The Hollywood actor recalled being confronted for money in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and later learning that his attacker served 20 years in prison for killing someone with a knife.

Ben Affleck has revealed that he was robbed at knifepoint as a teenager in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by a person who later served 20 years in prison for killing someone with a knife.

Speaking on Kerry Washington’s Street You Grew Up On podcast on September 30, Affleck recalled growing up on Cottage Street in what he described as a working-class neighbourhood.

The actor said he once noticed two young people approaching him and briefly considered running away. Instead, he tried to appear calm.

He recalled that they passed him before grabbing him and demanding money with a knife. Affleck admitted he was frightened and recognised the individuals during the incident.

Reflecting on the encounter years later, the actor said the person who robbed him went on to commit a more serious crime several years afterwards.

Affleck said the attacker eventually killed someone with a knife and served 20 years in prison.

The Good Will Hunting star said experiences such as the robbery shaped his awareness of the difficulties and dangers present in the neighbourhood where he grew up.

Affleck, who shares three children with his former wife, actress Jennifer Garner, has also spoken about parenthood as their children have grown older. Their children are Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14.

The actor has previously discussed the challenges of raising teenagers, including how his children sometimes tease him about his dating history.

The latest revelation provides a glimpse into Affleck’s formative years and the experiences that influenced his memories of growing up in Massachusetts.