Ben Affleck: No Pressure on Kids to Follow in His Acting Shoes

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Prioritize Their Children’s Freedom

Ben Affleck, the Oscar-winning actor, has expressed his desire to let his three children explore their own paths without pressure to follow in his and ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s footsteps in Hollywood. The couple, who share Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13, have always emphasized giving their kids the space to discover what they truly want to do with their lives.

At the world premiere of The Rip on Tuesday, January 13, Affleck shared his thoughts on the topic. “We really want to give them room to figure out what they want to do,” he said, reflecting on how having a public life can be complicated for children. “I wouldn’t push them into that. They’re brilliant and lovely and wonderful and we love them.”

Affleck also humorously added, “and hope that they don’t waste their life acting.” Despite this lighthearted remark, it’s clear that the actor values his children’s independence and wants them to make their own decisions.

Affleck acknowledged that his children’s upbringing is different from his own. “In some way, it was kind of a blessing to anonymity, to struggle, to where we started, which was just in the middle of nowhere,” he said, highlighting the contrast between his early life and the environment his kids are growing up in.

In October, Affleck briefly spoke about his children during an interview with Access Hollywood. He praised Violet, saying, “She takes after her mom. She’s spectacular.” This comment came after the eldest daughter delivered a powerful testimony at the United Nations in September about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children.

“I could not be more proud of my children. I can’t even tell you,” Affleck 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.”

Garner, too, has spoken about her children in recent interviews. In an interview with Marie Claire UK, she described them as “just so cool!” She also reflected on how parenting has evolved over the years. “Parenting now has shifted. It’s more about parenting with a button on my mouth… You have to let them grow up and make their choices. You don’t get to control it.”

The couple’s relationship has been a topic of discussion, especially since their split in 2015 and official divorce in 2018. When asked about the impact of their breakup on their family, Garner shared, “The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard.” She added, “Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.”

Despite their separation, both Affleck and Garner have remained focused on their children’s well-being. Their approach to parenting reflects a deep respect for their kids’ individuality and a commitment to supporting them in whatever path they choose.