Ben Affleck has made a surprising confession about his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez two years after their high-profile split.
The Oscar-winning actor, 54, had nothing but praise for Jennifer, 57, as he reflected on their relationship and the lessons he learned from watching her navigate the entertainment industry.
Speaking on The Moment with Jorge and Paola Ramos podcast, Ben described his former wife as “probably the hardest-working person that I’ve ever known”, admitting that even he was left astonished by her dedication.
© Getty ImagesThe Gone Girl star explained that Jennifer had faced significant challenges throughout her career, particularly as a Latina woman trying to establish herself in Hollywood.
He praised her determination to break down barriers and prove her critics wrong, describing her as a pioneer who had achieved things others told her were impossible.
Ben also acknowledged the additional scrutiny Jennifer has faced throughout her career, suggesting she has had to work considerably harder than many of her contemporaries to achieve the same recognition.
© Getty“I hold her in enormous, enormous, respect and regard,” he said, before going on to explain that Jennifer’s unwavering belief in herself, even when others doubted her abilities, was something he deeply admired.
The actor also reflected on how much he had learned from his time with Jennifer and her family, making it clear that their marriage had left a lasting impression on him.
“She’s pretty extraordinary,” he said, adding that he wished her continued success.
© InstagramBen’s comments come nearly two years after Jennifer filed for divorce in August 2024, bringing their much-publicized second chance at love to an end.
The former couple famously began dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of Gigli. They became engaged later that year but called off their wedding before separating in 2004.
Almost two decades later, they rekindled their romance in 2021 and delighted fans when they tied the knot in Las Vegas in July 2022, followed by a lavish ceremony at Ben’s Georgia estate the following month.
© Getty ImagesHowever, their fairytale reunion was short-lived. Jennifer listed their date of separation as April 26, 2024, when she filed for divorce four months later. Their divorce was finalized in early 2025.
Earlier this month, Ben once again praised Jennifer’s talents during an interview with Variety, suggesting that her work had not always received the awards recognition it deserved.
