a more lenient sentence for his white-collar crimes.

He said Bloom, the 33-year-old brunette dubbed the ‘Princess of Poker’, preyed on him because he was ”not a good gambler.”

Bloom “was very aggressive to get me to keep playing,” Ruderman said in the interview with the Feds, on April 30, 2009.

Ben Affleck Goes Back to Clean Shaven Look — What Do You Think? (POLL)

Amanda Hasaka — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Looks like Ben Affleck had enough of that shaggy ‘do and mountain man beard!

The Good Will Hunting actor was seen with his wife of seven years Jennifer Garner and their two daughters, Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3, as they made their way to the Redondo Beach performing arts center to see Violet perform in a dance recital. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day!

However, there was good reason behind the 39-year-old actor’s unkempt look.

Ben grew the beard and long locks for his latest film, Argo. Not only is Ben starring in the flick, but he directed it too! Check out the trailer below.

celebs%20who%20rock%20beards%21

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Argo hits theaters in October. Maybe another Oscar is in Ben’s future?

But the real question is, what do you think of his new look? Do you like him better clean shaven, or do you miss the hair? Sound off in the comments!

What Did Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck Name Their Baby Boy?

Amanda Hasaka — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:51:13 +0000

It was reported yesterday that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck welcomed their third child together (a boy!) and now papa Ben has announced the name the couple has chosen for their bundle of joy on his Facebook!

They’ve got their girls Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3, so, any guesses as to what they named him?

Samuel Garner Affleck!

We’re glad they went with such a nice, traditional name! Ben also said that Jen gave birth on February 27.

Not all celebs think that way though, check out some of the most bizarre baby names below!

odd celeb baby names

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It’s a Boy for Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck: Report

Wes Ferguson — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:25:05 +0000

Little Violet and Seraphina Affleck have a brand-new baby bro!

Mom Jennifer Garner gave birth to her little bundle of joy in Santa Monica, welcoming her and hubby Ben Affleck‘s third child, Us Weekly is reporting.

The couple announced they were expecting in August, after months of speculation due to Jen’s usually super tight belly showing a bit of a bump.

The 39-year-old actress told the Associated Press they were “thrilled” to add to their brood. The couple wed in 2005 and have two daughters, Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3.

Jennifer Garner Shows Off Huge Baby Bump

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Since the announcement, Jen has grown right before our eyes month after month! She’s often spotted out with her daughters, picking Violet up at school and shopping with little Seraphina. Earlier this year, the Hollywood mom even helped the two in their first business endeavor — a lemonade stand in their driveway!

Violet and Seraphina Affleck's First Lemonade Stand

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Jennifer is the latest celeb to give birth in the wave of the latest Hollywood baby boom! Congrats mommy!

Pregnant Celebs: 2011/2012 Mommies-to-be

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Ben Affleck Shows Off New Clean Shaven Look — Better With Or Without Beard? (PHOTOS)

Amanda Hasaka — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:10:08 +0000

Ben Affleck has been rocking the shaggy look for quite some time, but it looks like he is making strides for a more clean cut style!

The actor was seen out and about with his 3-year-old daughter Seraphina in LA recently, and it looks like he has finally shaved that beard of his. Though, he did keep his shaggy hair ‘do!

While we love a rugged man, we feel like we would have preferred him to cut the hair and keep the beard. What about you? Do you like him better sans facial hair? Sound off in the comments, and cast your vote in the poll!

Click the pics below to check out more men with sexy stubble.

celebs who rock beards!

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If you haven’t had enough of Ben being an adorable dad, click the pics below for more cute kid pics!

ben and family hit hollywood

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Musical Muses! Celebs Who’ve Starred In Music Videos (PHOTOS)

Taylor Williams — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:58 +0000

Just because you hold the title of an actor or actress doesn’t mean you have to just star in televison and movies!

Some of Hollywood’s A-List celebrities have starred in some of the biggest music videos. Seeing as this is a musical weekend with the Grammy Awards airing on Sunday, we thought it best to give you a guide of Celebuzz’s favorite music video cameos!

Which of these vids is your fave? Let us know in the comments!

Matthew McConaughey is the latest to star in a music video, reprising his Dazed and Confused role for Butch Walker and the Black Widow‘s song “Synthesizers.”

This past year Katy Perry had a slew of stars in her video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)”, including Glee‘s Daren Criss and Kevin McHale, Rebecca Black, and even Hanson. It was a mini movie that told a story in the course of eight minutes. Katy is just one artist who has used familar faces in her movie-like music video.

