- Samuel Garner Affleck is the youngest of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s three children.
- His transformation has caught the attention of netizens due to his resemblance to one of his parents.
- His mother revealed that he “hates” the paparazzi.
- Despite the paparazzi’s presence, Jennifer’s blended family navigates well through it all.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel Garner Affleck grew up under the public eye and his interests and personal moments are often highlighted in his parents’ interviews. Despite the media’s fascination with him, his mother, Jennifer Garner has revealed that he feels quite the opposite: he hates the paparazzi.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend the 2nd Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at The Plaza Hotel on November 19, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner walk in Brentwood on October 27, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Media Spotlight on Jennifer Garner’s Pregnancy with Samuel Affleck
In 2011, Ben Affleck and Jennifer announced they were expecting their son, Samuel. At the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, photographers also captured Jennifer proudly displaying her baby bump.
Jennifer Garner attends the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards – Red Carpet at The Shrine on May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner walks on the street on October 7, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer’s attempts to keep a low profile didn’t stop the paparazzi from capturing her, even during mundane outings like a makeup-free Starbucks run in Brentwood. Their relentless pursuit highlighted her enduring appeal.
Jennifer Garner walks with a beverage in hand in Brentwood on October 24, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck carries son Samuel Garner Affleck at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport on July 14, 2012, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel’s birth placed him squarely in the spotlight, following in the footsteps of his famous parents. Meanwhile, the paparazzi’s presence only grew stronger as Samuel was growing up.
Samuel at One Year Old
A year after his birth, Samuel began to attract the paparazzi’s attention alongside his parents. Early photos of him in 2013 captured intimate moments with his parents. In April, he was seen being carried through the streets of Los Angeles by his mother.
Jennifer Garner walks with Samuel Garner Affleck on her left hip on April 6, 2013, in Los Angeles, California.| Source: Getty Images
In August, Jennifer and Samuel visited a public market, where the actress casually pushed Samuel in a stroller, while the boy looked around his busy surroundings.
Jennifer Garner strolls with Samuel Garner Affleck in a public market on August 11, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner walks outside as Samuel Garner Affleck points at a photographer in Pacific Palisades on September 25, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Two months later, Ben and Jennifer were seen with Samuel and Seraphina enjoying family time. Ben held Samuel close to his chest as they strolled, while Jennifer and Seraphina walked behind them.
Ben Affleck walks with Samuel Garner Affleck close to his chest while Jennifer Garner walks behind with their daughter Seraphina Affleck on November 9, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner carries Samuel Garner Affleck, on December 17, 2013, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel Garner Affleck looks at the photographer as his mother, Jennifer Garner, carries him on the way to a vehicle on December 17, 2013, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel at Two Years Old
Family outings provided a glimpse into their lives, with Samuel often captured in playful moments, which was especially documented in 2014. His playful personality shone through in various activities such as playing with bubbles and riding his bike.
Samuel Garner Affleck enjoys playing bubbles with Jennifer Garner at a park on February 8, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel Garner Affleck bikes around the park with Jennifer Garner on February 8, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner smiles as she playfully swings Samuel Garner Affleck at a park in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In 2015, after ten years of marriage, Samuel’s parents announced their decision to separate. “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce,” Jennifer and Ben shared in a joint statement. They also emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children.
Despite the challenging moments in his parents’ relationship, Samuel continued to find joy in the public eye. This resilience underscores the family’s efforts to preserve normalcy amid personal difficulties.
At the age of six, Samuel became more visible at public events. He and his extended family notably attended his mom’s ceremony in Hollywood on August 20, 2018, where the actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Seraphina and Samuel Garner Affleck sit close to Jennifer Garner’s star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel’s two older sisters, Seraphina and Violet, his grandparents, William John and Patricia Ann Garner, and his aunt, Melissa Garner Wylie, also joined the event.
Jennifer Garner poses with her parents Patricia Ann Garner and William John Garner, her children Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel Garner Affleck, and her sister Melissa Garner Wylie at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
William John Garner, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel Garner Affleck, and Jennifer Garner attend the ceremony honoring the actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The entire family dressed elegantly for the special occasion. Samuel, looking sharp in his blue shirt and pants, was in high spirits. He showed his affection by giving his mom a loving kiss on the cheek during the celebration.
Jennifer Garner receives a sweet kiss from her son Samuel Garner Affleck at the ceremony honoring the actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel at Eleven Years Old
As Samuel approached his teenage years, public appearances often highlighted his close bond with his mother, Jennifer. In 2023, they were seen supporting the Golden State Warriors (GSW), an interest reflected in his sporty attire at events. These moments also underlined the mother-son duo’s striking resemblance.
Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck smile at the camera at the Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck smile as they watch the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at the Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Aware of his actions at the time, Ben expressed his intention to avoid becoming one of those parents who overly invested in their children’s sports. He then reflected on modern parenting challenges, saying, “We want them to succeed. We love them so much. And yet the real challenge is to get out of the way and let them do it on their own.”
Samuel at Twelve Years Old
Samuel, now 12, has grown into a young version of his mother, according to fans, and his recent appearance at the Ruffles celebrity game with his father showcased notable changes. Netizens were quick to comment on his appearance.
One fan exclaimed, “What a great-looking boy!! Looks like his Mama as do the other kids!” Another added, “Nice looking young man, looks like his mom.” One admirer noted, “His mom’s twin. Cute.”
Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Samuel continues to make public appearances, recently attending a basketball game not with his mother, but accompanied by his dad and his stepmother, actress Jennifer “JLo” Lopez, whom Ben married in 2022. At the game, he looked relaxed and enjoyed the moment alongside his dad and JLo.
Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez watch the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, alongside Ben and Jennifer’s effective co-parenting, Samuel seems to grapple with a persistent challenge in his life: his frustration with the paparazzi.
Jennifer revealed in 2016 that Samuel hates “men with cameras.” She said, “Of all my kids, he hates [the paparazzi] the most. He hates them.” Jennifer would reassure Samuel that the paparazzi would not harm him.
A screenshot of Jennifer Garner being interviewed by a reporter. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight
In 2021, Jennifer discussed her family’s struggles with the paparazzi, revealing that despite considering relocating to several areas, they remained in Los Angeles. They made this decision because it minimized disruptions for their children and because the local public and paparazzi were more accustomed to celebrities.
Recognizing the toll this constant scrutiny took on her children, Jennifer took action to protect their privacy. She convened meetings with local authorities and fellow celebrity mothers, advocating for better safeguards against paparazzi intrusion.
Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner testify in Sacramento, urging support for legislation imposing tougher penalties on paparazzi harassing celebrities and their children. | Source: YouTube/abc10news
Jennifer Garner urges California lawmakers to back legislation enforcing stricter penalties on paparazzi who harass celebrities and their children. | Source: YouTube/abc10news
As she continues to navigate motherhood amid the paparazzi’s presence, Jennifer extends her protective and loving instincts not only to her own children but also to JLo’s children.
Navigating Blended Parenthood
Despite the challenges, Jennifer continues to excel in parenting her three children in the public eye and has found harmony in her blended family, which includes Ben and J-Lo who have twin children, Emme and Max Muñiz.
Lucy added, “No doubt it must have been extremely hard for Jennifer and Ben Affleck and the whole family when they decided to go their separate ways but they are a shining example that you can overcome difficulties and come out the other side with an open mind and an open heart.”
The Disneyland outing involving Jennifer, Seraphina, and Emme wasn’t the only publicized event; sightings of Ben, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer’s children enjoying time together in Los Angeles also garnered attention.