Hollywood star Ben Affleck has offered a rare glimpse into his family life, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
A 'Complicated' Upbringing in the Spotlight
The 53-year-old actor acknowledged the unique pressures faced by his children, Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13, due to their parents' public profiles. "You put something on your children when you have a public life and that's complicated," Affleck told E! News. He emphasised that he and Garner are united in their approach to parenting, which focuses on giving their offspring space to forge their own paths.
Affleck was clear that he would not encourage them to follow in his cinematic footsteps. "I wouldn't push them into that. They're brilliant and lovely and wonderful and we love them and we're proud of them. And hope that they don't waste their life acting," he stated candidly.
Violet Affleck's Foray into Global Activism
While Samuel and Seraphina are concentrating on their schooling, eldest daughter Violet has already begun carving out a public role for herself, distinct from her parents' Hollywood careers. A student at Yale University, she has emerged as a passionate activist.
Most notably, Violet delivered a powerful speech at the United Nations in September 2025. Addressing a 'Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action' event, she argued for clean air to be recognised as a fundamental human right, drawing parallels with access to filtered water. She criticised the return to 'business as usual' after the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes."
Her activism extends to her fashion choices, which have included wearing a mask and a watermelon-print sweater in solidarity with Palestine, and carrying a book on health inequality. She is often photographed wearing a mask at public events with her family.
Navigating Family Dynamics Post-Divorce
Affleck and Garner, who were married from 2005 to 2015 and finalised their divorce in 2018, have maintained a steadfast commitment to co-parenting. Their family circle has expanded to include other significant figures.
Despite reports that Garner and Affleck's second ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez, did not pose together at the 2025 Golden Globes, sources insist there is 'no drama' between the two women. "They get along, they are cool with each other, there are no issues," an insider said, adding that they avoid public displays to prevent unnecessary headlines for the sake of the children.
Notably, Violet reportedly grew very close to Lopez, even holidaying with her in the Hamptons after Lopez and Affleck separated in 2025. The blended family, which also includes Lopez's twins with ex-husband Marc Anthony, is said to prioritise the children's friendships and well-being above all else.
