One million US dollars for eastern Congo: Ben Affleck (53) won the grand prize on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", the US version of the quiz show "Wer wird Millionär?". Together with "Jeopardy!" champion Jamie Ding, the Oscar winner correctly answered the 15th and final question in the July 30 episode, as US media report. The prize money will go entirely to Affleck's foundation for eastern Congo, "Eastern Congo Initiative".
The actor made clear what he was playing for right at the beginning of the show, which started where the previous week's episode had ended. His foundation supports grassroots organizations in a region that has been "severely affected by a very traumatic war". Two questions still separated the duo from the million that evening.
A Pardoned Turkey Decides the Million
The final question was tough, though not as expected. The answer sought was the name that never belonged to a turkey pardoned by a US president at Thanksgiving. The choices were "Peanut Butter & Jelly", "Tater & Tot", "Mac & Cheese", and "Spaghetti & Meatball". Affleck reacted in disbelief: "You've got to be kidding me."
His first instinct was to use the phone-a-friend lifeline. When host Jimmy Kimmel (58) reminded them that they could ask him for advice, the matter was decided for Affleck: "No. We might as well ask Jimmy for help." Kimmel confirmed that he covers the topic on his late-night show every year. He wasn't certain, but "Spaghetti & Meatball" didn't ring a bell: "If I'm wrong, I'm really sorry. But 'Spaghetti & Meatball' is my final answer."
To be safe, they still called one of Ding's friends, but he couldn't answer the question in the allotted time. Then they locked in Kimmel's tip. It was the correct answer. As confetti fell from the ceiling, Affleck and Ding hugged and jumped up and down together.
Celebrity Special in the US
This makes Affleck the latest in a short series: Before him, according to "People", Matt Damon and Ken Jennings as well as the duos Ike and Alan Barinholtz and Oscar Nuñez and Kate Flannery also won the top prize.
This season featured contestants including Brad Paisley, Brooks Nader, Jesse Eisenberg, Clayton Kershaw, Michael Keaton, Awkwafina, Leslie Odom Jr., Jackie Tohn, Michael Che, and Colin Jost. "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" airs Wednesdays on US network ABC.
