Some people simply can’t live halfway, and the 52-year-old actress is one of them. A Golden Globe winner, known for her energy, Jennifer Garner has been juggling a busy schedule in recent months, balancing her career, family, and volunteer work.
Recently, Garner made her first public appearance in a while, spotted having lunch with a friend in Los Angeles. For the casual outing, she chose a cozy gray sweater, loose jeans, and stylish black loafers. At first glance, nothing seems to reveal her exhaustion, but close friends insist that she needs a break more than ever.
The past few months have been grueling for the actress. In addition to filming the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me and raising her three kids, Garner has been heavily involved in charity work, assisting those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles.
“Jennifer devoted almost every minute to helping friends who lost everything in the fire. She volunteered with her church, organized support, and worked tirelessly. She needs to learn how to relax, but that’s just not in her nature,” a source close to the star said.
Garner worked with the World Central Kitchen charity, even personally preparing meals for evacuees. In an interview, she admitted the tragedy impacted her not just as a volunteer, but as a person. “I lost a friend. It’s a huge wound for us, and we’re not ready to talk about it,” Garner shared with MSNBC.
Amid personal tragedies and a hectic schedule, the actress also found herself unintentionally playing “therapist” to her ex-husband Ben Affleck, whose marriage to Jennifer Lopez quickly fell apart. According to insiders, Garner became a peacemaker between her ex-husband and his new partner. “The divorce between Ben and J.Lo affected her a lot because she was constantly caught in the middle. It was hard,” a source revealed.
Ben Affleck, who was married to Garner for 13 years and shares three children with her—Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 12—realizes how much his ex-wife has done for him. “For Ben, Jen is a superhero. She’s saved him more than once, and he’s ready to do anything for her,” the insider added.
