When The Way Back hits theaters and you get the chance to see the picture, you’ll realize that the storyline is uncannily similar to its main lead’s, Ben Affleck, who has been frequenting tabloid headlines for the not-so-good reasons. In the past years, everything seemed publicized for him – from his high-profile divorce to a controversial back tattoo to his sobriety.
The Way Back talks about the struggles of a former basketball player who tries to turn his life around by becoming a coach in his alma mater despite struggling with marriage failure and fighting alcoholism – although this does not follow Ben’s life story down to the dot, it has similarities that are simply hard to ignore. Even the star himself acknowledges that this hits close to home.
In an interview, the 47-year-old opened up about the painful phase of his life and the biggest mistake he has made: his divorce with actress Jennifer Garner, whom he tied the knot with in 2005, just a year after they started dating.
When their relationship was on the rocks between 2015 and 2016, things started to crumble for Ben, who admitted that this phase contributed to his drinking problem. Of course, this habit also aggravated marital woes.
Despite sharing three children, 7-year-old Samuel, 11-year-old Seraphina, and 14-year-old Violet, the former love birds finalized their divorce in October 2018. It is worth noting that they were separated three years before the papers were signed.
Ben may have let go of Jennifer but he hasn’t really lost her in the sense that she has been instrumental in helping the Batman actor get back on his feet, which is probably why he realized that the divorce was a mistake. Throughout all the mess, the 13 Going 30 star has always stood by his side.
The troubled actor has entered rehab facilities multiple times and in August 2018, Jennifer accompanied his ex-husband to an institution – note that this was two months before their divorce was finalized. Despite their love story closing to an end, they make sure that co-parenting is at the forefront for the sake of their kids.
In October 2018, he penned an emotional post on Instagram, sharing his efforts to battle his problem. Exactly a year later, photos of an inebriated Ben surfaced, making people think that he had a relapse – he also regretted that this happened because his kids would probably see these pictures.