Is Zac Affleck Related to Ben Affleck? Untangling the Rumor and the Real Family Tree
Ben Affleck has long been a household name, known for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters and high-profile relationships. Recently, however, reality TV viewers have been buzzing about a potential family link between him and Zac Affleck, a cast member on Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." So, are these two really related, or is it just another viral rumor? Let's break down the facts, examine the evidence, and clear up any confusion.
Where Did the Rumor Start?
The rumor took off during the first season of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." Jen Affleck, Zac's wife and one of the show's stars, mentioned that Zac was supposedly Ben Affleck's second cousin. The claim caught fire, leading pop culture fans and amateur genealogists alike to hunt for a direct connection. Social media posts and playful TikTok videos from Jen kept the speculation alive, especially after Ben Affleck's highly-publicized marriage to Jennifer Lopez.
Addressing the Ben Affleck Family Connection On Air
Season two of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" brought the topic front and center. In a candid conversation, Zac Affleck clarified that he had no known connection to Ben Affleck. "I have no idea if I am or am not related to Ben Affleck," he admitted during an episode. "That had been a running joke in my family. It had never been something serious."
For more about the on-screen discussion and how the family handled it, see this detailed coverage by TODAY.
What Genealogy Experts Say
Internet genealogy sleuths got to work after Jen Affleck’s claims. They reviewed both the Utah Afflecks (Zac’s side) and the famous Boston Afflecks (Ben’s side). Their conclusion was clear: there is no direct relationship between the two families. As reported by PEOPLE, Zac’s ancestors and Ben’s do not intersect at any point that would establish them as cousins or closer relatives. You can read the full backstory and genealogy breakdown in this comprehensive article from PEOPLE.
How the Afflecks Responded
Both Zac and Jen Affleck have addressed the rumors multiple times. Jen has kept a sense of humor about the speculation, even joking about being "the first Jennifer Affleck" before J.Lo. Zac, meanwhile, has consistently distanced himself from any supposed Hollywood lineage. As quoted in various interviews, he said, "No one’s ever claimed to have some sort of relationship with him besides you," referring to his wife.
For another perspective and quotes from the show, check out Yahoo's deep dive on the Affleck family tree topic.
Why the Rumor Stuck
This story gained traction thanks to a mix of pop culture curiosity and the unique overlap of two Affleck families—one famous in entertainment, the other now featured on reality TV. The humorous and lighthearted way Jen Affleck played into the rumor, especially on social media, made the narrative more engaging for fans.
What’s Next for Zac and Jen Affleck?
While the connection to Ben Affleck is now put to rest, Zac and Jen continue to share their lives with viewers. "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" explores not just scandal and celebrity rumors, but also their real family journey—including parenting young children and expecting another baby.
The Takeaway: No Hollywood Family Ties—But a Good Story
Despite viral claims, Zac Affleck is not known to be related to Ben Affleck. The truth is sometimes less sensational than the rumor, but both Affleck families are interesting in their own right. For die-hard Ben Affleck fans, this is a reminder that not all namesakes share bloodlines, but sometimes, a funny coincidence is all it takes to capture the internet’s imagination.
Want to read more about celebrity family mysteries? Explore trusted sources like PEOPLE and TODAY for up-to-date news and exclusive interviews.