Lady Gaga is also another star who has taken the approach more than once. For her “You and I” music video, she had her new boyfriend Taylor Kinney as her muse.

Jamie Foxx’s hit song “Blame It” featured a few famous men. Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker and Ron Howard all made a guest appearances in the video.

Some stars have made more than one music video debut. Angelina Jolie was in Meatloaf‘s “Rock and Roll Dreams” in 1993 as well as the 1997 Rolling Stones video for “Anybody Seen My Baby.” Another star who’s appeared in more than one video is Jake Gyllenhaal, who makes a cameo in “Blame It,” and in Vampire Weekend’s “Giving Up The Gun.”

Don’t forget to comment on your faves!

Very Pregnant Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck Walk Dog in Brentwood (PHOTOS)

Andy Scott — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:54:22 +0000

Though she’s been looking very pregnant lately, Jennifer Garner is still up on her feet, as evidenced by these latest set of photos coming out of Los Angeles.

The mom-to-be, who is currently pregnant with her third child, was seen taking her German Shepard for a walk in Brentwood, Calif. on Wednesday, where she was joined by her husband, Ben Affleck.

The world, meanwhile, awaits the arrival of Jen and Ben’s bundle for joy – and for good reason! The couple already has two adorable children, Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 2. (And, hey, their dog’s pretty darn cute, too.)

Check out the Affleck’s casual dog walk in our gallery above and more baby bump pics of Jen below!

Jennifer Garner Takes Big Baby Bump On an errands run

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Ben Affleck Joins Hot Guys With Dogs Club (PHOTOS)

Jackie Willis — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:29:23 +0000

A long-haired Ben Affleck was spotted out with his furry friend on Monday, Jan. 2. The actor was dressed in a blue V-neck tee and a plaid button-down as he spent some quality time with man’s best friend at a nearby Brentwood, Calif. park.

Guess he needed some time away from all the women in his home. Ben and his wife Jennifer Garner have two young daughters, Violet and Seraphina, and a baby on the way.

Click the pics to see other hot men in Hollywood with their adorable dogs.

Ben’s wife Jen is due anytime now and the family has been staying close to home lately, seen out and about all over Los Angeles. Their favorite spot seems to be The Farmer’s Market by The Grove. Check out their family pics below.

ben takes daughters to farmer's market

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Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner & Kids Have Fun with Arts and Crafts (PHOTOS)

Gabrielle Chung — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:38:29 +0000

The weekend means family time for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner!

The happy couple took daughters Violet and Seraphina, to a local arts center for some crafting fun on Saturday. Flaunting her blossoming baby belly in a tight tee, Jennifer chatted with other parents as her daughters ran to Ben to show them their artwork.

Ben made in a little “art” of his own — snapping photos of the onlooking paparazzi as the family made their way to their car.

In August, Ben and Jennifer announced that they are expecting their third child together. The child, whose sex is still under wraps, is due in 2012.

Jennifer Garner Shows Off Huge Baby Bump

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Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck Step Out in Matching Pea Coats (PHOTOS)

Gabrielle Chung — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:03:21 +0000

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are happy parents-to-be and they’re not afraid to show it!

The couple stepped out in stylish matching pea coats this Friday in Los Angeles. Jennifer, who recently celebrated her eldest daughter’s birthday, flaunted her large baby belly in a form-fitting cotton tee.

This will be Jen and Ben’s third child. They already have two daughters together — 9-year-old Violet and 2-year-old Seraphina.

Jennifer Garner Goes Barefaced for Brentwood Shopping Spree

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Do you think Jennifer’s having a boy or a girl? Sound off in the comments!

Matt Damon On How Pal Ben Affleck Dealt With ‘Bennifer’ Media Frenzy

Jackie Willis — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:31:46 +0000

Before Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck was in a very public relationship with Jennifer Lopez that gained an unnecessary amount of media attention. The couple was hounded by paparazzi, and they eventually called off their wedding for other reasons.

Friend Matt Damon spoke with PARADE magazine about the invasion of privacy for A-list celebs, and used Ben’s “Bennifer” phase as an example. He told the publication:

“At the height of the whole thing with Jennifer Lopez, I remember Ben [Affleck] telling me about one of his days off. It was a Sunday, and I think he’d been shooting, like, six-day weeks. The gas tank in his car was full, and he pulled out of the driveway where they were living, and there were 20 cars there waiting. He just drove toward San Francisco, checking the gas gauge. When it was halfway full, he turned around and drove all the way back– driving for five, six hours. He never got out of the car.”

