'Divorce Glow-Up': Ben Affleck Debuts New Facial Hair Color, Sparking Stir for Looking 'On the Prowl' - Photo

The actor's latest look has the internet buzzing, as he stepped out with a fresh facial hair color, igniting a debate about his emotional state amid his divorce.

Ben Affleck, 52, was spotted in Santa Monica on Thursday, October 3, with a noticeably darker beard and mustache. This revamped appearance made some fans wonder about the new phase in his life following his ongoing separation from Jennifer Lopez.

The actor was dressed in business casual attire, with a blue button-up, and black slacks. But his facial hair, which was a departure from his natural, graying look of the past few years, sparked a stir online.

Fans expressed admiration and excitement for his future, with one commenting, "He's on the prowl 😅", while another added, "Divorce glow- up [sic]😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆."

Many suggested that the actor appeared better and more at ease. "He looks so much happier," one user noted, while another commented, "He has that look like a big weight off his shoulders 😁."

However, not all the reactions were positive. One user sarcastically remarked, "Is glow up in the room with us?" Meanwhile, another added their concerns about the actor's well-being, "Poor guy, he always looks so unhappy. The media just needs to leave him alone, cause [sic] he's obviously going through a lot of issues. If he wants to dye his beard, more power to him."

Another critical user wrote, "He looks rough….but he's done it to himself so 🤷🏻‍♀️." Finally, one fan preferred the actor's old look, stating, "Nope! I like the salt and pepper look."

Affleck's makeover comes during a pivotal moment in his personal life as he faces the challenges of his highly publicized split from Jennifer Lopez. The "Jenny from the Block" singer filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 20, 2024, which coincidentally marked the second anniversary of their grand wedding ceremony at Affleck's estate in Georgia.

Lopez handled the paperwork without legal representation, which is known as "pro per." The couple never signed a prenuptial agreement. Any income or property accumulated during their brief marriage will be considered community property under California law.

In the meantime, Affleck's transformation—whether a "divorce glow-up" or a more personal reinvention—offers a glimpse into how the actor is handling his current life. Fans and critics alike will undoubtedly continue to watch closely, eager to see what comes next for both the actor and the singer as they move forward separately.

This isn't the first time fans have said Affleck looks happier or better since he and Lopez announced their separation. As reported previously, the actor was photographed kissing his best friend Matt Damon's wife, Luciana Barroso, on the head on September 13, 2024.

This seemingly innocent gesture sparked controversy online, especially following recent photos of Damon and Lopez holding hands at the Toronto Film Festival.

The friendly exchange, and this kiss between Affleck and Barroso, fueled growing online speculation about the "Bennifer" divorce. Affleck and Barroso were reportedly heading into a meeting when the smooch occurred.

The actor, dressed in a sharp navy suit and light blue button-down, looked composed as he greeted his friend's wife, who wore a sleek black pantsuit and braid. Both appeared comfortable in each other’s company, exchanging smiles and a light embrace.

Many were quick to compliment Affleck's appearance, with one user writing, "He looks better than ever before," while another added, "He looks more happy and handsome after leaving @jlo. Good for him." Others, however, were more focused on the interaction itself, with some suggesting a deeper meaning behind the friendly gesture.

Comments like "Spouse swap" and "SWITCH" flooded the comment sections. One fan even speculated, "What if Ben and Damon's wife are having an affair? Which is why JLO and Matt were comforting each other last week…"

Users couldn't help but draw some more dramatic conclusions. "Should Matt Damon be worried?" one commenter joked, while another user added, "This cannot be a coincidence… CANNOT." However, not all reactions leaned toward scandal.

One commented, "He looks happy! And she is like a sister to him," while another Instagrammer added, "So what! Jlo was with Matt last week. They're ALL friends!"

One commenter praised their maturity, writing, "They're ALL adults that can interact with each other in a mature manner." Others admired the warmth between close friends, with one user saying, "I love seeing love and affection between family/close friends."

The close-knit relationships between Affleck, Damon, Lopez, and Barroso have long been a subject of interest. Affleck and Damon's friendship stretches back decades, with the two having met as kids in their hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Affleck has often credited Damon with being a key figure in his life and career, and their bond remains strong to this day. As such, Affleck's recent display of affection toward Barroso seems to reflect the long-standing closeness between their families.

Affleck, who is currently navigating his divorce from Lopez, has been leaning on his friends for support during this difficult time. Just a few weeks before the photos of him kissing Barroso surfaced, he, Damon, and their families were spotted dining together at the Italian restaurant Toscana in Los Angeles.

It was a lighthearted evening, with laughter and conversation flowing freely, according to onlookers. Affleck's neutral expression during the outing didn't escape notice, though some remarked that he appeared to have a "pep in his step" as he went to join his friends.

Despite their separation, Affleck and Lopez have made it clear that they are prioritizing their children. The former couple recently enjoyed a "fun lunch" at the Polo Lounge in Los Angeles, where their blended family gathered.

Affleck's children, Seraphina and Samuel, joined Lopez's twins, Emme and Max, for the outing. An insider shared, "Jennifer is trying to be friendly with Ben. They are still moving forward with the divorce though. They are working out financial details amicably."

The source also added, "The kids always got along and have fun together. Happy kids are her priority." With emotions running high and social media rife with speculation, it's clear that fans remain captivated by the intertwined relationships between Affleck, Lopez, Damon, and Barroso.