Jen Affleck says she is physically exhausted two months postpartum as she competes on Dancing With the Stars. The Hulu star, 26, is mother to Nora, 3, Lucas, 2, and Penelope, 2 months, with her husband Zac Affleck. Affleck welcomed Penelope on July 2 and is balancing DWTS duties with a full home life. "It is a lot," Affleck told Page Six exclusively. She described her days in the ballroom as a test of endurance while juggling three toddlers at home. "I am working out half the day [and] coming home exhausted, but I’ve got three babies to take care of. I’ve gotta cook, clean and do all the normal things you do as a mom," she said. "But that’s how you know I’m a mom. Us moms, we just do it."
Affleck’s pro partner, Jan Ravnik, chimed in to clarify that although Affleck says she is tired, she has been "killing it." Ravnik noted that the 26-year-old is pushing through fatigue while giving her best on DWTS. Affleck gave birth to her youngest child on July 2.
The premiere night marked Affleck and Ravnik’s DWTS debut, performing a spicy salsa to Bad Bunny’s "NUEVAYoL" in front of millions. "It was so much fun," the MomTok star told Page Six of the experience. "I’m on cloud nine. I was so stressed." News broke the day before that Affleck was joining Season 34 of the ABC show. The duo’s salsa earned a total 12 out of 20 from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, while Carrie Ann Inaba did not judge the premiere due to illness. Ravnik said Affleck’s fatigue has not slowed her down, noting she is "killing it" nonetheless.
Affleck’s appearance on DWTS comes as she continues to film her Hulu series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Co-star Whitney Leavitt is also a Season 34 contestant and received a 15 out of 20 for her Tango with Mark Ballas. Leavitt spoke with Page Six after the show, offering a glimpse into Season 3, which is set to premiere on Nov. 13. "A lot of questions that people had from the ending of Season 2, we’re going to get some answers," Leavitt teased, promising drama and chaos on screen.
Jen Affleck, who is grateful for the support network around her, said she values the village that helps her manage motherhood and stardom. "The village … supporting" is a key part of her balance as she navigates late-night rehearsals and early-morning feedings. She and Zac, 29, have been married since 2019.
Affleck hinted to Page Six that Season 3 of her Hulu series will bring more complexity and emotion. "A lot of drama" and a "better, happier version of" herself are on the way, she said, as viewers get more insight into her family life and career.
DWTS returns next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes streaming on Hulu the following day. The show continues to blend competitive dancing with personal storytelling, and Affleck’s journey as a postpartum mom on a national stage has become a focal point of attention as viewers watch her balance motherhood with entertainment duties.
