Jennifer Garner's romantic history is a tale of Hollywood highs, quiet lows, and enduring resilience. Best known for her iconic role as Sydney Bristow in the hit series Alias, Garner has navigated love both on and off screen. Her relationships have spanned co-stars, a high-profile marriage to Ben Affleck, and a more private partnership with entrepreneur John Miller. Here's an in-depth look at the actors and businessman who have won Garner's heart over the years.
Early Marriage: Scott Foley
Jennifer Garner's first marriage was to actor Scott Foley, whom she met on the set of the WB series Felicity. Garner appeared as a guest star playing Foley's on-screen girlfriend, and the chemistry quickly translated into real life. They began dating in 1998 and tied the knot in 2000. However, the marriage was short-lived. Garner filed for divorce in 2003, citing irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was finalized in 2004. Reflecting on the split, Garner later told InStyle that she felt they became "victims of Hollywood." Foley has denied rumors that Garner's subsequent relationship with co-star Michael Vartan caused the breakup, stating that no infidelity occurred and that "people get divorced." Despite the amicable split, the two have remained cordial, occasionally running into each other over the years.
On-Set Romance: Michael Vartan
Following her separation from Foley, Garner began dating her Alias co-star Michael Vartan in 2003. Their characters Sydney Bristow and Michael Vaughn had a will-they-won't-they dynamic on the show, which mirrored their off-screen chemistry. The relationship was brief, ending in 2004. Garner later married Ben Affleck the following year. Vartan himself married Lauren Skaar in 2011 but divorced in 2014. When asked in 2018 about a possible reunion, Vartan responded, "If it didn't work once, there's a reason it didn't work." Nonetheless, Garner and Vartan have maintained a friendly relationship. She publicly wished him a happy birthday on social media in 2018 and again in 2023, proving that exes can remain friends.
High-Profile Marriage: Ben Affleck
Garner's most famous relationship is with Ben Affleck. The two met while filming Pearl Harbor in 2000, but they did not begin dating until later. They got engaged in 2004 and married in 2005. Together, they share three children: Violet (born 2005), Seraphina (born 2009), and Samuel (born 2012). Garner's pregnancy with Violet was written into Alias, with her character becoming pregnant as well. The marriage lasted over a decade, but the couple separated in 2015, with the divorce finalized in 2018. At the time of separation, rumors swirled that Affleck had been unfaithful with the family nanny, but Garner denied that the nanny had anything to do with the divorce. Affleck later explained on The Howard Stern Show that they simply grew apart and did not want their children to see an unhappy marriage. Despite the split, Garner and Affleck have maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship, often seen together at family events. Interestingly, Garner once called Affleck "the love of my life" after their separation. However, Affleck rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez in 2021, marrying her in 2022. That marriage also ended, with Lopez and Affleck finalizing their divorce in 2025. Throughout it all, Garner has remained a steady presence in her children's lives and a positive figure in the public eye.
Current Relationship: John Miller
Since her divorce from Affleck, Garner has been in a relationship with entrepreneur John Miller. Miller is the founder of Cali Group, which owns the CaliBurger restaurant chain. Like Garner, he has been married before—to violinist Caroline Campbell—and they share two children, including a daughter also named Violet. Garner and Miller began dating in October 2018. They took a nine-month break starting in summer 2020, reportedly because Miller was ready for marriage and Garner was not. They reconciled in May 2021 and have been together ever since. During their break, Garner was briefly linked to her Alias co-star Bradley Cooper, but nothing romantic materialized. Garner and Miller have kept their relationship relatively private. As of 2025, Miller was living part-time at Garner's home while searching for his own residence in Los Angeles after wildfires. Reports in 2026 suggest some tension regarding Garner's co-parenting with Affleck, but Miller reportedly handles it by staying quiet. There are no current plans for marriage, though a source told Us Weekly that Garner sees a long-term future with Miller and is "perfectly happy cherishing and enjoying what they have." Garner's approach to love has evolved over the years, from a whirlwind Hollywood marriage to a quieter, more deliberate partnership.
Garner's Legacy Beyond Romance
Beyond her relationships, Jennifer Garner has built a successful career as an actress and producer. She rose to fame with Alias, which earned her a Golden Globe, and later starred in films such as 13 Going on 30, Juno, and Dallas Buyers Club. She has also become known for her philanthropic work, including her involvement with Save the Children and her advocacy for early childhood education. Garner's personal life has often been in the spotlight, but she has handled it with grace, prioritizing her children and maintaining positive relationships with her exes. Her journey through love and heartbreak reflects the complexities of modern relationships, especially under the glare of Hollywood. Whether married to a Hollywood A-lister or dating a businessman, Garner has remained true to herself, finding happiness in her own terms.
Source: MSN News