Jennifer Garner has always been the epitome of joy and positivity. From her performances on screen to her heartwarming social media presence, she radiates happiness and good vibes. However, behind her sunny disposition, the “Alias” star has faced her share of personal hardships.
It might be difficult to reconcile her cheerful public persona with the challenges she’s endured, but Garner has faced many trials, emerging stronger each time.
Reflecting on the pandemic in a 2021 interview with People, she said, “I’ve learned that I’m pretty sturdy… I mean I have my moments, but pretty much, I’m really OK.”
From multiple failed marriages to concerns for her children’s safety, and dealing with body-shamers, Garner has navigated some of the lowest points that come with being a scrutinized celebrity.
Notably, her highly publicized divorce from Ben Affleck brought additional pain, often inevitable for someone in the public eye. Let’s delve into some of the toughest times Jennifer Garner has faced.
#1 Jennifer Garner’s Early Marriage Regrets
Jennifer Garner’s first marriage was to ’90s heartthrob Scott Foley in 2000. They met on the set of “Felicity,” where Foley became a TV star and Garner was just starting her career. Unfortunately, the marriage ended after three years.
Though there was no animosity between them, Garner later admitted she felt too young to marry at 28.
“I did marry in my twenties and I found divorce a crushing experience… I thought the divorce statistics would never apply to me. I was beyond heartbroken when they did,” she shared (via Page Six).
Despite her first marriage’s failure, Garner remained hopeful about love and soon began a relationship with Ben Affleck.
#2 Years of Stalking Nightmare
In one of Hollywood’s most terrifying stalker cases, Jennifer Garner was pursued for years by Steven Burky. His obsession began in 2002 and escalated until 2008, when Garner, pregnant with her second child, sought a restraining order.
Garner described Burky’s relentless harassment, which included sending delusional and paranoid messages. He even showed up at her home, claiming divine visions of her persecution.
The court granted her a permanent restraining order, but Burky continued to violate it, including lurking near her daughter’s nursery school. Eventually, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric hospital.
#3 Body Image Battles
Throughout her career, Jennifer Garner has faced relentless scrutiny about her body. Tabloids and social media have frequently speculated about her being pregnant, even when she wasn’t. In a candid moment on The Ellen Show in 2014, she addressed these rumors with grace and humor.
“I am not pregnant, but I have had three kids and there is a bump. From now on ladies, I will have a bump. And it will be my baby bump,” she declared with her signature smile.
Even years later, in 2020, she responded kindly to an Instagram comment about her supposed pregnancy, saying, “I am 48, have three healthy kids, and am not — never will be — pregnant. We can lay that pupper to rest.”
#4 Rumors of Ben Affleck’s Infidelity
When Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck got together in 2004, they quickly became Hollywood’s golden couple.
Their relationship transitioned from dating to marriage to parenthood, symbolizing enduring love. However, in 2015, they announced their divorce, and rumors swirled about Affleck’s infidelity.
Many believed Affleck had an affair with their nanny, which he denied, though Garner seemed to acknowledge it indirectly.
“We had been separated for months before I ever heard about the nanny,” she told Vanity Fair, dismissing the nanny as a reason for their split.
Despite the heartbreak, Garner continued to co-parent with Affleck, maintaining a cordial relationship for their children’s sake.
#5 Media Scrutiny on Her Children
One of the most distressing aspects of Jennifer Garner’s celebrity life has been the media attention on her children. The paparazzi’s relentless pursuit often made it difficult for her to protect their privacy.
“For 10 years, there were at the very least six cars and often 20 outside of our house, and outside of school, and at the pediatrician’s,” she recalled on PBS.
Garner even supported a court regulation to limit paparazzi access to celebrity children.
She has been vigilant about safeguarding her kids’ privacy, even restricting their social media use until they can prove it’s beneficial.
#6 The Challenges of a “Good Girl” Image
Jennifer Garner’s image as America’s sweetheart, especially from her roles in romantic comedies, has its downsides.
She explained to Allure that being perceived as perpetually nice can make setting boundaries more challenging.
“The problem with, ‘Oh, she’s so nice’ is that when I have any kind of boundary, people think of it as much more than it actually is,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Garner embraces both the good and the bad times, emphasizing her authenticity.
#7 Navigating Controversies
Despite her generally unproblematic persona, Jennifer Garner has faced controversies. In 2023, a resurfaced clip from a 2017 interview with Regina King drew criticism for a question Garner asked, deemed racially insensitive by many.
Additionally, Garner called out People magazine in 2017 for a cover story about her life post-divorce, which she claimed was unauthorized and inaccurate.
“This isn’t a tragedy by any measure, but it does affect me and my family,” she wrote, emphasizing: “I did not pose for this cover. I did not participate in or authorize this article.”
#8 The Realities of Celebrity Life
Despite nearly three decades in the entertainment industry, Jennifer Garner still finds public scrutiny challenging.
She told Vanity Fair that she avoids letting media perceptions drive her emotions or actions, focusing instead on her genuine self.
Garner’s approach to media scrutiny involves disengaging from speculation and focusing on authenticity.
“What I think I’ve learned is that the scrutiny in your private life puts pressure to make something happen,” she told CBS, highlighting the challenges of constant surveillance.
Still, going through two failed Hollywood marriages pained her deeply.
#9 Mourning Her Father in 2024
In 2024, Jennifer Garner experienced the heartbreaking loss of her father, William Garner. She shared the news on Instagram, touching many with her tribute to him.
Garner remembered her father’s gentle nature and the special moments they shared, including a ride in his childhood car for his final birthday.
Appearing on “The Today Show” with her mother, they reflected on William’s life and their coping mechanisms after his passing. Garner’s mother, Pat, shared an epiphany that brought her peace: “You will be alright, Pat. And I am.”
Jennifer Garner’s journey, filled with both joy and sorrow, reveals her strength and resilience. Despite the tragedies, she continues to inspire with her authenticity and grace, reminding us that even the brightest stars face dark times.
