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!

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IN LOVE

Sorry girls, he's taken! Affleck has been linked with Courtney Love, Famke Janssen and Shoshonna Lonstein, but this year, J.Lo took him off the market. After meeting on the set of Gigli, the pair was spotted this summer kissing on both coasts. And this fall, Affleck made it official, presenting the twice-divorced Lopez with a Harry Winston pink diamond ring.