Hollywood actor Ben Affleck is back on the dating scene, and his journey may be aided by the wife of his longtime friend, Matt Damon. Fresh from his split with Jennifer Lopez last year and finalizing their divorce in 2025, Ben Affleck has begun to re-enter the world of romance, albeit cautiously.
In a surprising twist, Luciana Barroso, Damon’s wife and a close confidant, has stepped into the role of matchmaker for Affleck. She is reportedly keen on introducing him to potential partners she believes would be a perfect match. Despite having embarked on a few low-key dates, Affleck’s search has yet to yield a significant spark.
An insider told the Daily Mail, “Ben told both Luciana and Matt he needs more time, but Luciana has two potential friends lined up and is keen to see if Ben would hit it off with them.” Barroso’s unique closeness to Affleck, owing to her marriage to his best friend, gives her a certain advantage in this matchmaking endeavor.
One important trait on Affleck’s list for a potential partner is sobriety. This is heavily influenced by his own history with alcohol addiction, a challenge he first confronted in 2001 with multiple rehabilitation attempts since. These struggles have significantly impacted his relationships, most notably with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.
“Right now, he is putting all of his time into work, but when he is ready, he is looking to date a woman who is sober,” an insider shared. The actor’s recovery community is advocating for him to find someone within their ranks, wary of the challenges posed by a partner who drinks.
Even amid personal upheavals, Affleck maintained a positive relationship with Jennifer Lopez, which was apparent in their amicable divorce proceedings. Recently, during the premiere of his film “The Accountant 2,” the actor expressed admiration for Lopez, confirming her continued good relationship with his children. “Jennifer Lopez is spectacular, great to my kids, great ongoing relationship with them,” he affirmed, attending the event with his three children and Lopez’s twins.
Affleck’s reflection on his breakup with Lopez has been candid, as seen in a GQ Magazine interview. Dismissing any speculation of controversy, he remarked, “There’s no scandal, no soap opera, no intrigue.” The breakup, according to Affleck, was a natural progression rather than a sensational separation.
Lopez herself described their split as a “f—king hard” experience, underlining the emotional difficulty of the episode. Affleck acknowledged how vulnerable it felt to discuss, emphasizing that no single event led to the breakup. Instead, he likened it more to couple’s therapy than a dramatic fallout.
The narrative of Ben Affleck’s quest for a sober partner is not only about finding love but also about ensuring a supportive and conducive environment for his ongoing sobriety journey. As his search continues, guided by well-wishers like Luciana Barroso, the potential for a new chapter remains an intriguing possibility.
