Jennifer Anne Garner was born in Houston, Texas on 17th of April, 1972 but grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. Jennifer is an actress from America and studied theater at Denison University. She began her acting career as an understudy for the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City.
Her first appearance on screen was in the TV film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s book “Zoya” in 1995. Following that, she had a significant role in the Fox teen drama series “Time of Your Life” from 1999 to 2000. She also appeared in supporting roles in films like “Pearl Harbor” (2001) and “Catch Me If You Can” (2002).
Jennifer Garner gained widespread recognition for her role as CIA officer Sydney Bristow in the ABC action series “Alias,” which aired from 2001 to 2006. For her performance, she won a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
She engaged in romantic comedies with films like “13 Going on 30” (2004), “Juno” (2007), “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (2009), and “Valentine’s Day” (2010). Garner also portrayed Elektra in the superhero films “Daredevil” (2003) and its spin-off “Elektra” (2005).
In recent years, Garner has appeared in independent films like “Dallas Buyers Club” (2013) and family comedies such as “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (2014), “Love, Simon” (2018), and “Yes Day” (2021). She also starred in action films like “Peppermint” (2018) and “The Adam Project” (2022), as well as the Apple TV+ limited series “The Last Thing He Told Me” (2023).
Aside from acting, Garner is an advocate for early childhood education and serves as a board member of Save the Children USA. She is also involved in the organic baby food company ‘Once upon a Farm’, where she holds the position of co-founder and chief brand officer. Additionally, she advocates against intrusive paparazzi practices, particularly concerning children of celebrities.
Jennifer Anne Garner entered the world on April 17, 1972, in Houston, Texas. When she was just three years old, her family moved to Charleston, West Virginia. Her dad, William John Garner, was a chemical engineer at Union Carbide and her mom, Patricia Ann English, took care of the home before becoming an English teacher at a college nearby. Jennifer is the middle child with two sisters. She often talks about being the typical middle child, always trying to stand out from her older sister, who she thought was very accomplished.
Family Life and Upbringing
The Garner household wasn’t much into politics. Her dad leaned towards conservative views, while her mom was more on the liberal side. Growing up, Jennifer and her family were regulars at their local United Methodist Church, attending every Sunday and participating in Vacation Bible School.
The Garner girls lived under strict rules: no makeup, no nail polish, no ear piercing, and no hair dyeing. Jennifer once humorously compared her family’s lifestyle to being “practically Amish.”
Education and Early Interests
Jennifer went to George Washington High School in Charleston. After high school, in 1990, she headed to Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Initially, she started with chemistry but soon found her passion in theater, leading her to switch majors. She was also part of the Pi Beta Phi sorority during her time there. In the fall of 1993, she took her studies further by attending the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Connecticut. Over her college summers, she was involved in summer stock theatre, honing her acting skills. By 1994, Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance, ready to take on the world of acting.
Jennifer Garner’s Acting Ventures
During her college years, Jennifer Garner got involved in summer stock theatre, where she not only acted but also helped with ticket sales, set building and venue cleaning. She worked with a number of theatres, such as the Georgia Shakespeare Festival in Atlanta, the Barn Theatre in Michigan and the Timber Lake Playhouse in Illinois.
Transition to New York and Early Screen Roles
In 1995, Garner made the move to New York City. Initially, she earned $150 a week as an understudy in a theater production by the Roundabout Theatre Company. Her first on-screen appearance was in the TV miniseries “Zoya,” playing Melissa Gilbert’s daughter. Over the next few years, she appeared in TV movies, series and independent films, while also working as a hostess at a restaurant to make ends meet.
By 1997, Garner had moved to Los Angeles to pursue bigger opportunities. She landed her first leading role in the TV movie “Rose Hill” and made her feature film debut in “Washington Square.” Despite small roles in films like “Mr. Magoo” and “Deconstructing Harry,” she struggled to gain significant attention in Hollywood.
Breakthrough with Television
In 1998, Garner appeared in the series “Felicity,” which was her stepping stone to greater opportunities. This led to her role as Sydney Bristow in the hit TV series “Alias” in 2001, created by J.J. Abrams specifically with her in mind. “Alias” brought her widespread recognition, earning her awards and nominations.
Film Successes and Mixed Results
While working on “Alias,” Garner continued to pursue film roles. She had notable appearances in movies like “Catch Me If You Can” (2002) and “Daredevil” (2003), where she portrayed Elektra. Her performance in “13 Going on 30” (2004) was widely praised, establishing her as a leading lady in romantic comedies. However, not all her films achieved critical or commercial success.
After taking a break following the conclusion of “Alias” and starting a family with her then-husband Ben Affleck, in 2007, Garner made a comeback to the acting world with roles in films including “Juno” and “The Kingdom.” She also became a spokesperson for Neutrogena skincare and performed on Broadway.
Diverse Roles and Productions
Throughout the 2010s, Garner took on various roles in films ranging from comedies like “Valentine’s Day” to dramas like “Dallas Buyers Club,” for which she received critical acclaim. She also ventured into producing, starred in TV shows like “Camping,” and became a spokesperson for brands like Capital One.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
In the 2020s, Garner continued to be active in the entertainment industry, starring in projects like the Quibi miniseries “Home Movie: The Princess Bride” and the Netflix film “Yes Day.” She also executive produced and starred in the Apple TV+ series “The Last Thing He Told Me.” Garner remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, with upcoming projects including reprising her role as Elektra in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Jennifer Garner Movies and TV Shows
Recent Projects: Garner has been busy with roles in “Significant Others” (2023), “The Last Thing He Told Me” (2023), and “Angel City” (2023). She’s also made appearances on talk shows like “ET Entertainment Tonight” (2023) and “The Graham Norton Show” (2021).
