Jennifer Garner Says She ‘Hardly Worked’ After ‘Upheaval in Our Family’ During Ben Affleck Divorce

**Jennifer Garner: Embracing Acting Again After Family Focus**

Following a well-earned break from the movie industry to devote herself to family life during her divorce from Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner has expressed a renewed passion for acting. The 54-year-old actress recently shared insights into her journey in an exclusive interview with InStyle, where she emphasised the significance of balancing her professional and personal commitments.

Garner’s hiatus from the screen has roots in her transformative experience as a mother to her three children: Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13. Her marriage to Affleck, which began in 2005 and ended with their divorce in 2018, greatly influenced this period of reflection and self-discovery. “When my kids were little, I worked so little,” Garner recounted. The upheaval in her family life led her to further reduce her acting commitments, often stepping away for extended periods.

The actress explained how motherhood demands significant time and effort, particularly during the early years. “When you’re in a performance kind of role, you give up a year or a year-and-a-half while you are pregnant, having a baby, recovering,” she noted. Garner made the conscious choice to prioritise her children during this challenging time.

Dating businessman John Miller, Garner readily shares parenting responsibilities with Affleck, illustrating a cooperative approach to co-parenting. As her children grow older, Garner feels more empowered to step back into the spotlight. “I feel lucky because I really come at [acting] from a place of joy,” she stated, celebrating her return to the industry.

Her latest project, the upcoming Peacock series titled *The Five Star Weekend*, represents a significant moment for the actress. Garner described it as a gift to have the opportunity to immerse herself in a role after dedicating herself to her family for so long. She acknowledged that acting comes with its own demands, saying, “This job is very selfish.” The nature of filming often conflicts with family commitments, making it essential for her to select roles that align with her family’s needs.

The impact of her career choices on her family life is not lost on Garner. While she is fully committed to her role as a mother, she simultaneously cherishes her career. “I don’t apologise to my kids for it,” she said. Instead, she expresses gratitude for their understanding and support, adding, “I thank them for being so sweet about it.”

In reflecting on her journey, Garner shared moments of uncertainty after the birth of her youngest son, Samuel. The transition to managing three young children left her feeling overwhelmed, prompting a six-month break from her career. A pivotal conversation with her long-time agent, Patrick Whitesell, helped her regain perspective. “Patrick said, ‘Either this is the telephone call about you doing *Dallas Buyers Club* and how we’re going to make that happen, or it’s a telephone call about your retirement,’” she recalled. This moment of clarity encouraged her to acknowledge her desire to continue acting.

Garner’s career has certainly offered her challenges, but it has also provided joy and fulfilment. She embraces the idea that life comprises both triumphs and setbacks. “Working hard is part of life, and messing up is part of life. Tripping and falling—there’s room for all of it,” she remarked, highlighting her understanding of life’s complexities and the importance of balance.

As she navigates this new chapter in her professional life, Jennifer Garner’s perspective serves as an inspiring reminder of the pursuit of passion amid personal commitments. With her children entering their teenage and adult years, she is excited to cultivate a sustainable and rewarding acting career whilst remaining an integral part of her family’s life.