Jennifer Garner has described her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, as an "incredible co-parent" to their three children, years after their divorce. Garner, who shares Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13, with Affleck, shared that his involvement has been crucial in enabling her to accept a new role in the Peacock series "Five Star Weekend."
Initially, the show was slated to film in Nova Scotia, a prospect Garner found unworkable due to her children. "I have three teenagers, and I can’t leave for four months. It’s just not worth it to me," she told Entertainment Weekly. However, when producers adjusted the plan to film primarily in Los Angeles with a single month of shooting in Nantucket, Garner agreed.
"They can stay with their dad," Garner, 54, said, referring to Affleck, 53. "He takes care of them. He’s a great partner in that way. And so that’s very freeing."
Garner and Affleck met on the set of "Pearl Harbor" in 2000 and married in 2005. They separated in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2018. During the children's younger years, Garner deliberately reduced her work commitments to be more present.
"There is a time in your life where you just do get caught up in all of that. And that’s OK. Nothing is forever. That’s a season. And it’s a beautiful thing. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it," she explained. "But I feel like my kids are a little bigger [now]. Their dad has become this incredible co-parent."
Garner also publicly acknowledged Affleck on Father's Day last month via Instagram, writing, "I see the way my kids dote on their dad, and I’m happy for them. To love and be loved by a great dad is a gift."