Let’s talk about Laura Dern, the incredibly talented actress who has captivated audiences in everything from Big Little Lies to Jurassic Park. Laura’s journey in Hollywood began back in the mid-’80s with breakout roles in films like Mask and Blue Velvet. But her personal life has been just as fascinating as her career. She met musician Ben Harper in 2000 at one of his concerts, and their relationship blossomed into marriage. They tied the knot in 2005, and while their union ended in 2013, their story is one worth exploring. Keep reading to learn more about Laura’s ex-husband, Ben Harper, and the life they shared.
Who Is Laura Dern’s Ex-Husband Ben Harper?
Ben Harper isn’t just any musician—he’s a Grammy-winning artist with a storied career. Laura and Ben’s connection began when she attended one of his concerts in 2000, according to People. Interestingly, Ben had been married once before, to Joanna, from 1996 to 2001. Together, they welcomed two children, Charles in 1997 and Harris in 2000. On Laura’s side, she was previously engaged to Billy Bob Thornton in 1999, but that relationship didn’t last long before she met Ben. Their meeting seemed like fate.
Ben’s musical journey started early; growing up in California, he began playing music practically as soon as he could talk. His debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World, dropped in 1994 under Virgin Records, and it was just the beginning. Over the years, Ben released fourteen more albums, and his music has been featured in popular TV shows like Vampire Diaries, One Tree Hill, and House. He’s not just a musician, though—he also co-owns the skateboarding brand Roller Horror. If you check out his Instagram, you’ll see he’s passionate about skateboarding, sharing videos of himself mastering new tricks and traveling the world to skate.
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Ben and Laura were married in 2005 at their Los Angeles home, and during their time together, they attended many red carpet events. Their union wasn’t just about their careers; they built a family together. It’s clear that Ben’s passion for music and skateboarding has always been a huge part of who he is, and it’s fascinating to see how he balances all of his interests.
Did Laura and Ben Have Children Together?
Yes, Laura and Ben shared two beautiful children during their eight-year marriage. Their son, Ellery, was born in 2001 and has already made a name for himself in the fashion world, walking in a Calvin Klein fashion show in 2018. Their daughter, Jaya, was born in 2004 and followed in her mom’s footsteps by pursuing acting. She made her debut in the film Teenage Emotions in February 2021. It’s inspiring to see how both kids have found their own paths in life.
In 2015, Ben married actress and activist Jaclyn Matfus, and they welcomed a son, Besso, in 2017. Meanwhile, Laura has been open about her experiences as a single mom in Hollywood, sharing insights into the challenges and joys of raising her children.
During a May 2019 interview with InStyle, Laura opened up about her journey as a mother. “The more I learn about my mistakes as a mother, the deeper I enjoy how fully I love my children,” she said. “Because 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.”
