Ben Affleck Opens Up in an Emotional Interview on His Mom Chris Approaching Death ‘with Enormous Courage’: ‘I Miss Her Every Day’

Ben Affleck has opened up about his mother’s approach to her final months and the impact of her passing in a recent podcast interview. Chris Affleck, who passed away at the age of 83 on June 2, 2026, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just six months earlier. This loss comes shortly after the Affleck family also mourned the death of Timothy Affleck, Ben’s father.

In his appearance on “The Moment with Jorge and Paola Ramos” on October 14, Ben reflected on how the grief he has experienced has altered his perspective on life and his mother. He conveyed how deeply he appreciates her, stating, “It’s definitely made me see her differently and appreciate her more,” emphasising the significance of reflecting on her life and legacy.

Ben recalled his mother’s attitude towards her illness, noting her statement: “I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a long life, and I have no regrets.” He explained that while he aches from her absence, he recognises the profound sadness intertwined with a sense of gratitude for the time they shared. “I miss her every day,” he admitted.

During the podcast, Affleck discussed how his mother’s death has led him to contemplate the fleeting nature of life. He recounted a conversation where Chris expressed her belief that her 84 years would feel longer, highlighting the importance of cherishing each moment. “It’s just left me with more love and more respect for her,” he said, adding, “I’d like to live to be as good a grandparent as she was to my kids.”

The actor further reflected on the lessons his mother imparted, particularly regarding how to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Chris had made conscious choices about her care during her last chapter, advocating for her wishes without self-pity. “She handled it with enormous courage,” Ben said, expressing a desire to embody that same bravery.

Affleck also touched upon the conversations he’s had with ex-wife Jennifer Garner about their shared experiences of losing parents. Garner’s father, William, passed away in April 2024. He noted how these losses have redirected their focus onto their own children. “This is actually the way it’s supposed to happen,” he said, indicating a sense of acceptance about the natural order of life.

Chris Affleck was a respected public school teacher and a staunch civil rights advocate, having dedicated her life to uplifting others through education. In contrast, Timothy Affleck, an aspiring playwright, faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcoholism, and had a less stable relationship with his sons in later years.

Ben has been candid about the complexities of his relationship with his father, explaining that it was not particularly close in the final years of Timothy’s life. Despite these challenges, he has described his mother as an extraordinary figure who significantly influenced countless students during her tenure in the Cambridge public school system.

As he promotes his new film “Animals,” which is currently in theatres and on Netflix, Ben Affleck continues to celebrate his mother’s legacy while reflecting on life’s inevitable transitions. His heartfelt remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the impact that loss can have on our understanding of love, family, and the passage of time.