Matt continued:

“He said, ‘I was so angry at these guys for invading my life, that I was taking the very little free time I had and wasting it, in order to get back at them.’ I think he kind of broke through to this other place. He said, ‘I just can’t give it any more energy.’”

The We Bought a Zoo star also revealed that he had his own run-in with an invasion of privacy while enjoying a karaoke night with his wife Luciana. “It’s funny, Lucy and I went out the other night for John Krasinski‘s birthday. We had dinner and then went out to a bar and ended up at a karaoke place. We sang everything; we hadn’t been out like that in a long time. And Lucy told me the next day, ‘Our whole night was tweeted by people.’ “

Dylan McDermott, Viggo Mortensen & More: Hollywood Men Who Get Better With Age! (PHOTOS)

Amanda Hasaka — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:00:09 +0000

Everyone has been talking about FX’s hot new show American Horror Story, and not just because it’s one of the most innovative shows on TV!

Dylan McDermott stars in Ryan Murphy‘s new project, about a family who moves into a house with all kinds of terrifying secrets, and people can’t stop talking about how good the show is and how dreamy he is — even at 50!

This got Celebuzz thinking — many actors get caught up in the face paced Hollywood lifestyle, which can definitely take a toll on them physically, but there are some stars who have only begun to hit their handsome-ness stride.

From ’80s heartthrobs who still have it, to men who have evolved into silver foxes, these actors are the personification of aging gracefully.

Who do YOU think looks the best after all these years? Sound off in the comments!

celeb beefcakes!

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Caught Kissing: A Week in Celebrity PDA! (PHOTOS)

Wes Ferguson — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:30:34 +0000

This is a hot week for celebrity lovers! There must be mistletoe dangling all over the place due to the upcoming holiday, because these stars are getting into some serious smooching action!

Everybody is talking about Jennifer Lopez and her boy toy Casper Smart, who put romance rumors to rest with a lip-locked CONFIRMED stamp once pics of the two making out during a break from dance rehearsal hit the internet!

Keen eyes spotted J.Lo’s wedding ring still on her finger, even though she has apparently moved on to younger pastures. Cougar alert!

During the Rockefeller Tree Lighting in NYC, Twilight beauty Ashley Greene and her boyfriend, “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” star Reeve Carney, shared an affectionate kiss while keeping each other warm. Get a room, these two!

Meanwhile back in Los Angeles, Anne Hathaway and boyfriend Adam Shulman were caught kissing as they left a friend’s house — while Jennifer Garner and hubby Ben Affleck kept it PG in front of their eldest daughter Violet while the family went for a stroll in Santa Monica, CA, when he planted a sweet peck on her cheek.

These celebs love to love! Click through the gallery to see even more Hollywood PDA!

Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner Step Out With (Almost) Birthday Girl Violet (PHOTOS)

Amanda Hasaka — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:33:52 +0000

Could this family unit be any more adorable?!

Ben Affleck was seen with two of his ladies, his wife Jennifer Garner and 5-year-old daughter Violet, while out and out in LA on Wednesday. Jen, who is currently expecting their third child due early 2012, showed off her bump as the three walked around.

Maybe the trio was preparing for Violet’s big day on Thursday?

Little Violet will turn 6 years old on December 1! Time flies, doesn’t it? Check out some photos of Ben and his oldest daughter from earlier in the week below.

ben (literally!) picks up violet from school!

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Also, be sure to check out the rest of the cute fam photos in the gallery!

Cute Kid Alert! Ben Affleck (Literally!) Picks Up Violet From School (PHOTOS)

Amanda Hasaka — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:54:34 +0000

What an adorable daddy daughter moment!

Ben Affleck picked up his daughter Violet from school in Santa Monica on Monday, and it looks like the 5-year-old was over-the-moon to see her dad after a day of learning.

We can’t believe how fast little Violet is growing up!

The adorable little girl will turn six on December 1. Time flies!

Also, it won’t be long before this Ben and Jennifer Garner welcome their third child! According to reports, she is due early 2012 and they’re expecting a boy. Check out some photos of her bump below.

jen shows off her growing bump!

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Are you excited for them to welcome a new addition? Sound off in the comments!

Cute Kid(s) Alert! Ben Affleck & Seraphina Pick Up Violet From School (PHOTOS)

Amanda Hasaka — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:04:45 +0000

How cute is this trio?

Ben Affleck took some time off from his busy work schedule on Tuesday afternoon and picked up his 5-year-old daughter Violet from school. Making it a family affair, he also brought along his 2-year-old daughter Seraphina.

