Jennifer Garner’s Only Son, Who Despises ‘Men with Cameras,’ Looks like His Mom Now – Photos of His Transformation

• Samuel Garner Affleck is the youngest of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s three children.
• His transformation has caught the attention of netizens due to his resemblance to one of his parents.
• His mother revealed that he “hates” the paparazzi.
• Despite the paparazzi’s presence, Jennifer’s blended family navigates well through it all.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck arrive at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel Garner Affleck grew up under the public eye and his interests and personal moments are often highlighted in his parents’ interviews. Despite the media’s fascination with him, his mother, Jennifer Garner has revealed that he feels quite the opposite: he hates the paparazzi.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend the 2nd Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at The Plaza Hotel on November 19, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Despite his clear distaste for the paparazzi, their invasive presence has been an unstoppable part of his family’s daily life, deeply embedded since before Samuel was even born.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner walk in Brentwood on October 27, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Media Spotlight on Jennifer Garner’s Pregnancy with Samuel Affleck

In 2011, Ben Affleck and Jennifer announced they were expecting their son, Samuel. At the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, photographers also captured Jennifer proudly displaying her baby bump.

Jennifer Garner attends the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards – Red Carpet at The Shrine on May 25, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

As Jennifer’s pregnancy progressed, the public’s interest in her heightened. Even during casual walks through the streets of Los Angeles, the media documented her every move, despite her simple outfit of relaxed jeans, a shirt, and dark sunglasses.

Jennifer Garner walks on the street on October 7, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer’s attempts to keep a low profile didn’t stop the paparazzi from capturing her, even during mundane outings like a makeup-free Starbucks run in Brentwood. Their relentless pursuit highlighted her enduring appeal.

Jennifer Garner walks with a beverage in hand in Brentwood on October 24, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer gave birth to Samuel on February 27, 2012, in Santa Monica. Reflecting on the birth, his mother remarked that having a boy was “so weird,” but also “cool and different.” Samuel is the youngest of the family, joining his two older sisters, Violet Anne and Seraphina Rose.

Ben Affleck carries son Samuel Garner Affleck at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport on July 14, 2012, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel’s birth placed him squarely in the spotlight, following in the footsteps of his famous parents. Meanwhile, the paparazzi’s presence only grew stronger as Samuel was growing up.

Samuel at One Year Old

A year after his birth, Samuel began to attract the paparazzi’s attention alongside his parents. Early photos of him in 2013 captured intimate moments with his parents. In April, he was seen being carried through the streets of Los Angeles by his mother.

Jennifer Garner walks with Samuel Garner Affleck on her left hip on April 6, 2013, in Los Angeles, California.| Source: Getty Images

In August, Jennifer and Samuel visited a public market, where the actress casually pushed Samuel in a stroller, while the boy looked around his busy surroundings.

Jennifer Garner strolls with Samuel Garner Affleck in a public market on August 11, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In September in Pacific Palisades, Jennifer, wearing dark sunglasses, carried blonde-haired Samuel on her left hip. The curious little boy pointed at the photographer capturing the moment.

Jennifer Garner walks outside as Samuel Garner Affleck points at a photographer in Pacific Palisades on September 25, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Two months later, Ben and Jennifer were seen with Samuel and Seraphina enjoying family time. Ben held Samuel close to his chest as they strolled, while Jennifer and Seraphina walked behind them.

Ben Affleck walks with Samuel Garner Affleck close to his chest while Jennifer Garner walks behind with their daughter Seraphina Affleck on November 9, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In December, Jennifer was spotted carrying Samuel in the Brentwood neighborhood. She walked seriously and avoided eye contact. Meanwhile, Samuel also averted his gaze from the cameras but later looked back, acknowledging its presence.

Jennifer Garner carries Samuel Garner Affleck, on December 17, 2013, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel Garner Affleck looks at the photographer as his mother, Jennifer Garner, carries him on the way to a vehicle on December 17, 2013, in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

By the end of the year, Samuel’s growing comfort with the public eye became evident, preparing him to more actively showcase his lively personality in the following year.

Samuel at Two Years Old

Family outings provided a glimpse into their lives, with Samuel often captured in playful moments, which was especially documented in 2014. His playful personality shone through in various activities such as playing with bubbles and riding his bike.

Samuel Garner Affleck enjoys playing bubbles with Jennifer Garner at a park on February 8, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel Garner Affleck bikes around the park with Jennifer Garner on February 8, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Supporting Samuel’s playful spirit, Jennifer engaged with her son, swinging him around and making him feel like he was “flying.” However, these moments of public affection stood in stark contrast to the personal challenges facing the family the following year.

Jennifer Garner smiles as she playfully swings Samuel Garner Affleck at a park in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

In 2015, after ten years of marriage, Samuel’s parents announced their decision to separate. “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce,” Jennifer and Ben shared in a joint statement. They also emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children.

In 2017, Ben and Jennifer filed for divorce, and by 2018, it was finalized. The news also came after Ben opened up about his struggles with alcoholism, including his 40-day rehabilitation period. Despite that struggle, Jennifer supported his recovery journey.

Despite the challenging moments in his parents’ relationship, Samuel continued to find joy in the public eye. This resilience underscores the family’s efforts to preserve normalcy amid personal difficulties.

Samuel at Six Years Old

At the age of six, Samuel became more visible at public events. He and his extended family notably attended his mom’s ceremony in Hollywood on August 20, 2018, where the actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Seraphina and Samuel Garner Affleck sit close to Jennifer Garner’s star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel’s two older sisters, Seraphina and Violet, his grandparents, William John and Patricia Ann Garner, and his aunt, Melissa Garner Wylie, also joined the event.

