Biography Reveals Paltrow, Affleck Turbulent 1997-2000 Relationship

Amy Odell's forthcoming biography, Gwyneth: The Biography, reveals new insights into Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck's romance from 1997 to 2000, highlighting that Affleck's struggles with alcoholism and gambling, along with possible infidelity, contributed to their breakup despite their strong physical chemistry. Paltrow was attracted to Affleck's intellect, but friends expressed concerns about his lack of reciprocation and preference for spending time playing video games with friends over being with her. The book also shares Paltrow's candid appreciation of their passionate sex life, including a specific intimate act she enjoyed. Their relationship, which began shortly after Paltrow ended her engagement to Brad Pitt, saw them co-star in Shakespeare in Love and Bounce, maintaining a friendship even after their split. Odell notes that Affleck's self-destructive impulses and lack of emotional availability ultimately undermined the relationship, with Paltrow acknowledging that he was not in a good place to have a girlfriend at the time. The biography paints a complex picture of a passionate but troubled relationship marked by mutual attraction and personal challenges.