HOLLYWOOD – Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck recently opened up about a grueling behind-the-scenes struggle during the production of the 1998 sci-fi hit, Armageddon. The actor revealed that he suffered from intense food poisoning while filming one of the movie’s most emotional and pivotal sequences.
Affleck shared that despite his deteriorating health at the time, he forced himself to remain on set. As a newcomer to major Hollywood productions, he admitted he was unaware that actors had the right to request medical leave. “I thought I just had to show up regardless of how I felt,” Affleck remarked, reflecting on his early career mindset.
The incident took place during the climactic scene on the asteroid where Harry S. Stamper, played by Bruce Willis, sacrifices his life to save AJ Frost, portrayed by Affleck. To cope with the recurring nausea, the production crew reportedly placed trash cans nearby, allowing Affleck to vomit between takes before returning to deliver his performance.
Director Michael Bay previously commended Affleck’s professionalism, noting that the actor was “visibly ill” but remained fully committed to the demanding schedule. Despite the physical hardship, Armageddon went on to become a massive box-office success, effectively launching Affleck into global stardom.
Looking back, Affleck expressed that while the experience was physically miserable, the opportunity to work alongside industry icons like Willis and Steve Buscemi made the sacrifice a defining moment in his professional journey.
