You’ve probably seen the name swirling around TikTok or caught a glimpse of him on Hulu and wondered, "Wait, is he actually related to that Affleck?" Honestly, the confusion is real. Zac Affleck didn't just walk onto our screens; he practically exploded onto them as part of the chaotic, fascinating world of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
If you’ve spent any time on "MomTok," you know the vibes. It’s all high-waisted jeans, soda shops, and enough drama to make a soap opera writer blush. But Zac is a bit of a different puzzle. He’s not just a "background husband." He’s become a central figure in a conversation about tradition, modern fame, and whether a last name actually means anything in Hollywood.
📖 Related: Endicott College Notable Alumni: From Olympic Medals to Emmy Awards
Who is Zac Affleck, and why is everyone talking about him?
At his core, Zac Affleck is a 29-year-old father of three and the husband of Jennifer Affleck, one of the breakout stars of the Hulu reality hit. He grew up in Utah, deeply embedded in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). He went to Olympus High School, did the whole missionary thing in the Dominican Republic, and eventually graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2024.
But that's the "LinkedIn" version. The reality TV version is a lot more complicated.
Zac’s storyline has been a rollercoaster. One minute he’s the supportive husband to an influencer; the next, he’s the guy making headlines for his intense views on "MomTok" or his academic pivots. He’s been a lightning rod for criticism, specifically regarding how he handles Jennifer’s fame. People have opinions. Lots of them.
The Ben Affleck Connection: Fact or Fiction?
Let's address the elephant in the room. Is Zac Affleck related to Ben and Casey Affleck?
Well, it depends on who you ask and how much "reality TV logic" you're willing to apply. For years, Jen Affleck leaned into the idea that Zac was Ben’s distant cousin. She even joked on TikTok about being the "next J-Lo" after the famous Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck wedding in 2022. It was a great hook. It got people talking.
But here is the reality:
- The Family Version: Zac’s family allegedly had a "running joke" for years that they were distant cousins. Jen even claimed Zac’s father had met Ben when the actor was very young.
- The Genealogist Version: Experts and "genealogy sleuths" eventually dug into the records. They found that Zac’s line goes back to England, while Ben and Casey’s roots are Scottish.
- The Final Word: By Season 2 of the show, Zac admitted in a confessional that he has "no idea" if they are actually related. It was basically a family myth that got out of hand once the cameras started rolling.
Even though they aren't cousins, the irony isn't lost on fans. In late 2025, Jennifer actually met Ben Affleck on the set of a Dunkin' commercial. She reportedly roasted him about his age and his "weathered" look. Ben’s daughter is apparently a fan of the show, so the "fake cousin" thing has come full circle in the weirdest way possible.
The Medical School Mystery
If the Ben Affleck drama was the "hook," Zac’s medical career was the "meat" of his early storyline. In Season 1, we saw Zac getting accepted into medical school in New York. It was supposed to be the dream. Jen talked about being the provider while he studied, hoping for a future where he’d be a high-earning surgeon.
Then things got messy.
They moved to New York, but the transition was brutal. Zac ended up shifting gears to a school in Arizona before ultimately dropping out entirely. During a particularly emotional Season 2 episode, he told Jen he’d reached out to the dean to leave. Why? He claimed he wanted to focus on their marriage and stop making everything about his own goals.
Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) weren't exactly buying the "selfless husband" narrative. Some argued he just couldn't handle the academic rigor, while others felt it was a move to keep Jen away from her supportive "MomTok" circle. Whatever the truth, the "Dr. Affleck" dream seems to be on a permanent hiatus while they lean into the influencer lifestyle.
The Physical Transformation: Those New Teeth
If you’ve seen Zac in recent episodes or on TikTok, you might have noticed something... different. In December 2025, he debuted a brand-new smile. He finally got veneers.
"Been wanting to fix my smile for years," he captioned a post, "and 4 seasons of reality TV and enough internet trolls got me to pull the trigger." It’s a rare moment of vulnerability for a guy who often comes across as very guarded. It’s also a reminder that being a "reality TV husband" comes with a weird amount of public scrutiny that most people aren't prepared for.
Why He’s a "Love Him or Hate Him" Figure
Zac doesn't fit the typical "supportive Instagram husband" mold. He’s often shown clashing with the other women in the group. He’s been vocal about his dislike for the "soft-swinging" scandal that originally made the group famous, and he’s often at odds with the more progressive elements of the "MomTok" world.
Critics call him controlling; supporters say he’s just a traditional guy trying to navigate a very non-traditional situation. Honestly, he’s probably a bit of both. He represents a specific tension within the modern LDS community—trying to balance deep religious roots with the lucrative, often-scandalous world of social media fame.
What's Next for Zac?
Right now, Zac and Jennifer are still together, raising their three kids: Nora, Lucas, and baby Penelope (who arrived in mid-2025). They’ve survived separation rumors, medical school dropouts, and a massive identity crisis regarding their last name.
As The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives continues, Zac remains a focal point because he represents the "other side" of the influencer coin. He’s the one dealing with the fallout of his wife’s viral fame while trying to figure out who he is when he’s not "the guy who might be related to Batman."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Critics
If you're following Zac Affleck's journey, keep these things in mind to cut through the noise:
- Check the Source on "Facts": Much of what was "claimed" in Season 1 (like the Ben Affleck connection) was debunked by Season 2. Reality TV often uses "working theories" as plot points.
- Watch the Professional Pivot: Keep an eye on his social media. Since dropping out of med school, he’s leaning more into the "family influencer" space, which is a massive shift in his career trajectory.
- Look Past the Edit: Reality shows need a "villain" or a "stick-in-the-mud" to create conflict. While Zac’s comments on screen are real, the "villain edit" is a powerful tool in the Hulu editing room.
The best way to stay updated is to follow Jennifer Affleck’s TikTok, as she’s the primary driver of their public narrative. Just don't expect a Christmas card from Ben and Casey anytime soon.