The American fantasy romantic comedy 13 Going on 30 was a tremendous commercial success at the box office and also one of the biggest-selling DVD rental titles in 2004. Jennifer Garner starred as Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who suddenly finds herself being 30-years-old.
Jennifer Garner told Vogue, celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, that after watching 13 Going on 30, she realized she had never seen herself smile so much on screen. She mentioned that the character Jenna Rink was the closest she had ever played to her own personality.
Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink reacts in shock after waking up as a 30-year-old in 13 Going on 30 (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Christa B. Allen as Young Jenna Rink
Christa B. Allen, later known for her role as socialite Charlotte Grayson on the ABC drama series Revenge, portrayed the 13-year-old Jenna Rink.
Christa B. Allen as young Jenna Rink smiles at herself in the mirror in 13 Going on 30 (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Brie Larson and the Six Chicks
Brie Larson also had a minor role in the movie as one of the Six Chicks. Filming started on May 13, 2003, when Brie Larson was 13. She turned 14 on October 1, 2003, and principal photography finished in November 2003.
The other mean girls were Ashley Benson, Brittany Curran, Alexandra Kyle, Julia Roth, and Megan Lusk.
Brie Larson (circled) as one of the Six Chicks, a group of popular girls in 13 Going on 30 (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
While filming 13 Going on 30, Jennifer Garner was 31 years old, having celebrated her birthday on April 17, 2003. Christa B. Allen, who portrayed young Jenna Rink, was 11 during production and turned 12 on November 11, 2003.
Jennifer Garner’s Tribute to 13 Going on 30
Fifteen years after the release of the smash hit film 13 Going on 30, Jennifer Garner paid tribute to the movie on her Instagram.
“Fifteen years ago today #13GoingOn30 made her debut, directed with ❤️ by our beloved Gary Winick 😇 and a clutch of loving, hardcore producers (3 brilliant women—before it was cool to be led by women!),” Jennifer posted.
Jennifer Garner on the set of 13 Going on 30 in New York City’s Central Park on June 30, 2003 (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
“The movie benefitted from the performances of so many young actresses. Open and twinkly-magical then— now, 15 years later, they are ruling the world. (Hi #SixChicks—@brielarson, @ashleybenson, @christabrittany—who also played a young me in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past—and my own sweet @revjuliaroth),” she continued.
“I loved my day with this slumber party crew: they danced with abandon and reminded me of the power of just saying yes—to being in a group, to vulnerability, to wearing a bra over your clothes. At the last minute, I tossed my adopted LA family member Maddy Sprung-Keyser into the scene. @maddsk went on to be an Academic All American swimmer at Amherst, got her law degree from NYU, and is producing podcasts for @pineapple.fm. Looking back into her adolescence—with the hair and the men not wanting to jump her bones—is extra special today. Imagine if every 13-year-old girl had an opportunity to dance and feel beautiful like the girls in this film. I am proud of all of you,” Jennifer added.
Jennifer Garner joyfully dances in the rain as Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30, capturing one of the film’s most memorable scenes (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
Garner concluded, “I feel so, so lucky to have had the experience of making this joyful movie. And even luckier to be part of something that, all of these years later, can still make people (hi, @arianagrande 🤗) smile.”
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Ariana Grande’s Homage to 13 Going on 30
In November 2018, Ariana Grande paid tribute to 13 Going on 30 in her wildly popular music video for “Thank U, Next.” In the video, Grande re-enacts a scene where Jennifer Garner’s character, Jenna Rink, tearfully looks at a dollhouse, capturing a poignant moment from the 2004 film.
Garner later expressed her approval on Instagram, writing, “Every now and then something comes along and just brightens your day. @arianagrande you’re adorable. Thank you, pretty girl. #thankunext.”
“nooooooooOoOOoOo I’m crying,” Ariana Grande responded. “I watched this movie every night before bed growing up (and I still do sometimes, especially when I’m sad). i adore you! thank you for all the inspiration and joy you’ve brought to my life i’m screaming bye.”
Jennifer Garner’s Casual Chic in Brentwood, January 2016
Jennifer started the new year off on a pretty good note after a very rough 2015 due to her divorce from Ben Affleck and the nanny drama. In January 2016, Jennifer took her son, Samuel Garner Affleck, out to play in Brentwood in the afternoon.
Jennifer Garner wears her hair half-up and half-down while out in Brentwood on January 3, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
Jennifer layered a chambray top under a cozy sweater, pairing the look with sleek black jeans and chic Isabel Marant tassel boots. The then-43-year-old completed her outfit with a pair of stylish sunglasses.
Jennifer Garner layers a sweater over a chambray top while out in Brentwood with her son (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
The actress smiled as she returned a runaway ball to a kid, who was later seen carrying a sleepy little barefoot Samuel.
Jennifer Garner carries her son Samuel to the car after a playdate (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
We’re not sure who her new mystery man is, but the two were spotted talking in his car for thirty minutes. Reports say the man is the family’s accountant. Before the sighting, rumors of Jennifer Garner getting together with Patrick Dempsey were afloat.
Jennifer’s Isabel Marant tassel boots are from a collection a few years back and are now sold out online. Below, check out some similar boots we found at Nordstrom and Zappos.
Aquazzura x Poppy Delevingne “Moonshine” Ankle Boots, $1,099
Chloé Tasseled Suede Ankle Boots, $995
Steve Madden “Radioo” Bootie, $129.95