23 Former Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now Parents

23 Former Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now Parents

Olivia Wong/Getty; Dominik Magdziak Photography/Getty; Natasha Campos/Getty Your favorite child stars are all grown up! Stars such asLindsay Lohan,Brenda Song,Bridgit Mendler,Vanessa Hudgensand more played such a pivotal role in many of our upbringings. From acting in the shows that we loved, to making the music we danced to, to informing our fashion choices and our day-to-day lingo, Disney Channel stars felt like they were practically our friends. Well, prepare to feel old because some of those child stars are now parents.That's So Raven'sAnneliese van der Pol recently revealed she is expecting her first child and she joins some of your favorite Disney darlings who are enjoying parenthood. Below, check out some of the Disney Channel stars who are now parents. Joey Andrew Many will recognizeAnnaliese van der Polas Raven Baxter's hilariously ditzy bestie, Chelsea, but the actress will be stepping into a new role come October. The formerThat's So Ravenstarrevealed she and her husband,Johnno Wilson, are expecting their first baby together on June 27. "We're having a girl! I have two sisters and I could not be happier to bring another girl into the sisterhood," van der Pol told PEOPLE, adding that they found out they are having a girl when Johnno hit a golf ball that exploded into pink powder. "I didn't realize how much I wanted a girl until he swung and it went pink." "Of course, you just want a healthy child, and a boy would've been exciting too, but there's something about a girl in this time that I'm just so proud of," she said. Lindsay Lohan/Instagram Lindsay Lohanis relishing in every moment of being a mom since welcoming herson Luaiwith husbandBader Shammasin 2023. "Every morning waking up and running to grab my son and just looking at him and when he looks me back in the eyes, I'm going to get emotional. It's just the most beautiful. I'm just so grateful every day," theFreaky Fridayactress said while onGood Morning America. "We always move so fast, so I feel like that's the one thing I've learned over time, taking time for myself and really just cherishing every moment," she added. Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty High School MusicalstarVanessa Hudgenshas been pretty low-key about her relationship with her baseball player husband, Cole Tucker, whom shemarried back in 2023. The couple has kept their lives as parents just as private as theyquietly welcomed their first child togetherlast summer. The birthdate, sex and name are not known. Aly Michalka/Instagram Half of the sister band Aly & AJ,Phil of the Futurestar Aly Michalka, became a parent when she and her husband, Stephen Ringer, welcomed a bouncing baby boy named Jack Francis Michalka-Ringer on April 1, 2024. "It was a very peaceful and calm birth, which is really what we were hoping for," she toldPEOPLE of baby Jack's arrival. "He's just a great little guy. He's got a really special disposition about him." Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Bridgit Mendler/X Outside of being an accomplished actress, a graduate of MIT andthe CEO of Northwood Space— a startup with the mission to create a "data highway between earth and space" — Bridgit Mendler is also a mom to a son she adopted in 2022. The formerGood Luck Charliemade the announcement on X last year: "The other news I wanted to share is I'm a mama to a sweet 4yo boy. Started fostering in 2021 adopted near Christmas of 2022." "I'm so lucky — being a parent is the biggest gift and most defining experience there is," Mendler added. Amy Sussman/Getty Brenda Song, known for her role as London Tipton onThe Suite Life of Zack and Cody, is a mom of two boys. The actress welcomed sonDakota Song Culkinin April 2021 alongside partnerMacaulay Culkin, and they expanded their family with Carson, who arrived some time in late 2022. FormerGood Luck, CharliestarRaven Goodwinshares two little ones with her husband, Wiley Battle, whom she married in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, Riley Rosa Bell Battle, back in 2020, before expanding their family with the arrival of their second baby, a boy named Raj Howard, who joined the brood in 2024. Kayla Oaddams/Getty; Skai Jackson /Instagram Skai Jacksoncame on the scene when she was just a wee tot, stealing the spotlight in shows such asJessieandBunk'd. And while she continues to act, the now 23-year-old is also mommy to son Kasai. PEOPLE exclusively confirmed in November 2024 thatJackson was expecting her first babywith her then-boyfriend. "I'm thrilled to begin this new chapter in my life — embracing motherhood and diving into new acting projects. My heart is so full!" Jackson told PEOPLE at the time. In May, the former Disney star filed a request for a restraining order in L.A. County Superior Court againsther son Kasai'sfather, Deondre Burgin, over domestic abuse allegations.TMZwas the first to report the news. In documents obtained by PEOPLE, Jackson claimed that Burgin assaulted her on Mother's Day, while she was holding their newborn son. She alleged that Burgin grabbed her by the hair, slammed her head against a car window and punched her in the face. (PEOPLE reached out to Burgin for comment at the time but did not hear back.) Kirsten Storms/Instagram Kirsten Storms, a.k.a Zenon Kar of theZenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Zenon: The Zequel,andZenon: Z3trilogy, is a mom to preteen daughter, Harper Rose Barash. And at only 11 years old, Storms' mini-me is already following in her thespian footsteps. Harper Rose has showcased her acting chops onGeneral Hospital,which Storms also stars. Ashley Leggat/Instagram Ashley Leggat has her hands full as a proud girl mom of three. TheLife with Derekactress welcomed daughters Olivia Patricia Anne and London Marie in 2017 and 2019 with husband Jeremy Williams. In July 2022, Leggat revealed their "girl gang is complete" with the welcoming of their third daughter Lyla. Hilary Duff/Instagram Hilary Duff, who played the titular role ofLizzie McGuirein the early 2000s, is a mother of three kids. Her son and eldest child, Luca Cruz Comrie, whom she shares with ex-husband Mike Comrie, was born in March 2012. Duff and her husband Matthew Koma welcomed their daughter, Banks Violet Bair, into the world in October 2018. The couple had their second daughter, Mae James Bair, in March 2021 and in 2024, theyadded another girlto the bunch, welcoming Townes Meadow on May 3, at home in a water birth. Jonas Brothers singerKevin Jonas, who starred on Disney Channel'sJONASseries and in the Disney Channel original movieCamp Rock, is a father of two children. Kevin and wifeDaniellewelcomed their first daughter,Alena Rose, in February 2014. The couple had their second daughter,Valentina Angelina, in October 2016. "I grew up with four boys in the house,"Kevin told PEOPLE. "So I'm getting to relearn what young women want in their life from an early age, which is so cool to see because I didn't experience it." Joe Jonas, who also starred onJONASand theCamp Rockfilms with his brothers, has two kids with ex-wifeSophie Turner. The two became parents when they welcomed their daughter Willain July 2020and then again withDelphine, on July 14, 2022. Shortly after Willa's birth, Jonas described the time spent with his daughter as "amazing" during an interview withCBS This Morningin May 2021.He also opened upabout what he's learned as a new father: "Naps are nice. All around." Joe and Turner split in Sept. 2023 and their divorce was finalized a year later. Priyanka Chopra/Instagram Nick Jonasalso became a girl dad when he and wife Priyanka Chopra welcomed Malti Marie on Jan. 15, 2022. Though they keep little Malti fairly out of the spotlight for the most part, the proud parents will delight fans with somecute snippetsof the three-year-old every now and then on social media. David Henrie, who played Justin Russo onWizards of Waverly Place, is a dad of two children. Henrie and wifeMaria Cahillwelcomed daughterPia Philomena Francescain March 2019. The couplewelcomed their son James Thomas Augustine Emanuelon Christmas Day in 2020. In December 2021, the couple announced thatthey are expecting their third child togetherand welcomed Gemma Claire on July 17, 2022. Tia Mowry, former star of the Disney Channel original movieTwitchesand its sequelTwitches Too, has two children with ex-husbandCory Hardrict. Their son,Cree Taylor, was born in June 2011 and their daughter,Cairo Tiahna, was born in May 2018. The mom of twoshared with PEOPLEthe thing she loves most about