TV

Jennifer Garner celebrates ex-boyfriend Michael Vartan’s 55th birthday with throwback photo

Jennifer Garner shared a throwback photo in celebration of her ex-boyfriend Michael Vartan’s 55th birthday Monday.

The actress, 51, took to Instagram to post a picture of herself and her former “Alias” co-star in a scene from the ABC show.

“I can’t remember why I was Bavarian,” she captioned the post, referencing the dirndl she wore at the time, “but I do know today is your birthday.”

Garner added, “I hope it’s a great one, Michael! XX S. Bristow,” signing with her character Sydney’s name.

The “13 Going on 30” star and Vartan, who played her co-worker and love interest Michael Vaughn, met in 2001 while she was married to Scott Foley.

Their love story made its way off-screen in August 2003, and they dated until March 2004.

“I hope it’s a great one, Michael!” Garner wrote on Instagram. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
The exes dated from 2004 to 2005. Getty Images

While their real-life romance didn’t last, their characters’ legacy clearly stuck with fans, who flocked to the comments section of Garner’s birthday tribute with nostalgia and excitement.

“This show gave me life during a stretch of time that I really needed it. Will always appreciate you,” one person commented.

“Best show! Surely we can do another series? The Bristow / Vaughan kids continue with the legacy?” a second wrote.

They played love interests in “Alias.” Disney/ABC
Garner portrayed spy Sydney Bristowe, and Vartan played her co-worker Michael Vaughn.

“Still a favorite show. Happy birthday Michael!” a third viewer chimed in.

“I remember this episode! Vaughn + Syd forever,” another Instagram user added.

“Still one of my favorite tv couples 🙌,” one more agreed.

Fans left nostalgic comments on Garner’s post. GC Images

Vartan, who has kept a relatively low profile in recent years and doesn’t have social media, said in a 2018 interview that he had no intention of getting back together with Garner after her divorce from her second husband, Ben Affleck.

“I don’t think so. If it didn’t work once, there’s a reason it didn’t work,” he said on E!’s “Daily Pop.”


For more Page Six you love…


“It’s so much easier to be single. I love relationships. When they work, when they’re great, they’re great, and when they’re not, they’re not.”

It seems the “Never Been Kissed” actor has taken the easier route, as he is seemingly single following his 2014 divorce from his wife of three years, Lauren Skaar.

Vartan was married to Lauren Skaar from 2011 to 2014. WireImage
The “30 Going on 30” star divorced Ben Affleck in 2018. WireImage
She is currently dating John Miller. Christopher Peterson / SplashNews.com

Garner, for her part, has had a whirlwind love life.

She married Affleck in 2005, one year after her divorce from Foley. The “Pearl Harbor” co-stars — who share three children, Violet, 17, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11 — separated in 2015.

The “Last Thing He Told Me” star is currently dating CaliBurger CEO John Miller.