Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 10, 2024 8:37 pm GMT
A star from the breakout reality series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” is gaining attention as her tumultuous relationship unfolds on screen. Jen Affleck, a member of the cast, is notably connected to Hollywood through her marriage to Zac Affleck, who happens to be a distant cousin to actors Ben and Casey Affleck. The show has distinguished itself by recording the highest viewership for an unscripted series premiere on Hulu in 2024, surpassing even the highly popular “The Kardashians.
Reality Series Highlights Marital Struggles
The series features eight women from the emerging social media community known as “Mormon MomTok,” who share their stories against the backdrop of everyday challenges and cultural norms. Among them is Taylor Frankie Paul, who previously garnered headlines for her divorce announcement after developing feelings for a friend’s husband while engaging in “soft swinging.” However, it is Jen’s complicated relationship with her husband Zac that has recently captivated viewers.
In the last three episodes of the first season, aired last week, the cast traveled to Las Vegas to celebrate a birthday. Zac Affleck, one of the few men accompanying the women, ignited viewer discussions when he threatened to divorce Jen after she attended a Chippendales male stripper show with the other cast members. This dramatic moment was juxtaposed with a later scene where the couple reconciled, although several cast members encouraged Jen to reconsider her relationship.
Background on Jen and Zac Affleck
Jen Affleck, formerly known as Jennifer Laffleck, shared insights into her family background during a recent interview. Her mother, Maria, originally from Ecuador, converted to Mormonism after meeting missionaries. She later met Jen’s father, Rick, at Brigham Young University in Utah. Jen grew up with two biological siblings, two adopted siblings, and multiple foster children in the Bay Area before moving to Utah at the age of 14. She reflected on her struggles to fit in due to coming from a low-income family, stating, “I feel like we went from being like this normal family to like a broken family when we moved to Utah because it was just so much to navigate.”
The couple met in 2018 on the dating app Mutual when Jen was 18 and Zac was 21. They were engaged six months later and married in the summer of 2019. They welcomed their first child, Nora, in November 2021, followed by their second child, Lucas, in August 2023. As of filming, Zac had completed his studies at Brigham Young University and was preparing to apply to medical school, following the paths of his father and grandfather, who are both surgeons.
Cultural and Financial Differences
In her candid discussions on the show and podcast appearances, Jen acknowledged significant wealth disparities between her family background and that of Zac’s family. She expressed feelings of judgment, particularly regarding her family’s low-income status compared to Zac’s upbringing. Notably, Jen mentioned providing financially for their family using her social media career’s income while Zac focused on his education.
- Financial Provider: Jen has often been the primary financial provider.
- Employment Shift: The couple’s situation shifted as they adapted to the demands of Zac’s medical studies.
- Plans for Relocation: In the season finale, Zac voiced his desire to move closer to his future medical school, raising concerns over its impact on Jen’s social media career.
The Family Connection to Hollywood
Although neither Ben nor Casey Affleck appears in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” their names were mentioned within the context of Zac’s familial connection. Jen clarified in an interview with People that the Affleck relationship is distant and stated, “I’m hoping to meet [Ben] one day, too!” This highlights the reality star’s aspirations beyond the show.
Personal Growth Through Reality TV
While navigating her marital issues publicly, Jen has indicated that participating in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has facilitated open discussions between her and Zac about their relationship. Despite the challenges, Jen believes in the positive aspects of Zac’s character, stating, “There is a side that people haven’t seen, and I truly believe he’s an amazing person.” Her comments suggest a commitment to working through their conflicts, even as they prepare to enter a new chapter in their lives with Zac’s medical education on the horizon.
As the series progresses, viewers are sure to see more of Jen and Zac’s journey, exploring the challenges and dynamics of their relationship in the intricate tapestry of modern-day parenthood and marriage within the context of their cultural background. The compelling narrative not only entertains but also reflects the evolving stories of families and individuals in today’s society.
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