Chris Anne Affleck, the mother of actors Ben and Casey Affleck, died on June 2 at the age of 83 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death occurred at her son Ben Affleck's residence in Los Angeles.
According to a death certificate, cardiopulmonary arrest was the immediate cause of death, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma listed as an underlying condition. She had been diagnosed with the cancer in December and was given an estimated six months to live. Her final wish was to witness her grandson's high school graduation, which she attended on May 31, just two days before her passing.
Chris Anne Affleck was born in New York City in December 1942. She graduated from Harvard University and worked as a public school teacher for 35 years before retiring in 2008. Her obituaries described her as a staunch advocate for civil rights, who taught literacy classes in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer and marched against the Vietnam War.
She instilled a strong sense of social consciousness in her sons. Ben Affleck has spoken about how his mother's encouragement and connections helped him pursue acting, leading to early roles facilitated by her Harvard roommate, casting director Patty Collins. Chris Anne was present with Ben and Matt Damon at the 1998 Academy Awards when they won for their screenplay for "Good Will Hunting."
Chris Anne Affleck was also noted for her close relationship with Ben Affleck's ex-wife, Jennifer Garner. They remained in contact after Affleck and Garner's divorce, with Chris Anne attending family gatherings, including a Thanksgiving celebration at Garner's home the previous year. She also attended Ben Affleck's 2022 wedding to Jennifer Lopez.
She is survived by her sons Ben and Casey, and five grandchildren: Indiana, Violet, Atticus, Fin, and Sam. Her family described her grandchildren as "the animating force of her last two decades."