Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Ben Affleck Recounts Childhood Task of Walking an Imaginary Dog
When Ben Affleck was a kid, he really wanted a dog.
His mom was a single parent and busy, so she made him a deal.
She told him he had to walk an invisible dog every day for a whole month to show he was responsible.
So, Ben got a leash and collar and pretended to walk a dog around the block, morning and afternoon, for 30 days.
But even after all that hard work, his mom still didn't get him a dog.
Ben thinks this experience made him a little sad or 'damaged' him in a funny way.
Another actor on the show, Matt Smith, also shared a funny story about having an imaginary kangaroo friend when he was little.
Ben Affleck shared a story about his childhood on 'The Graham Norton Show'.
He was asked by his single mother to walk an imaginary dog for a month to prove his responsibility.
Affleck completed the task by using a leash and collar and pretending to walk the dog daily.
Despite his efforts, his mother did not get him a dog.
Actor Matt Smith shared a similar anecdote about having an imaginary kangaroo friend.
- Who
- Ben Affleck
- What
- Recounted a childhood experience of being asked to walk an imaginary dog to prove responsibility
- When
- During a segment on 'The Graham Norton Show'
- Where
- On 'The Graham Norton Show'
- Why
- To explain how his mother tested his responsibility before considering getting a dog
- Actor
- Ben Affleck
- Show
- The Graham Norton Show
- Childhood Incident
- Told to walk an imaginary dog for a month to prove responsibility
- Outcome
- Did not receive a dog