Ben Affleck Shares Insights on Co-Parenting and Reunions with Ex-Wives
Ben Affleck, the 53-year-old Oscar-winning actor, has opened up about his co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, seven years after their divorce was finalized. The actor recently shared some rare insights during an interview with Access Hollywood, shedding light on how he and Garner have maintained a positive relationship for the sake of their children.
Affleck is the father of three children with Garner: Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13. He expressed immense pride in his kids, telling the outlet at the premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman in New York City, “I could not be more proud of my children. I can’t even tell you.” He added that his eldest daughter, Violet, takes after her mother. Last month, Violet spoke at the United Nations event where she emotionally advocated for mask mandates following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Affleck called his daughter “spectacular” and said, “And I’m very lucky that I’ve got a great partner and that we got great kids. It’s the joy of my life and I’m just very, very lucky. And it makes me happy every day.”
Despite their split, Affleck and Garner have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship for their children. Last month, the former couple were seen spending time together for a rare family outing, joined by two of their kids, Fin and Samuel.
Affleck has previously commented on raising his children with the actress during an interview with GQ in March. He told the outlet, “I’m really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids’ mom, who’s wonderful and great and we work together well.”
The actor also discussed how both he and Garner have navigated through fame and stayed honest with their kids. “We used to have a thing, my ex-wife and I, when they would see something on a supermarket stand,” he recalled. “We would say, well, ‘You know this isn’t always true because if it were, you would have 15 brothers or sisters or whatever the number of stories is where they said that your mom was pregnant.’”
Affleck added, “I know what’s going on in my life. And also, really more importantly, my kids know.”
A Reunion with Jennifer Lopez
At Monday’s premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman, Affleck also reunited with his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. The singer took on a leading role in the musical drama while Affleck was one of the executive producers. The former couple flashed big smiles as they paused for a brief photo session on the red carpet ahead of the screening.
Affleck could be seen lightly wrapping his right arm around her waist and later was spotted whispering into her ear on the red carpet. The Oscar winner praised his ex-wife’s performance in the film and told Extra, “She’s amazing in the movie. I just can’t wait for you, the audience, to see the movie. I’m as proud of this movie as any that I’ve ever been involved with. I’m really excited to be here tonight.”
He further added, “She just was going to give it her all and she did. You get to see all of her many gifts. She’s somebody that grew up watching classic musicals.”
Lopez and Affleck tied the knot in 2022 after rekindling their romance, but the singer filed for divorce on their second wedding anniversary. Their divorce was finalized earlier this year in January.
During an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning late last month, Lopez explained how Affleck came to help finance the musical drama through his production company Artists Equity with close pal Matt Damon.
“The movie wouldn’t have been made if it wasn’t for him and Artists Equity… I will always give him that credit,” she explained. “They financed it. I told him this was the role I was born to play and I wanted to do it, and he was like, ‘Okay,’ and he helped make it happen.”
About the Film
Kiss of the Spider Woman additionally stars Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Bruno Bichir, and Josefina Scaglione. The musical, which was written and directed by Bill Condon, is set to hit theaters on October 10.
Key Questions
What did Ben Affleck reveal about Jennifer Lopez’s spectacular bond with his children post-divorce?
What prompted Jennifer Lopez to credit Ben Affleck’s essential role in her new movie, despite their recent divorce?
Why did Ben Affleck reunite with Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Garner to support their children on stage in Los Angeles?
How does Ben Affleck feel about ex-wife Jennifer Lopez’s relationship with his children after their high-profile split?
What role did Ben Affleck play in helping Jennifer Lopez achieve her dream role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, and why does she credit him for the film’s production?
