Ben Affleck Opens Up About Losing Both Parents Two Months Apart: "83 Years Would Feel Like Longer"

Ben Affleck is sharing one of the most personal chapters of his life. In a new GQ interview published Tuesday, the actor opened up about losing both of his parents just two months apart this year. His father, Timothy, passed away in April at 76, and his mother, Chris, passed in June at 83 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His dad’s death had been kept private until his brother Casey announced it at the Venice Film Festival in September.

In the interview, Ben got candid about how the losses reshaped his perspective. He said the experience made him think about his own mortality, his childhood, his three kids, and what he wants to do with his remaining time. He described his mom as extraordinary and brave, and shared a line from her that has stayed with him: she had a great life and no regrets, but thought 83 years would feel longer than it did.

Affleck rarely talks publicly about his family, which makes this interview hit even harder. His reflections on grief and gratitude are resonating with anyone who has lost someone they love, or who is quietly dreading that day. It’s a reminder that the time we have with the people who raised us is never as long as we think.

What’s one thing you wish you had asked your parents before it was too late? Tell us in the comments.