Ben Affleck Serves Customers at Dunkin' & Walks Kids to School — Inside His Normal Life despite $150M Wealth
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Ben Affleck likes to walk kids to school.
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He still takes care of the kids after his divorce from his ex Jennifer Gardner.
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He surprised customers by serving coffee at Dunkin'.
Ben Affleck is a proud father of three children with his ex-wife Jennifer Gardner. He has two daughters, Violet, 17, and Seraphina, 13, and a son Samuel, 10. Even though he and Garner parted ways after ten years of marriage, they are friends and work together to co-parent their children.
The former couple is intent on protecting their children from media scrutiny. Garner joined a campaign with other celebrities against paparazzi targeting the children of public figures. Their eldest, Violet, was especially affected as a young child by photographers following her family even to school events.
Ben Affleck, Violet Affleck and Samuel Affleck spotted on August 11, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The couple has also devised ways to help their growing offspring process the coverage their parents receive in the media, whether true or false. Affleck distinguishes between public perception and who he really is most concerned about his children's opinion, saying:
"I will be long dead and someone will ask my kids, 'What was your dad like?' and that is when I will know what my life was worth."
The "Good Will Hunting" creator may be one of the most prolific talents in Hollywood, working as an actor, producer, and director. Affleck, who is reportedly worth $150 million, is just a dad when he is with his kids. He loves walking his son to school and was a pro at tea parties when his girls were younger.
Ben Affleck during a game at the Staples Center on March 1, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. | Source: Getty Images
He has stated emphatically that his career is important to him, but his family comes first. He spends quality time with his children, doing crafts or hanging out at home. His ex, who he describes as a "superhero mom," is a great cook and is also focused on creating a homey atmosphere for their children.
What the kids appreciate and will remember is their parent's love and presence.
Affleck rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez after almost 20 years apart. Lopez and Affleck, who were to be married in 2003, postponed their wedding days before it was to take place. But the actor has said that he would not have pursued any relationship if it had been "painful or destructive" to his children, who are his priority.
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Violet Affleck and Samuel Affleck seen on August 11, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Taking Care of the Kids after Divorce
Affleck and Lopez got engaged for the second time in April of 2022 and were married in July of the same year. They have both matured and wanted their relationship to work this time around. His ex-wife, Garner, was on the same page with the newlyweds in preparing their children for the changes in the family. An insider said of the "Alias" actress:
“There is nothing more important to her than her kids’ happiness so the fact that they feel welcomed and at ease and have bonded with J.Lo and her kids is just the best thing she could ask for.”
Still, Affleck has made an effort to be a present father. He and his new wife are well aware that their marriage is not just a union between two but a blending of families. Lopez has 14-year-old twins Emme and Max with her ex-husband Marc Anthony.
Ben Affleck and his son Samuel Garner Affleck at a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on December 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
As a public figure, Affleck's personal struggles have sometimes become the topic of media cycles. This has taught the actor to be very honest with his children, even when it is painful or hard. The payoff is a higher level of trust, love, and respect. He says that kids are resilient and willing to forgive a slight if parents are sincere and open.
He will always be "dad" first, and everything else comes after.
He also said that it is important for parents to let go of their mistakes and forgive themselves. The main thing is to try to do the best that he can. It is rarely going to be perfect. But what the kids appreciate and will remember is their parent's love and presence.
Ben Affleck, Violet Affleck and Samuel Affleck spotted on August 11, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Serving Customers at Dunkin' Donuts
Affleck is a Boston native. His love for the Red Sox and Dunkin' is well-documented. He recently paid a surprise visit to a Medford location of the coffee franchise. A local who he served at the drive-through window said:
"I was getting my morning coffee, and Ben was at the speaker taking my order. Then [he] was at the window to hand it to me!"
The customer who declared the celeb-siting as "a nice way to start my day" was impressed by the actor who was dressed in a Dunkin' t-shirt and was super nice. Affleck was on a mission that day to spread Dunkin' cheer because he reportedly brought coffee and donuts to a nearby fire station crew.
In some ways, Ben Affleck's life may be coming full circle, reuniting with a lost love and getting back to doing work that he loves. But he retains and protects his children as the pillar and priority of his existence. He will always be "dad" first, and everything else comes after.