Let’s dive into the world of Laura Dern, the incredible actress who has stolen our hearts with her performances in Big Little Lies and beyond. Laura, an Academy Award-winning talent, first made waves in the mid-’80s with her unforgettable roles in Mask and Blue Velvet. As her star rose in Hollywood, she crossed paths with musician Ben Harper, leading to a memorable chapter in her life. They tied the knot in 2005, but their union ended in 2013. So, who exactly is this ex-husband of Laura's? Keep reading to uncover more about Ben Harper.
Getting to Know Ben Harper: The Man Behind the Music
Back in 2000, Laura Dern met Ben Harper at one of his concerts, as reported by People. But before Laura entered his life, Ben had already experienced marriage once with his ex-wife Joanna, from 1996 to 2001. During that time, they welcomed two children, son Charles in 1997 and daughter Harris in 2000. Interestingly, Laura herself had been engaged to actor Billy Bob Thornton in 1999, but that relationship didn’t last long before she met Ben.
Ben Harper’s journey began in California, where he started making music almost as soon as he could speak. His debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World, dropped in 1994 under Virgin Records. Since then, he’s released a total of fifteen successful albums, and his music has graced the airwaves of popular TV shows like Vampire Diaries, One Tree Hill, and House. Clearly, Ben’s talent transcends genres and mediums, making him a true force in the music industry.
Read also:Ginger Zee Claps Back At Online Critic Who Questioned Her Aging Gracefully
Ben and Laura’s marriage in 2005 was a beautiful union celebrated at their Los Angeles home. Over the years, they attended numerous red carpet events together, showcasing their love and partnership. In addition to his music career, Ben co-founded the skateboarding brand Roller Horror. His Instagram is filled with videos of him skating, performing tricks, and traveling the world, offering a glimpse into his adventurous side.
Did Laura and Ben Have Kids Together?
During their eight-year marriage, Laura and Ben welcomed two children into the world. Their son, Ellery, was born in 2001 and later pursued a modeling career, walking in a Calvin Klein fashion show in 2018. Their daughter, Jaya, arrived in 2004 and followed in her mother’s footsteps by making her acting debut in the 2021 film Teenage Emotions. Clearly, creativity runs in the family.
In 2015, Ben remarried, this time to actress and activist Jaclyn Matfus. Together, they welcomed their son Besso in 2017. Meanwhile, Laura has been candid about her experiences as a single mom in Hollywood, sharing insights into the challenges and joys of raising her children.
During a heartfelt interview with InStyle in May 2019, Laura opened up about her journey as a mother. "The more I learn about my mistakes as a mom, the deeper I enjoy how fully I love my children," she said. "I can let them know I really screw up sometimes. I hide from blame in a lot of areas in my life, but I’m trying not to do that as a mom. This is the first time in my life that I am being ambitious because I am a single parent." Her words reveal a vulnerable yet inspiring side of her, reminding us all of the strength it takes to balance a demanding career and family life.
