Ben Affleck’s Dramatic Day: Helping Jennifer Garner Escape Wildfires While JLo Cancels Premiere
Ben Affleck’s life took a dramatic turn when California wildfires forced him to evacuate his $20 million bachelor pad in Pacific Palisades. The actor’s day was anything but ordinary, filled with rescues, reunions, and unexpected smiles. Here’s how it all unfolded.
A Heroic Gesture Amid Chaos
Affleck didn’t hesitate when the wildfires reached his upscale neighborhood. After ensuring his own safety, he rushed to assist ex-wife Jennifer Garner, who lives nearby. Together, they gathered their three children and sought refuge. Sources confirmed to DailyMail.com that the family is now safe.
Despite the tension, Affleck was later spotted in Brentwood, flashing a warm smile while visiting a neighbor. Dressed casually in a hoodie and sporting his signature rugged beard, the actor even shared a friendly hug before hopping into his luxury SUV. It was a moment of levity in an otherwise chaotic day.
A Tale of Two Jennifers
Affleck’s day wasn’t only marked by heroics; it also highlighted his complicated personal life. The wildfires came just after his ex-fiancée Jennifer Lopez cancelled the premiere of her new film, Unstoppable. The cancellation and Affleck’s current living arrangements paint a vivid picture of his post-breakup world.
Since splitting from Lopez, Affleck has been residing in his Pacific Palisades home, a more modest dwelling than the sprawling $68 million estate the couple once shared in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Garner is renting a luxurious $53,271-a-month house just a few blocks away while her Brentwood farmhouse undergoes renovations.
Hollywood on Fire
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to stars like Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, and Adam Sandler, has been ravaged by the wildfires. Affleck’s home was one of many at risk, along with notable landmarks like the Getty Villa, which narrowly escaped damage.
Celebrities like James Woods and Chris Pratt have taken to social media to share updates and prayers. Pratt urged followers to “send strength to everyone affected by these devastating fires,” while others like Spencer Pratt of The Hills weren’t as fortunate. Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, lost their home after being forced to evacuate with their two young sons.
From Luxury to Ashes
Affleck’s current $20.5 million property, while impressive with its five bedrooms and six bathrooms, pales in comparison to the 38,000-square-foot Beverly Hills estate he once shared with Lopez. That home, still unsold at $68 million, featured 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, and amenities like a 12-car garage and elevator.
His previous residence, a rental in Brentwood, placed him close to Garner and their kids, maintaining a sense of familial connection despite their split. This proximity allowed Affleck to act quickly during this latest crisis.
Traffic, Tensions, and Resilience
As winds reached speeds of over 100 mph, chaos erupted across Los Angeles. Residents, including Eugene Levy of Schitt’s Creek, faced gridlocked roads, with some abandoning their vehicles to flee on foot. Fire crews struggled to navigate the congestion, often needing to bulldoze cars to reach affected areas.
The wildfires also sparked a secondary blaze in Altadena, prompting evacuations in Pasadena. In the midst of destruction, the resilience of communities like Pacific Palisades shines through, with residents banding together to navigate the crisis.
Ben’s Unshakable Smile
Despite the challenges, Affleck’s smile during his Brentwood visit speaks volumes. Whether it’s the relief of his family’s safety or the comforting embrace of his neighborhood, Affleck continues to balance the complexities of his personal life and the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood drama.
From rescuing his family to weathering the flames of California’s wildfires, Ben Affleck remains a figure of resilience and compassion.