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Jennifer Garner is known for her decade-long romance with Ben Affleck. The couple married in 2005 and split in 2015 before officially divorcing in 2018. Before Garner was involved with Affleck, she dated actor Michael Vartan from 2003 to 2004, and they co-starred in Alias. Here’s what Vartan once said about how their on-screen romance could have been “a disaster” after having a relationship in real life.

Jennifer Garner’s ex, Michael Vartan, said his and Garner’s on-screen romance in ‘Alias’ could have been disastrous

Jennifer Garner keeps her personal life private, but Alias fans know she dated Michael Vartan. Vartan and Garner co-starred in Alias, which ran from 2001 to 2006. The couple dated briefly from 2003 to 2004. Thankfully, their breakup didn’t devastate their friendship, as they remained close when their romance died.

Vartan played Agent Michael Vaughn, and Garner played Sydney Bristow in Alias. The characters have an ongoing romantic interest in each other throughout the series, and the show ends with Sydney and Vaughn married. In 2005, Vartan spoke to USA Today about his “benign” split with Garner and how they’re “better off as friends.”

“On the surface, it could have been a recipe for disaster,” Vartan noted of his on-screen romance with Garner’s character after their real-life breakup. “But Jennifer and I were best friends first, during (the romance) and after.”

So, would Vartan ever get back together with Garner?

“Oh my God,” he said when asked the question on E!’s Daily Pop in 2018. “I don’t think so. If it didn’t work once, there’s a reason it didn’t work.”

“Everyone’s getting single,” Vartan added. “It’s crazy. Everyone’s realizing that is so much easier to be single. I love relationships. When they work, when they’re great, they’re great, and when they’re not, they’re not.”

She wished her ex a happy birthday with a sweet ‘Alias’ throwback

Jennifer Garner and Michael Vartan sitting next to each other and holding an 'Alias' book at the 'Alias Declassified: The Official Companion' book signing event in 2002
Jennifer Garner and Michael Vartan attend the ‘Alias Declassified: The Official Companion’ book signing event in 2002 | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
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Despite their past romance, Jennifer Garner and Michael Vartan stayed friends through the years. In November 2023, Garner wished Vartan a happy 55th birthday with a sweet Instagram post containing a throwback photo from Alias.

“I can’t remember why I was Bavarian, but I do know today is your birthday,” Garner captioned the post that showed her in costume with Vartan beside her. “I hope it’s a great one, Michael! XX S. Bristow.”

This isn’t the first time Garner wished Vartan a happy birthday. In 2018, she posted for Vartan’s 50th birthday. “Can you believe this baby face is 50?! Happy birthday, Michael Vartan,” she captioned the post, which contained a black and white photo of the two actors.

Jennifer Garner told Michael Vartan about her engagement to Ben Affleck before most others

During Michael Vartan’s 2005 interview with USA Today, he mentioned that Jennifer Garner told him about her engagement with Ben Affleck before telling most others. Vartan had never met Affleck at the time, but he said he “heard nothing but wonderful things about him.”

“Their love is very genuine,” Vartan continued. “I’m hoping Ben will put me in one of his next movies.”

Affleck and Garner remain friendly in 2024. They share three children and live near each other in Los Angeles. Garner visited Affleck for Affleck’s 52nd birthday, and the exes have been spotted together multiple times as Affleck navigates his potential divorce from Jennifer Lopez. Garner is reportedly dating John Miller, whom she’s been romantically linked to since 2018.

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