‘He Set the Bar So High’: Ben Affleck and Mindy Kaling Gush About Chris Messina Amid The Office Star’s Shout-Out

As a devoted fan and admirer of Chris Messina’s captivating talent, I find myself awestruck by his remarkable journey through Hollywood. From his electrifying performances to the accolades heaped upon him by industry titans like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Mindy Kaling, it’s clear that Messina is destined for greatness.


In the summer of 2023, The New York Times showcased Chris Messina’s work, with his skills and commitment earning glowing commendations from top names in Hollywood. This interview wasn’t just about Messina’s extensive list of credits; it also emphasized the heartfelt admiration of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Mindy Kaling, who were all bubbling over with excitement for this exceptionally talented actor.

In his praise for Chris Messina, Ben Affleck, renowned for his skillful directing, expressed nothing but admiration. He shared with The Times, “I always seek out Chris’s work because it’s consistently excellent.” This statement underscores the high regard Affleck holds for Messina, a feeling that is evidently mutual.

In Ben Affleck’s movie, Air, which details Nike’s growth alongside Michael Jordan and features Messina as one of Affleck’s directed roles for the third time, Affleck commended Messina’s talent to surpass expectations. The director spoke highly of Messina, saying “Whenever he gets a chance, he always does more than I ever thought or imagined. I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Mindy Kaling, who held a distinct viewpoint as both a coworker and a producer, offered Messina some of the most heartfelt compliments. She specifically chose him for The Mindy Project, and spoke highly about the influence Messina had on her projects and acting skills. “He’s one of the funniest performers I’ve ever collaborated with,” Kaling revealed.

Her appreciation for Messina went beyond just his acting abilities, highlighting his genuine authenticity instead. Kaling stated, “The depth of his honesty and truth in every scene is almost overwhelming.” She continued, “Chris made me a better actor. I listened more carefully when I worked with him because he set such a high standard.”

Beyond that, Messina gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Danny Castellano on The Mindy Project between the years 2012 and 2017. His character, an obstetrician-gynecologist who was rough around the edges yet endearing, earned him two nominations for the Critics’ Choice Television Award in the category of Best Actor in a Comedy Series, in 2014 and 2015.

The antagonistic character transformed into a beloved one, with a complex history, transitioning from a confirmed bachelor to a devoted partner, enriching the series. Particularly noteworthy was the electrifying dynamic between him and Mindy Kaling that fueled the popular Dandy romance, which highlighted Messina’s abilities in comedy and drama, particularly his aptitude for comedic delivery and dramatic expression.

Moving on to the present day, the relationships among these notable figures have undergone substantial changes. Jennifer Lopez has now initiated a divorce from Ben Affleck following two years of matrimony, signaling a major transformation in both their professional and private spheres.

On August 20, 2024, Lopez put forward her divorce petition at the Los Angeles Superior Court, marking a significant milestone two years after their wedding in Riceboro, Georgia. The documented separation date is April 26, 2024, indicating that they had been living separately for a while prior to the filing.

At the 2024 Democratic National Convention on August 21st, Mindy Kaling voiced her support for her friend Affleck by encouraging him during her speech. She publicly called out to him, “Keep going!” This gesture was made in response to the public attention focused on his personal life.

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2024-08-23 15:07