Jennifer Garner is 53 years old, born April 17, 1972, in Houston, Texas. The American actress has a net worth of $80 million as of 2026, built through her Golden Globe-winning television career, successful film roles, and business ventures including Once Upon a Farm, the organic baby food company she co-founded.
She’s best known for playing CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the TV series Alias (2001-2006), which earned her a Golden Globe Award and four Emmy nominations. Her film career includes memorable roles in 13 Going on 30, Juno, and Dallas Buyers Club.
Garner shares three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck—Violet (20), Fin (17), and Samuel (13)—and has been dating businessman John Miller since 2018.
Early Life and Education
Born in Houston, Garner moved to Charleston, West Virginia, at age three when her father, William John Garner, took a job as a chemical engineer for Union Carbide. Her mother, Patricia Ann English, worked as a homemaker before becoming an English teacher.
She grew up in a strict Methodist household. Garner attended George Washington High School in Charleston, where she participated in drama and played the saxophone in the marching band.
In 1990, she enrolled at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, initially majoring in chemistry before switching to theater. She joined the sorority Pi Beta Phi and spent fall 1993 studying at the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut.
Garner graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance. She moved to New York City shortly after, working as an understudy in various theater productions while auditioning for television and film roles.
Career Breakthrough: Alias
J.J. Abrams cast Garner as the lead in Alias in 2001, writing the part of Sydney Bristow specifically with her in mind. The ABC action thriller series ran for five seasons through 2006.
Her performance as the double-agent spy earned immediate critical acclaim. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.
Despite four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, she didn’t win.
The role required extensive physical training. Garner performed many of her own stunts, drawing on her nine years of ballet training and learning martial arts choreography for the show.
Alias Salary Evolution
Her earnings grew significantly during the show’s run. Early seasons paid approximately $45,000 per episode, totaling around $1 million per season. By the final seasons, her salary peaked at $150,000 per episode—roughly $3.3 million per season.
Film Career Highlights
13 Going on 30 (2004)
This romantic comedy became her signature film role. Garner played Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as a 30-year-old woman. Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman wrote that audiences could “pinpoint the moment in it when Garner becomes a star.”
The film grossed $96 million worldwide and established her as a leading lady in Hollywood. She earned $3 million for the role.
Juno (2007)
Her supporting performance as Vanessa Loring, a woman desperate to adopt, marked a turning point toward more dramatic work. The Oscar-nominated film grossed over $200 million, and Garner received a percentage of the backend profits.
Other Notable Performances
Daredevil (2003) introduced her to Ben Affleck while playing Elektra opposite his title character. She reprised the role in Elektra (2005), earning $7 million for The Kingdom in 2007.
Dallas Buyers Club (2013) showcased her dramatic range in the Oscar-nominated ensemble. Peppermint (2018) returned her to action-thriller territory as a revenge-seeking mother.
Recent streaming hits include The Adam Project (2022) with Ryan Reynolds on Netflix and Family Switch (2023). She reprised Elektra in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), delighting fans with her return to the Marvel character.
Current Projects in 2026
The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2
Garner stars in Apple TV+’s thriller series “The Last Thing He Told Me,” with Season 2 premiering February 20, 2026. She presented at the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026—her first appearance at the ceremony since 2013.
She wore a custom Cong Tri “naked” dress featuring tiered fringe and 330,000 crystal beads. The gown required over 1,300 hours of manual labor, with every detail hand-embroidered.
Once Upon a Farm: Business Empire
Garner co-founded Once Upon a Farm in 2017, an organic baby food company focused on fresh, cold-pressed products. She serves as Chief Brand Officer and adopted the persona “Farmer Jen” for marketing campaigns.
IPO Filing (January 2026)
The company filed for an initial public offering in January 2026, seeking to raise up to $209 million. The IPO targets a valuation of $764.4 million, with nearly 11 million shares priced between $17 and $19 each.
Before the planned IPO, Garner owned approximately 2.7 million shares—about 9% of the company’s equity. She received $1 million in cash in 2022 as part of a specialized Spokesperson Agreement, separate from her executive compensation and equity stake.
The company competes in the growing organic baby food market, positioning itself as a fresh alternative to shelf-stable pouches.
Jennifer Garner’s Net Worth Breakdown
Celebrity Net Worth estimates her 2026 net worth at $80 million from multiple income streams.
Acting Income
Television earnings from Alias totaled approximately $9 million over five seasons, not including residuals. Film salaries grew from $3 million for 13 Going on 30 to $7 million for The Kingdom.
Endorsement Deals
Long-term partnerships include:
- Neutrogena (since 2007)
- Capital One (estimated $15-20 million over five years, or $3-4 million annually)
- Mercedes (multi-year agreement)
Business Ventures
Her Once Upon a Farm stake could be worth approximately $68 million if the company reaches its target IPO valuation of $764.4 million, though this value fluctuates based on market conditions.
Real Estate
She sold her shared Los Angeles property with Affleck in 2018. She currently owns a $7.4 million farmhouse-style property in Brentwood.
Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Relationships
Scott Foley Marriage (2000-2004)
Garner married actor Scott Foley in 2000 after meeting on the set of Felicity. They divorced in 2004, citing the challenges of maintaining a marriage while both pursued demanding careers.
Ben Affleck: Marriage and Divorce
She met Affleck on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2001, though they didn’t begin dating until 2004 while filming Daredevil. They married on June 29, 2005, in a private ceremony in Turks and Caicos.
The couple announced their separation on June 30, 2015—the day after their 10th wedding anniversary. Their divorce finalized in October 2018.
Co-Parenting Approach
In a January 7, 2026 interview with Marie Claire UK, Garner confirmed she and Affleck co-parent “with peace and equanimity.”
She explained: “The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.”
She emphasized that time creates opportunities for healing. “It’s important for women to know, when they think, ‘Oh, I’ll never see that, I’ll never have that feeling, I’ll never be friends with this person again’ that time is the opportunity.”
They attend their children’s events together and support each other’s relationships. Garner has maintained a cordial relationship with Affleck’s wife, Jennifer Lopez, prioritizing the children’s well-being.
John Miller Relationship
Garner has dated John Miller since 2018. Miller serves as CEO of Cali Group, the parent company of CaliBurger. The couple maintains extreme privacy, rarely appearing publicly together.
They briefly split in 2020 but rekindled their relationship in 2021. Neither has commented publicly about engagement or marriage plans.
Jennifer Garner’s Children
Violet Affleck (Age 20)
Born December 1, 2005, Violet is the oldest. She attends Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, following her mother’s emphasis on education.
On May 18, 2025, Violet published a research paper in Yale’s Global Health Review comparing COVID-19 pandemic response with Los Angeles wildfire aftermath recovery efforts.
She delivered a speech at the United Nations in 2024 advocating for health policy changes, demonstrating her growing activism.
Fin Affleck (Age 17)
Born January 6, 2009, Fin was previously known as Seraphina. On April 6, 2024, during the memorial service for Jennifer’s father, William Garner, they publicly introduced themselves as Fin and shared their pronouns as they/them.
The family has supported Fin’s transition with love and privacy. Garner has been protective of all her children but especially vigilant about Fin’s privacy during this period.
Samuel Garner Affleck (Age 13)
Born February 27, 2012, Samuel is the youngest. He shares his father’s love of sports, particularly baseball and basketball.
He recently became a teenager and maintains the lowest public profile of the three children.
Best Jennifer Garner Movies to Watch
Romantic Comedies
- 13 Going on 30 (2004) – Her most beloved rom-com
- The Invention of Lying (2009) – Opposite Ricky Gervais
- Valentine’s Day (2010) – Ensemble romantic comedy
Action Films
- Alias (TV series, 2001-2006) – Essential viewing
- Elektra (2005) – Marvel superhero standalone
- Peppermint (2018) – Revenge thriller
Dramatic Performances
- Juno (2007) – Oscar-nominated ensemble
- Dallas Buyers Club (2013) – Matthew McConaughey vehicle
- Miracles from Heaven (2016) – Inspirational drama
Family-Friendly
- Yes Day (2021) – Netflix family comedy
- The Adam Project (2022) – Netflix sci-fi adventure
- Family Switch (2023) – Body-swap comedy
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Save the Children USA
Garner serves as a board member and has worked with the organization since 2009. She focuses on early childhood education advocacy, particularly in rural communities.
She’s appeared in PBS documentaries about rural poverty in West Virginia and advocated for early literacy programs nationwide.
Anti-Paparazzi Legislation
Garner successfully campaigned for California anti-paparazzi laws protecting celebrity children. She testified before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee in 2013, describing how photographers harassed her children.
California passed stricter laws limiting paparazzi behavior around minors in 2013, largely due to her advocacy efforts.
Education Initiatives
She supports early childhood education programs through Save the Children’s Early Steps to School Success initiative, which provides resources to families in underserved communities.
Awards and Recognition
Major Wins:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (2002, Alias)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (2003, Alias)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (August 2018)
Notable Nominations:
- 4 consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2002-2005, Alias)
- 3 additional Golden Globe nominations for Alias
She’s received 13 major awards from 67 total nominations throughout her career.
Social Media Presence
Garner has 17.3 million followers on Instagram as of early 2026. Her account (@jennifer.garner) features her “Pretend Cooking Show,” family activities (carefully protecting her children’s identities), Once Upon a Farm content, and advocacy work.
She told Marie Claire UK that she “protects her peace by refusing to engage with tabloid coverage,” explaining: “It doesn’t serve me to take in gossip about myself or anyone else, much less my kids, so I don’t do it.”
Height and Physical Appearance
Garner stands 5’9″ (1.75 meters) tall, which helped her physical credibility in action roles. Her height, combined with her ballet training and athletic build, made her particularly suited for the demanding stunts in Alias.
Where to Watch Jennifer Garner Content
Streaming Services:
- Apple TV+: The Last Thing He Told Me (Seasons 1-2)
- Netflix: Yes Day, The Adam Project, Family Switch
- Various platforms: 13 Going on 30, Juno, Dallas Buyers Club (check specific service availability)
Television:
- Alias available on various streaming platforms (availability varies by region)
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Garner represents rare Hollywood longevity—maintaining A-list status across television, film, and business for 25+ years. She successfully transitioned from action star to romantic comedy lead to dramatic actress to entrepreneur.
