Ben Affleck marked his 54th birthday with a low-key family gathering in Santa Monica, joined by his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their children.
The celebration comes shortly after the death of his mother, Chris Anne Affleck, who died on June 2 at age 83 following a battle with cancer.
Ben Affleck was photographed at the upscale market Farmshop with his sons Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14, while Garner was also spotted at the same location, showcasing the pair’s bond with their children as co-parents.
The birthday celebration marks Affleck’s first without his mother, whose passing has profoundly affected the actor and his brother, Casey Affleck.
A source told People Magazine about how the actor was coping: “Losing your mom is an unimaginable loss at any age, and they’re grieving deeply.”
The source added that the family is supported “by an incredible support system, and their kids have been a real source of comfort and strength during this heartbreaking time.” As reported, the family leans on one another, and they’ll “get through it together.”
Now, according to images obtained by the Daily Mail, Affleck spent part of his birthday with his children, Fin and Samuel, at an outing in Santa Monica as he did last year.
The trio was spotted at a Farmshop, dressing casually with Affleck in a striped shirt, dark trousers and shades.
Garner was also reportedly seen at the same Farmshop, although the former couple was not photographed together. The former couple also share a daughter, Violet, 20, who wasn’t present during the recent birthday outing.
See the images of their outing here.
The Actor’s Mother Achieved Her ‘Greatest Wish’ Before Her Death
The passing of Affleck’s mother was first announced by the family last month through an obituary in the Boston Globe. She was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in December 2025 and was reportedly given six months to live.
In her death certificate obtained by US Weekly, the late mother of two died from cardiopulmonary arrest while “visiting her son’s residence” in Los Angeles.
As noted in the obituary, Chris’ “greatest wish” after her diagnosis was to see her grandson graduate from high school.
She achieved that goal on May 31 in attendance with her family, two days before she died “peacefully in her sleep.”
Affleck’s mother was a grandmother to five grandchildren, namely Indiana, 22; Violet; Atticus, 18; Fin; and Sam, who were referred to as “the animating force of her last two decades.”
Chris Anne Affleck Lived A Life Of Purpose And Advocacy
Chris Anne was born in New York City in 1942. As a Harvard graduate, she spent 35 years educating in a public school in Massachusetts.
As stated in the obituary, Chris was a committed civil rights activist who taught literacy classes in Mississippi during the Freedom Summer of 1964. She reportedly marched against the Vietnam War and “reveled in 1960s counterculture.”
In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck spoke proudly of his mother, saying, “My mother taught public school, went to Harvard and then got her master’s there and taught fifth and sixth grade in a public school.”
Chris was fairly instrumental in launching the acting career of the ‘Good Will Hunting’ star. She reportedly connected her son to casting director Patty Collins, who was her roommate at Harvard.
Jennifer Garner And Ben Affleck’s Co-Parenting Bond
The recent gathering at Affleck’s 54th birthday celebration highlights the wholesome co-parenting relationship between Affleck and Garner, who were married from 2005 to 2015.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Garner claimed Affleck’s reliability as a parent gave her freedom in her career. The ‘Five Star Weekend’ actress said in the report, “There is a time in your life where you just do get caught up in all of that, and that’s okay.”
She added that “Nothing is forever. That’s a season. And it’s a beautiful thing. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. But I feel like my kids are a little bigger. Their dad has become this incredible co-parent.”
Affleck has reportedly also offered similar praise. According to Today, the actor said, “I’m really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids’ mom, who’s wonderful and great and we work together well.”
The pair have maintained a supportive dynamic, with Garner repeatedly attending the 54-year-old’s birthday celebration.
The Actor’s Ex-Wives Reportedly Rushed To Support Him After The Passing Of His Mom
According to a previous report, Affleck received the support of both his ex-wives, Garner and Jennifer Lopez, following the news of his mother’s death.
An insider told Globe Magazine, “They’re both determined to surround him with as much love and support as possible.”
“Ben adored his mom; she was his everything, so her death has left him absolutely devastated,” they continued.
“It all happened very fast, so Ben’s still reeling,” the insider noted. “Without her, he feels very lost — and the people around him are worried because grief can be especially dangerous for someone in recovery.”