parenting. "I love watching my children grow up. Even when I was pregnant, I loved experiencing the entire process," she said. "It's really a miracle." Tia and Hardrictsplit after 14 years of marriagein October 2022. Tamera Mowry, who starred alongside twin sister Tia in theTwitchesmovies, has two kids with husbandAdam Housley. The actress gave birth to their first sonAden John Tannerin November 2012. In July 2015, the couple welcomed their second child, daughterAriah Talea. The mom of twoshared her adviceto fellow parents onGood Morning Americasaying, "Just take it one day at a time. Know that your best is good enough." She added, "There are gonna be days where you have it together and then there are going to be days where you fall apart and that's okay! It's a part of the journey. It's life." Known for her roles as Ren Stevens onEven Stevensand voicing the titular character onKim Possible,Christy Carlson Romanohas two kids. Isabella "Izzy" Victoriais her firstborn daughter, whom she shares with husbandBrendan Rooney. She was born on Christmas in 2016. The proud parents welcomed their second daughter,Sophia Elizabeth, in February 2019. The mom of twotold PEOPLE, "We are going to raise both our daughters to believe that they can do anything!" Ashley Tisdale, who played Sharpay Evans in theHigh School Musicalfranchise and Maddie Fitzpatrick onThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has two kids. The actress and her husband,Christopher French, welcomed their daughterJupiter Irisin March 2021 and three years later, in September 2024, their second daughter,Emerson Cloverjoined the family. Tisdale previously opened up about motherhood on her blog, writing, "I'm excited about this new adventure, and I'm being very optimistic with every step." She added, "Chris and I are so excited and are fully embracing and celebrating this monumental moment." Kaycee Stroh, known for her role as Martha Cox in theHigh School Musicalfranchise, has two daughters with husbandBen Higginson. The actress gave birth to their first child, Zetta Lee, in May 2013. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Lettie Louise, in October 2015. Stroh toldModern Momafter having her first born in 2013, "Zetta and I have a very packed schedule full of singing, dancing, reading and napping. Whenever she goes down, I always make a mad dash to do the laundry, clean, put an audition on tape, do an interview, prepare for an event, or throw something in the Crock-Pot." FormerSonny with a ChanceactressTiffany Thorntonis a mom of four children. She shares sons Kenneth James and Bentley Cash with her late husbandChris Carney. Kenneth was born in August 2012, while Bentley was born in March 2014. In May 2018, Thornton welcomed her third child, daughterJuliet Joy, with husbandJosiah Capaci. The couple welcomed another daughter namedKimber Join July 2021. When the actressfound out she was pregnantwith Kimber Jo, she joyfullywrote on Instagram, "We are over the moon that God has blessed us with another tiny, growing person!! There is NOTHING I wouldn't do to protect my kiddos and my own body as I grow this little miracle!" Kyla Pratt, known for voicing Penny Proud onThe Proud Family, is a mom of two girls. The actress welcomed her first daughter, Lyric Kirkpatrick, alongside partner Danny Kirkpatrick in November 2010. The couple's second daughter, Liyah Kirkpatrick, arrived in August 2013. The mom of twoshared inspiring words on her Instagramto uplift other parents. "Breathe life into your children regardless of your circumstances. Encourage them to try and Remind them failure is a part of the process. Trust me it will follow them throughout their journey," she said. Danielle Panabaker, who starred in Disney Channel original movies likeStuck in the SuburbsandRead It and Weep, is a mom of two. The actress and husbandHayes Robbinswelcomedtheir first childin April 2020 and their second followed in July 2022. The couple keeps their kids' identities private, though Panabaker gushed about motherhood following the birth of her first born. "This was good but holding you in my arms is an indescribable feeling,"Panabaker wrote alongside an Instagram photoof her baby bump. "Happy to announce that our baby was born and we are safe, happy, and healthy at home." Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

