Jennifer Garner has reflected on the personal and professional impact of her separation from Ben Affleck, saying the breakup and the upheaval that followed shifted her focus toward raising their three children and away from acting for several years. Garner, who shares Violet, Finn, and Samuel with Affleck, said that when her children were young, she worked very little and spent much of her time focused on family responsibilities, school routines, and creating stability at home. While Affleck continued his film career, Garner largely stepped back from the spotlight as she prioritized motherhood during a difficult period for the family. The couple announced their split in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2018.
Now that her children are older, Garner says she is grateful to return to acting and reconnect with the part of her life she set aside. She is preparing for her next major role in The Five-Star Weekend, an eight-episode Peacock miniseries set to premiere on July 9, 2026. Garner said the past year and a half has given her the chance to fully immerse herself in work again, describing acting as a demanding job that requires full attention and a schedule that often conflicts with family life. She added that, at 54, she does not expect to work forever and wants to take advantage of the opportunities available to her now.
Garner also said that her renewed return to acting comes from joy rather than pressure or a search for validation. After decades in the industry, she said she still loves performing and enjoys being around people who share that passion. Her excitement is evident as she prepares to star alongside Chloe Sevigny, Gemma Chan, and Judy Greer in the new series.
The actress addressed how her outlook on motherhood and work has changed over time. She said she no longer apologizes to her children for working and believes it is important for them to see hard work, mistakes, and growth as part of life. Garner said her children have been supportive of her return to acting, while also emphasizing that she remains fully committed to being their mother.
She also spoke about the pressure many women feel to do everything perfectly, saying there is no true balance and no perfect way to manage life. Instead, she encourages self-compassion and patience, noting that people should be kind to themselves about imperfection. Looking back, Garner appears to view the years after her divorce not as lost time, but as a period that allowed her to put family first and build a strong foundation for her children. With her kids growing up and new projects ahead, she is embracing a new phase that allows her to enjoy both motherhood and career.