Jennifer Garner poses with her parents Patricia Ann Garner and William John Garner, her children Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel Garner Affleck, and her sister Melissa Garner Wylie at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

William John Garner, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel Garner Affleck, and Jennifer Garner attend the ceremony honoring the actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The entire family dressed elegantly for the special occasion. Samuel, looking sharp in his blue shirt and pants, was in high spirits. He showed his affection by giving his mom a loving kiss on the cheek during the celebration.

Jennifer Garner receives a sweet kiss from her son Samuel Garner Affleck at the ceremony honoring the actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 20, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

This sweet affection would become a hallmark of Samuel’s relationship with his mother, continuing as he approached his teenage years, particularly evident in their shared love for sports.

Samuel at Eleven Years Old

As Samuel approached his teenage years, public appearances often highlighted his close bond with his mother, Jennifer. In 2023, they were seen supporting the Golden State Warriors (GSW), an interest reflected in his sporty attire at events. These moments also underlined the mother-son duo’s striking resemblance.

Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck smile at the camera at the Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel not only watches basketball events but he also plays. His father, Ben, candidly shared his embarrassing experiences at one of his son’s games. “I was at a basketball game for 11-year-olds, loudly complaining about the inconsistencies of the traveling calls against [them].”

Jennifer Garner and Samuel Garner Affleck smile as they watch the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at the Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Aware of his actions at the time, Ben expressed his intention to avoid becoming one of those parents who overly invested in their children’s sports. He then reflected on modern parenting challenges, saying, “We want them to succeed. We love them so much. And yet the real challenge is to get out of the way and let them do it on their own.”

Despite the changes in his personal life, Ben continues to support Samuel’s interests as he grows older, maintaining his role as a supportive parent even after his separation from Jennifer.

Samuel at Twelve Years Old

Samuel, now 12, has grown into a young version of his mother, according to fans, and his recent appearance at the Ruffles celebrity game with his father showcased notable changes. Netizens were quick to comment on his appearance.

One fan exclaimed, “What a great-looking boy!! Looks like his Mama as do the other kids!” Another added, “Nice looking young man, looks like his mom.” One admirer noted, “His mom’s twin. Cute.”

While many said he looked like his mom, others noted his similarities with his father and even compared him to other actors. A fan gushed, “Lovely handsome boy like father like son, God bless.” Additionally, one observer uniquely compared him to a young Kurt Russell, and another remarked that he resembled young Matt Damon.

Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Samuel continues to make public appearances, recently attending a basketball game not with his mother, but accompanied by his dad and his stepmother, actress Jennifer “JLo” Lopez, whom Ben married in 2022. At the game, he looked relaxed and enjoyed the moment alongside his dad and JLo.

Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez watch the basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite changes in Samuel’s family dynamics, Ben and his ex-wife have continued to co-parent effectively since their divorce. They both take turns taking Samuel to school—Jennifer walks him there and Ben picks him up. They even celebrated Samuel’s birthday together at Disneyland, showing their commitment to his happiness.

However, alongside Ben and Jennifer’s effective co-parenting, Samuel seems to grapple with a persistent challenge in his life: his frustration with the paparazzi.

Samuel’s Struggle with Paparazzi

Jennifer revealed in 2016 that Samuel hates “men with cameras.” She said, “Of all my kids, he hates [the paparazzi] the most. He hates them.” Jennifer would reassure Samuel that the paparazzi would not harm him.

A screenshot of Jennifer Garner being interviewed by a reporter. | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight

In 2021, Jennifer discussed her family’s struggles with the paparazzi, revealing that despite considering relocating to several areas, they remained in Los Angeles. They made this decision because it minimized disruptions for their children and because the local public and paparazzi were more accustomed to celebrities.

Amidst the ongoing challenges with the paparazzi, Jennifer found solace during the pandemic. She recounted a rare day at the beach made possible by the anonymity provided by face masks. When her children asked why such outings weren’t more frequent, she explained that paparazzi often chased them away, spoiling the experience not only for their family but for everyone around.

Recognizing the toll this constant scrutiny took on her children, Jennifer took action to protect their privacy. She convened meetings with local authorities and fellow celebrity mothers, advocating for better safeguards against paparazzi intrusion.

Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner testify in Sacramento, urging support for legislation imposing tougher penalties on paparazzi harassing celebrities and their children. | Source: YouTube/abc10news

In another effort to safeguard her children’s privacy, Jennifer testified before the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety in 2013, supporting a bill alongside actress Halle Berry aimed at protecting children from paparazzi. The bill was signed into law later that year, marking a significant victory in her advocacy efforts.

Jennifer Garner urges California lawmakers to back legislation enforcing stricter penalties on paparazzi who harass celebrities and their children. | Source: YouTube/abc10news

As she continues to navigate motherhood amid the paparazzi’s presence, Jennifer extends her protective and loving instincts not only to her own children but also to JLo’s children.

Navigating Blended Parenthood

Despite the challenges, Jennifer continues to excel in parenting her three children in the public eye and has found harmony in her blended family, which includes Ben and J-Lo who have twin children, Emme and Max Muñiz.

Parenting expert Lucy Shrimpton shared her views on Jennifer’s unique family dynamics and remarked them as an “inspiration.” For instance, she highlighted Jennifer’s trip to Disneyland with Seraphina and JLo’s child Emme in May 2023, showing her close bond with Ben’s stepchild.

Lucy added, “No doubt it must have been extremely hard for Jennifer and Ben Affleck and the whole family when they decided to go their separate ways but they are a shining example that you can overcome difficulties and come out the other side with an open mind and an open heart.”

The Disneyland outing involving Jennifer, Seraphina, and Emme wasn’t the only publicized event; sightings of Ben, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer’s children enjoying time together in Los Angeles also garnered attention.