We love Ben, but we can’t wait for him to ditch those shaggy locks!

Ben will star and direct in Argo (out in 2012), which according to IMDB is about:

“As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.”

Sounds intersting! Check out some photos of him on set below.

ben snapped on set!

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It won’t be long before this Ben and Jennifer Garner welcome their third child! According to reports, she is due early 2012 and they’re expecting a boy.

Also, be sure to take a look at the rest of the cute photos in the gallery!

PDA Alert! Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck Hold Hands in Brentwood (PHOTOS)

Andy Scott — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:48:54 +0000

With a little time away from the kids, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were spotted getting their PDA on Thursday afternoon in Brentwood, CA.

The couple, who is currently expecting their third child together, were seen holding hands as they went for a walk around town. Both Jen and Ben looked appropriately dressed for fall, with Jen in a cardigan and jeans and a scruffy-looking Ben in a sweater.

It’s been a big week for Ben. On Monday, it was revealed that he will be re-teaming with his Oscar-winning screenwriting partner, Matt Damon, on a biopic about infamous mobster Whitey Bulger.

What do you think of Jen and Ben’s adorable moment? Check out photos of them now.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Take Seraphina Out for breakfast

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Jennifer Garner Has a Bumpy Breakfast With Ben Affleck & Seraphina (PHOTOS)

Amber James — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:45:54 +0000

Seraphina is growing up so fast! The adorable tot got a lift from her mommy, Jennifer Garner, as they headed into a restaurant to grab breakfast this morning in Santa Monica, California.

Jen, who is expecting her third child with Ben Affleck, showed off her growing baby bump and looked casual in a maroon top and jeans. Her daughter looked cute as a button in a pink top, jean skirt and white tights. Also along for the outing was her scruffy hubby, who looked like he needed his coffee.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Buy Pumpkins

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Neither star has confirmed the sex of the baby, with Jen telling Ellen DeGeneres that her two girls aren’t concerned either way:

“They don’t really care about the gender as long as we name it what they want it to be named.”

Over the weekend, Ben was on daddy duty as he took his daughters to the Los Angeles Farmers Market. The girls strolled through the market holding hands and hugging their daddy. Aww! The three left the market with Ben carrying a bouquet of flowers.

Ben Affleck Takes Daughters to Farmers Market

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Matt Damon & Ben Affleck Slated To Collaborate On Another Film

Steve DiCarlo — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:29:42 +0000

Ever since childhood friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck collaborated in 1997′s Good Will Hunting, their careers have really taken off!

They won Oscars in 1998 for Best Original Screenplay, which the duo wrote using a script Matt had made for a college class as its foundation. From there, Matt and Ben’s individual acting careers skyrocketed, and Ben become one of Warner Bros.’ leading directors, making Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Argo.

In a recent interview with GQ, Matt revealed that he and Ben are ready to collaborate for another big project! Ben will direct the film, which will be about former godfather of the Irish Mob, Whitney Bulger, who will be portrayed by Matt!

Will he portray a young version of the Bulger, one of “the coldest, most ruthless figures in the history of organized crime”, or will he portray the criminal as an aging fugitive?

“If it’s a straight biopic, we’ll do it over a period of time. But it’s always a question of what part of the story do you tell, and biopics are always a little cumbersome.”

Other producers, from Graham King to Twilight Saga star Peter Facinelli have expressed interest in the past in similar Bulger projects, so Matt and Ben are eager to announce theirs and attempt to ward off the competition.

“There are a couple of competing movies and I don’t think it’s been announced yet that we’re doing it. But the sooner it’s announced the better, just because everyone else will back off, hopefully. I’m really excited about it.”

Do you think Matt and Ben’s new collaboration will be as successful and career-boosting as Good Will Hunting? Sound off in the comments below!

matt damon through the years

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Cute Kid Alert! Ben Affleck Has Father-Daughter Day in L.A. (PHOTOS)

Jackie Willis — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:36:16 +0000

Ben Affleck is one adorable dad! The A-lister was on daddy duty on Sunday as he took his girls Seraphina and her older sister Violet to the Los Angeles Farmers Market.

Both dressed in stripes, the girls definitely looked to have Ben, 39, wrapped around their little fingers as they strolled through the market holding hands and hugging their daddy. The three left the market with Ben carrying a bouquet of flowers. Perhaps for his pregnant wife, Jennifer Garner?

The Farmers Market seems to be a favorite spot for the Garner-Affleck family. A week prior, the whole family was spotted shopping at the L.A. hot spot.

jen & ben's family day at market

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