Ben Affleck Soars to Sexy

He's tall, dark and handsome – and, according to those closest to him, he's also funny, smart and loyal to a fault. With all those outstanding qualities – and that killer smile – it's no wonder Ben Affleck is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive for 2002. Take a peek at his rise to superstardom!

3 of 13

HIGH SCHOOL HOTTIE?

Looking more goofy than gorgeous, Affleck strikes a pose as a member of the Cambridge, Mass., Rindge & Latin School Class of 1990. At the public high school, both Affleck and friend Matt Damon, a member of the class of 1992, "weren't considered cool kids," Damon's brother Kyle told PEOPLE this month. "They were drama geeks."