Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck shared a magnetic chemistry during their relationship in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which extended beyond their personal lives onto the set of the film Shakespeare in Love. According to Amy Odell’s new biography of Paltrow, their strong attraction was so evident that the couple often couldn’t keep their hands off each other while filming.
The biography reveals that on the set of the 1998 Oscar-winning film, where both Paltrow and Affleck starred, their affection was not just private but sometimes quite public and noticeable to the crew members around them.
Behind-the-Scenes Affection Revealed in Biography
“Gwyneth: The Biography,” releasing July 29, describes moments of near indiscretion between Paltrow and Affleck during filming. Author Amy Odell recounts an incident when a crew member knocked and entered Paltrow’s dressing room without waiting for a reply, only to catch the couple sharing an intimate moment. Affleck quickly halted the intrusion with a whispered, “Not now.”
Despite the strong connection, their relationship was reportedly turbulent. An old friend of Paltrow’s described Affleck as “not a good guy” who may have been unfaithful, while noting,
“Ben was not a good guy.”
The same source praised Paltrow for her loyalty in relationships, remarking,
“she was always a good girlfriend to her boyfriends.”
The friend also reflected on Affleck’s struggles, saying,
“He just has so many demons,”
while Paltrow acknowledged their complex dynamic with a candid admission after the breakup:
“I love men, even though they’re lying, cheating scumbags.”
Open Discussions of Their Sexual Relationship
Paltrow was known for speaking openly about her passionate relationship with Affleck. Odell’s biography references a moment when Paltrow told makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin in a London hotel room how much she enjoyed their sex life, specifically mentioning a favored intimate act. In 2001, she described herself as “a very sexual person” in Harper’s Bazaar.
More recently, during a 2024 appearance on the podcast Call Her Daddy, Paltrow praised Affleck’s skills, calling him a “technically excellent” lover. Affleck, in turn, acknowledged Paltrow’s intelligence, saying she was
“the smartest woman [he’d] ever met.”
Enduring Impact of Their Relationship
The intense dynamic between Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck in their younger years left a lasting impression on both and those around them, illustrating how their personal and professional worlds intertwined during a formative time. While their relationship eventually ended by October 2000, the passion and complexity they shared offer insight into the challenges of high-profile romances.
As the new biography sheds light on their story, fans and observers can better understand the emotional and physical intensity behind their chemistry, as well as the human vulnerabilities that shaped their time together both on and off the set of Shakespeare in Love.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Gwyneth Paltrow diagnosed with?
A. Paltrow talked about her experience when she severely fractured part of her knee, which needed surgery. This injury resulted in a bone scan, revealing she had osteopenia.
Q. What is Gwyneth Paltrow’s net worth? Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Paltrow’s net worth is $200 million as of 2025.
A. Is Gwyneth Paltrow worth a billion dollars?
Gwyneth Paltrow is not a billionaire. While she is very successful, she has not reached billionaire status yet.
Q. What is Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin condition?
A. Gwyneth Paltrow, who is an award-winning actress and wellness business owner, strongly believes in self-care and natural health practices. When she shared her experience with lichen sclerosus, she helped others learn about it and stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for managing chronic health issues.
Q. What condition does Gwyneth Paltrow have?
A. Gwyneth Paltrow is famous for focusing on health and wellness. However, in 2010, she shared unexpected news. At 37, she was diagnosed with osteopenia. This condition causes bones to be less dense than normal, raising the chances of fractures, especially in women.
