Ben Affleck’s Ex-Wives Reportedly Rush To Support The Actor After Loss Of His Mother Left Him ‘Devastated’
Ben Affleck is mourning the passing of his mother, Chris Anne Affleck, who died at the age of 83 after battling pancreatic cancer.
As the actor copes with the devastating loss, sources say his former wives, Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez, have both stepped in to offer support.
The tragedy has also renewed attention on the profound influence Chris had on Ben Affleck’s life, from encouraging his early acting ambitions to remaining one of his biggest supporters.
5Ben Affleck is reportedly receiving strong support from those closest to him following the death of his mother, Chris Affleck.
Sources told a publication that both of the actor’s former wives, Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez, have rallied around him as he navigates the difficult loss. According to an insider, the pair are committed to ensuring Affleck does not face his grief alone.
“They’re both determined to surround him with as much love and support as possible,” the source explained. “Ben adored his mom; she was his everything, so her death has left him absolutely devastated.”
Chris’ death was made public through an obituary published on Legacy.com on 23 July. The notice revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2025 and was initially given six months to live. She passed away peacefully on 2 June at the age of 83.
The source noted that the speed of her decline has made the loss even more difficult for Affleck to process.
“It all happened very fast, so Ben’s still reeling,” the source added, per Globe Magazine. “Without her, he feels very lost — and the people around him are worried because grief can be especially dangerous for someone in recovery.”
Jennifer Garner Has Been By The Actor’s Side ‘Every Step Of The Way’
5Those close to the Oscar-winning actor are said to be particularly mindful of his well-documented history with alcohol addiction.
Affleck, who has spoken openly about his recovery journey, previously acknowledged that he once used drinking as a way “to avoid dealing with painful feelings.”
Garner, with whom he shares three children, Violet, Fin and Samuel, has reportedly remained a steady presence throughout the ordeal. The former couple has maintained a close co-parenting relationship for years, and insiders say Garner has once again stepped in to offer support.
“Jen’s been by Ben’s side every step of the way,” the source said. “She’s helping keep things steady for him and the kids right now.”
Meanwhile, Lopez is also said to have stayed in contact despite the pair’s separation in 2024. According to the insider, the singer and actress has been regularly checking in and making “sure he knows she’s there if he needs anything.”
How Ben Affleck’s Mother Encouraged His First Steps Into Acting
5Chris played a significant role in shaping the lives and careers of her sons long before they became Hollywood stars.
Affleck once spoke proudly about his mother’s academic achievements, revealing that she attended Harvard University, earned a master’s degree there and later dedicated her career to teaching in public schools.
In contrast, his father followed a more blue-collar path, working various jobs including auto mechanic, bartender and janitor at Harvard.
When Affleck was 12 years old, his parents separated, but Chris remained a constant influence in his life.
Chris Anne Affleck Introduced Her Son To Her Former Harvard Roommate Who Was A Casting Director
5As Affleck developed an interest in acting, she helped open doors by introducing him to her former Harvard roommate, casting director Patty Collins.
That connection led to auditions for commercials and television projects, giving Affleck some of his earliest opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Chris continued to champion both Affleck and his younger brother, Casey, as their careers gained momentum. One of the most memorable moments came at the 1998 Academy Awards, where she accompanied Affleck as his guest.
Matt Damon also brought his mother to the ceremony as the longtime friends celebrated their nomination for Best Original Screenplay for “Good Will Hunting.”
The film, which Affleck and Damon co-wrote and starred in alongside Casey, ultimately won the Oscar and went on to become one of the defining films of its era.
Ben Affleck Reflects On Heartwarming Oscars Moment With Late Mother Chris Anne Affleck
5Looking back on the 1998 Oscar moment, Affleck recalled how much attention was given to the fact that he and Damon arrived with their mothers.
“We were sitting next to our moms, and we won, and we kind of hugged our moms. I remember how everyone had made such a big thing out of it as if this was such a novelty,” Affleck told Vanity Fair of the moment. “I remember thinking, being insecure, like, ‘Why? Why is it weird that we’re bringing our moms?’ Who else do you think we would bring?”
Chris’ legacy lives on not only through her two sons but also through her grandchildren. She is survived by five grandchildren: Casey’s children, Atticus and Indiana, whom he shares with actress Summer Phoenix, as well as Affleck’s three children, Violet, Fin and Samuel.
