Chris Anne Affleck, mother of Ben and Casey, dies at 83

Chris Anne Affleck, mother of actors Ben and Casey Affleck, died on June 2, 2026, at age 83 after a battle with pancreatic cancer diagnosed in December 2025. Source: eldiado, hoydo, infobae A former public school teacher and civil rights activist, she was a key influence on her sons' careers.

Life and activism

Affleck was born Christopher Anne Boldt in New York in December 1942 and graduated from Harvard. She taught for 34–35 years (sources vary) before retiring in 2008. Source: excelsiormx, diariolibree In 1964, she taught literacy in Mississippi during Freedom Summer and later marched against the Vietnam War. She volunteered for Barack Obama's campaign and became an organizer for the Water Justice Alliance in Palestine. Source: listindiario

Final days and legacy

After her diagnosis, her last wish was to see her grandson Atticus graduate high school. She attended the ceremony on May 31, two days before passing peacefully in her sleep. Source: excelsiormx, diariolibree Affleck was instrumental in launching Ben's acting career, using her college friendship with casting director Patty Collins to get him auditions. She accompanied Ben to the 1998 Oscars, where he won Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon. Source: infobae, hoydo Ben later recalled: "We were sitting next to our mothers, and we won." Source: elmundoes She is survived by her sons and five grandchildren.