in

July 02, 2025

23 Former Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now Parents

23 Former Disney Channel Stars Who Are Now Parents Olivia Wong/Getty; Dominik Magdziak Photography/Getty; Natasha Campos/Getty Your favorite...

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Richard Simmons 'Went Cold Turkey on Everyone' Until the Last 7 Months of His Life (Exclusive)

Richard Simmons 'Went Cold Turkey on Everyone' Until the Last 7 Months of His Life (Exclusive)

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Nearly a year after Richard Simmons' death at age 76, those closest to the fitness guru reflect on his roughly decade-long public absence "He just went cold turkey on everyone," says his former manager Michael Catalano But in the months before his death, Simmons was energized by a new project - a potential Broadway musical about his life After years in the spotlight, Richard Simmons, the once-ubiquitous fitness and health guru who became a household name in the '80s, suddenly retreated from public view in the early months of 2014, shortly before he turned 66. The move came as a shock, even to those among the legend's inner circle. "I was concerned about the abruptness of it," Michael Catalano, Simmons's longtime manager dating back to the peak of his fitness days, tells PEOPLE, adding later, "He just went cold turkey on everyone." MOVI Inc For almost a decade, Simmons insulated himself from most contact with friends and his professional network. Speculation about his disappearance abounded, but Catalano says years of intense workouts had taken a toll on the megastar's body, a fact Simmons himself confirmed in an interview withPEOPLEdays before his death. Still, the distance was difficult for those closest to him. "It was very abrupt for me too. I mean Richard was a huge part of my life and career and my business," he says, adding, "We traveled all over the world together and it was a real loss. It was like he died, honestly." Simmons's longtime publicist Tom Estey said the decision to avoid venturing from his home in the Hollywood Hills ultimately came of Simmons' own volition. "He did know that people missed him and he missed them, but he never took his eye nor his heart off them," Estey said. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. But Simmons made a sudden return to the public discourse around January 2024, after discovering plans for a film about his life that was set to move forward without his permission. He quickly turned to social media to distance himself from the production and explain that he wanted "to live a quiet life and be peaceful." In the months before he died in July 2024, Simmons was also energized by a new project – writing lyrics for a Broadway musical about his life alongside famed musician Patrick Leonard. "He found some peace in coming back and reconnecting with all people he had not spoken to in years," Catalano said. "I think he always hoped that he was helping people on a very difficult journey, one that he knew very well." Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

in

July 02, 2025

Richard Simmons 'Went Cold Turkey on Everyone' Until the Last 7 Months of His Life (Exclusive)

Richard Simmons 'Went Cold Turkey on Everyone' Until the Last 7 Months of His Life (Exclusive) American Broadcasting Companies via G...

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Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border and gives administration two weeks to appeal

Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border and gives administration two weeks to appeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge said Wednesday that an order by PresidentDonald Trumpsuspending asylum access atthe southern border was unlawful, throwing into doubt one of the key pillars of the president's plan to crack down on migration at the southern border. But he put the ruling on hold for two weeks to give the government time to appeal. In an order Jan. 20, Trump declared that the situation at the southern border constitutes an invasion of America and that he was "suspending the physical entry" of migrants and their ability to seek asylum until he decides it is over. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington said his order blocking Trump's policy will take effect July 16, giving the Trump administration time to appeal. Moss wrote that neither the Constitution nor immigration law gives the president "an extra-statutory, extra-regulatory regime for repatriating or removing individuals from the United States, without an opportunity to apply for asylum" or other humanitarian protections. The Homeland Security Department did not immediately respond to a request but an appeal is likely. The president and his aides have repeatedly attacked court rulings that undermine his policies as judicial overreach. Moss, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, acknowledged that the government faces "enormous challenges" at the southern border and an "overwhelming backlog" of asylum claims. But he returned several times in his 128-page ruling to his opinion that the president is not entitled to prohibit asylum. Lee Gelernt, who argued the case for the American Civil Liberties Union, called the ruling a significant win. "The decision means there will be protection for those fleeing horrific danger and that the president cannot ignore laws passed by Congress simply by claiming that asylum seekers are engaged in an invasion," he said. The ruling comes after illegal border crossings have plummeted. The White House said Wednesday that the Border Patrol made 6,070 arrests in June, down 30% from May to set a pace for the lowest annual clip since 1966. On June 28, the Border Patrol made only 137 arrests, a sharp contrast to late 2023, when arrests topped 10,000 on the busiest days. Arrests dropped sharply when Mexican officials increased enforcement within their own borders in December 2023 and again when then-President Joe Biden introduced severe asylum restrictions in June 2024. They plunged more after Trump became president in January, deploying thousands of troops to the border under declaration of a national emergency. Trump and his allies say the asylum system has been abused. They argue that it draws people who know it will take years to adjudicate their claims in the country's backloggedimmigrationcourts during which they can work and live in America. But supporters argue that the right to seek asylum is guaranteed in U.S. law and international commitments — even for those who cross the border illegally. They say that asylum is a vital protection for people fleeing persecution — a protection guaranteed by Congress that even the president doesn't have the authority to ignore. People seeking asylum must demonstrate a fear of persecution on a fairly narrow grounds of race, religion, nationality, or by belonging to a particular social or political group. In the executive order, Trump argued that the Immigration and Nationality Act gives presidents the authority to suspend entry of any group that they find "detrimental to the interests of the United States." Groups that work with immigrants — the Arizona-based Florence Project, the El Paso, Texas-based Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and the Texas-based RAICES — filed the lawsuit against the government, arguing that the president was wrong to equate migrants coming to the southern border with an invasion. And they argued that Trump's proclamation amounted to the president unilaterally overriding "... the immigration laws Congress enacted for the protection of people who face persecution or torture if removed from the United States." But the government argued that because both foreign policy and immigration enforcement fall under the executive branch of government, it was entirely under the president's authority to declare an invasion. "The determination that the United States is facing an invasion is anunreviewable political question,"the government wrote in one argument. ___ Spagat reported from San Diego.