Her advocacy for children’s privacy changed California law and influenced how the entertainment industry approaches celebrity children. She’s become a role model for balancing career success with hands-on parenting.
As an entrepreneur, she’s helped normalize celebrity business ventures that align with personal values rather than pure profit motives. Once Upon a Farm’s focus on organic, fresh baby food reflects her commitment to children’s nutrition.
What Makes Jennifer Garner Successful
Her versatility distinguishes her from many actresses. She’s equally credible performing complex martial arts sequences, delivering comedic timing in rom-coms, and bringing emotional depth to dramatic roles.
Industry insiders praise her work ethic. She’s known for arriving prepared, treating crew members with respect, and maintaining professionalism even during personal challenges like her divorce.
Her likability factor translates across demographics. She appeals to action fans, rom-com enthusiasts, parents, and business-minded audiences.
What’s Next for Jennifer Garner
With Season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me” premiering in February 2026 and Once Upon a Farm’s IPO proceedings underway, she’s balancing entertainment with entrepreneurship.
She remains selective about roles, prioritizing quality projects over quantity. Multiple film projects are in development, though she hasn’t announced specific titles.
At 53, she’s entering what many consider the most interesting phase of her career—choosing meaningful projects, speaking candidly about co-parenting and personal growth, and building a business empire beyond Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jennifer Garner?
Jennifer Garner is 53 years old. Born April 17, 1972, in Houston, Texas, she turns 54 in April 2026.
What is Jennifer Garner’s net worth in 2026?
Her net worth is $80 million as of 2026, earned through acting (Alias, films), endorsement deals (Neutrogena, Capital One, Mercedes), and her Once Upon a Farm business venture.
Is Jennifer Garner married?
No. She divorced Ben Affleck in 2018 after 13 years of marriage. She’s been dating businessman John Miller since 2018, but they’re not married.
How many children does Jennifer Garner have?
She has three children with Ben Affleck: Violet (20), Fin (17), and Samuel (13). All three maintain relatively private lives despite their parents’ fame.
Did Jennifer Garner win an Emmy for Alias?
No. She received four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2002-2005) but didn’t win. She did win a Golden Globe and SAG Award for the role.
What is Once Upon a Farm?
Once Upon a Farm is an organic baby food company co-founded by Garner in 2017. She serves as Chief Brand Officer and “Farmer Jen” brand spokesperson. The company filed for a $209 million IPO in January 2026.
Where did Jennifer Garner go to college?
She attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance. She also studied at the National Theater Institute in Connecticut during college.
What is Jennifer Garner doing now in 2026?
She’s starring in Season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me” on Apple TV+ (premiering February 2026), working on Once Upon a Farm’s IPO, continuing her advocacy work with Save the Children, and co-parenting her three children with Ben Affleck.
How did Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck meet?
They met on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2001 but didn’t begin dating until 2004 while filming Daredevil together. They married in 2005 and divorced in 2018.
What is Jennifer Garner’s most successful movie?
Financially, Juno (which grossed over $200 million) was highly successful, though she had a supporting role. Her signature starring role remains 13 Going on 30, which grossed $96 million and established her as a leading lady.
Who is John Miller?
John Miller is the CEO of Cali Group, the parent company of CaliBurger. He’s been dating Garner since 2018. The couple maintains extreme privacy, rarely making public appearances together.
What does Fin Affleck’s story involve?
Fin, born in 2009 as Seraphina, publicly introduced themselves with the name Fin and pronouns they/them at their grandfather’s memorial service in April 2024. The family has been supportive and protective of Fin’s privacy.
Is Violet Affleck going to be an actress?
Currently, Violet appears focused on academics and activism. She’s a student at Yale University and published health policy research. She delivered a UN speech in 2024. There’s no indication she’s pursuing acting.
What is Jennifer Garner’s height?
She’s 5’9″ (1.75 meters) tall, which contributed to her credibility in action roles and helped her perform demanding stunts in Alias.
How much did Jennifer Garner make from Alias?
She earned approximately $1 million per season in early years, rising to $3.3 million per season by the final seasons—totaling roughly $9 million+ over five seasons, not including residuals.
Conclusion
Jennifer Garner has built a remarkable career spanning 31 years, transitioning seamlessly from theater understudy to Golden Globe-winning television star to successful film actress to entrepreneur. Her $80 million net worth reflects diverse income streams including acting, endorsements, and business ventures.
She’s redefined what celebrity motherhood looks like—prioritizing her children’s privacy while maintaining career momentum. Her co-parenting relationship with Ben Affleck demonstrates that divorced parents can successfully collaborate for their children’s benefit.
With Season 2 of “The Last Thing He Told Me” and Once Upon a Farm’s IPO both happening in 2026, she continues proving that women over 50 can be at the peak of their professional power. She’s not just surviving Hollywood—she’s thriving as an actress, entrepreneur, and advocate for children’s rights.