Memorable TV and Film Appearances: She starred in “Alias” as Sydney Bristow (2006), “Spin City” as Becky (2000) and in movies like “Love, Simon” (as Emily Spier), “Wonder Park” (voice role), “Yes Day” (as Allison Torres) and “13 Going on 30” (as Jenna Rink).
Early Career: Garner’s career began with roles in “Law & Order” (1996), “Rose Hill” (as Mary Rose Claiborne), and even a spot on “Mr. Magoo” (as Stacey Sampanahoditra).
Behind the Scenes
Hosting: Garner took the helm at “In Performance at the White House” (2021), “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2018) and “Saturday Night Live” (2003).
Guest Appearances: She’s been a guest on numerous talk shows, including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2020), “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (2020) and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2018).
Executive Producer: Garner has produced “Outmatched” (2020) and “The Tribes of Palos Verdes.”
Special Appearances and Other Roles
Garner has shown her versatility by appearing in specials like “The Red Nose Day Special” and serving as a narrator for “A Poem Is…” (2011). She’s also directed episodes of “Alias” (2005) and movies like “Peppermint.”
This list showcases Jennifer Garner’s movies and TV shows contributions to entertainment, from acting to producing, directing and beyond.
Jennifer’s Singing Ventures
In various TV appearances and projects, Jennifer Garner has showcased her singing talent. In an episode of “Alias,” she sang a version of “Since I Fell For You” with her own lyrics. Similarly, while hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2003, she performed “My Funny Valentine.” Garner also contributed to the compilation album “Unexpected Dreams – Songs from the Stars” with a solo rendition of “My Heart Is So Full Of You” from “The Most Happy Fella.”
Jennifer Garner is deeply involved in advocating for early childhood education. Since 2009, she has been an artist ambassador for Save the Children USA, promoting literacy, nutrition, and early education efforts nationwide. Garner also serves on the organization’s board of trustees since 2014, actively supporting programs like Early Steps to School Success, which helps families with young children learn and grow together.
Political Involvement
Garner has shown support for Democratic candidates and causes. She filmed a TV ad for her friend Corey Palumbo’s campaign for the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2002. She also spoke at rallies and fundraisers for candidates like Jerry McNerney and Barack Obama. In 2016, she hosted fundraisers for Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign and participated in voter registration events.
Campaign Against Paparazzi Intrusion
Garner has been a vocal advocate for protecting children from paparazzi intrusion. She testified before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee in 2013 in support of a bill to safeguard celebrities’ children from harassment by photographers. Garner’s efforts contributed to the passing of the bill into law, which prohibits behavior that disturbs or harasses children of public figures.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2018, Garner co-founded Once Upon a Farm, an organic baby food company, with John Foraker. Serving as the company’s chief brand officer, Garner aims to provide nutritious food options for children. ‘Once Upon a Farm’ also partners with ‘Save the Children’ to provide meals to children in food-insecure communities across America.
Ownership in Angel City FC
Garner is part of the ownership group of Angel City FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. Through her involvement, Garner contributes to the growth and promotion of women’s soccer, advocating for gender equality in sports.
Relationships and Family Life
Jennifer Garner first crossed paths with Scott Foley on the “Felicity” set in 1998, and they got married in 2000 at their house. However, things didn’t work out, and they split up in 2003, finalizing their divorce in 2004. After her marriage to Foley ended, Garner dated Michael Vartan, her co-star from “Alias,” for about a year.
Marriage to Ben Affleck
Garner started dating Ben Affleck in 2004 after getting to know each other on the sets of “Pearl Harbor” and “Daredevil.” They tied the knot in a small ceremony on a beach in 2005, with only a couple of guests present.
Garner and Affleck have three kids together: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.
Despite initially seeming strong, the couple decided to end their marriage in 2015, finalizing their divorce in 2018. Garner played a supportive role in Affleck’s battle with alcoholism, crediting support groups with helping navigate their relationship dynamics.
After her marriage with Affleck, Garner dated businessman John C. Miller for a couple of years before going their separate ways in early 2020.
Faith and Beliefs
Garner grew up attending church but drifted away after moving to Los Angeles. She reconnected with her faith when she and her kids started going to Methodist church services in LA. Her children were even baptized in her hometown’s church back in West Virginia.
Jennifer Garner experienced a frightening period when she and her family were stalked by a man named Steven Burky from 2002 to 2009. The situation was serious enough that Garner, Affleck, and their daughter Violet had to get a restraining order in 2008. Burky was arrested in 2009 after showing up outside Violet’s preschool and was later found to be legally insane, leading to his commitment to a mental hospital and a 10-year ban from contacting Garner’s family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Jennifer Garner Net Worth?
As of 2024, Jennifer Garner’s net worth is estimated to be $80 million. She has accumulated this wealth through her successful career as an actor, producer, director, spokesperson and businessperson. While she has earned from various ventures, Garner is best known for her work in movies and television shows.
What is the Relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner?
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married from June 29, 2005, until their divorce was finalized on November 7, 2018.
During their marriage, they had three children together: two daughters named Violet and Seraphina and a son named Samuel. Despite their divorce, Affleck and Garner have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children. They have been spotted attending various family events together and have publicly expressed their commitment to co-parenting effectively.
What is Jennifer Garner Age?
Jennifer Garner was born on April 17, 1972. As of April 2024, she is 51 years old.
What is Jennifer Garner Height?
Jennifer Garner is 5 feet 9 inches tall or about 1.75 meters.
How many Kids does Jennifer Garner have?
Jennifer Garner has three children:
Violet Anne Affleck. (Born in 2005)
Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck (Born in 2009)
Samuel Garner Affleck (Born in 2012)
These children are from her marriage to actor Ben Affleck.