byAlpha World

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July 02, 2025

Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border and gives administration two weeks to appeal

Judge blocks order barring asylum access at border and gives administration two weeks to appeal WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge said Wedne...

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Iran’s president approves law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

Iran's president approves law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

Iranian PresidentMasoud Pezeshkianhas approved a law to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move which will likely obscure any attempt by Tehran to restart itsdamaged nuclear program. Wednesday's decision comes a week after Iran's parliament passed a law to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran blames the IAEA for collaborating with Israel and providing a pathway for strikes on its nuclear facilities, an accusation which the agency denies. Pezeshkian ordered Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, the Supreme National Security Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin implementing the law, state-run news agency IRNA said. It's unclear when and how the new law will be implemented, but the decision could pave the way for Iran to rebuild its nuclear program without inspections or monitoring from the IAEA. Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires members to allow monitoring and inspections of facilities to confirm the peaceful nature of nuclear programs. "We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran," an IAEA spokesperson told CNN. The US State Department said Iran's decision was "unacceptable" and called for Tehran to "cooperate fully without further delay." Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said this comes at a time when Iran "has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity." Germany said that Pezeshkian's move sends a "disastrous signal." "For a diplomatic solution it is essential for Iran to work with the IAEA," German foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese told reporters, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called Iran's decision "concerning" at a press briefing on Wednesday. He reiterated Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' calls for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran last month that targeted its military commanders, nuclear facilities and the scientists who develop its atomic program. In the week that followed, the United States launched supportive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a ceasefire last week. Iran said its facilities were badly damaged in the attacks but that it intends to continue enriching uranium to continue its "peaceful" nuclear program. On Sunday, the IAEA said US strikes on Iranfell short of causing total damageto the program and that Tehran could restart enriching uranium "in a matter of months." Days before Israel attacked the Iranian facilities, the IAEA said it could not verify that Tehran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful and issued a report saying Iran was enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. That document triggered an IAEA resolution censuring Iran, fueling outrage across the Iranian government who accuse the agency and its director general, Rafael Grossi, of being biased. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly denied Iran is building a bomb and says weapons of mass destruction are forbidden under Islam. The country began enriching uranium to higher levels after US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear agreement signed between the Obama administration and Iran. CNN's Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAlpha World

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July 02, 2025

Iran’s president approves law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

Iran's president approves law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog Iranian PresidentMasoud Pezeshkianhas approved a law to ha...

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Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Take $60M Mansion Off Market After 1 Year in 'Decision They Made Together': Source

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Take $60M Mansion Off Market After 1 Year in 'Decision They Made Together': Source

Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images; Lumeimages/Shutterstock Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have taken their Beverly Hills mansion off the market after it has failed to find a buyer for a year. "While they've been hoping to sell the property, they've also been hesitant to take a big loss, "a source tells PEOPLE. "They lowered the price to get more interest and when this didn't happen, they were advised to take it off the market. It was a business decision that they made together." According to a real estate source, "It's a rough sellers market and especially for that price point. Taking it off the market until it's more of a seller friendly climate, seems like the smartest decision." The former couple, who split in 2024 after two years of marriage, first tried toshop the estate off market, a common practice among A-listerswishing to maintain privacy, in June of that year. However, theypublicly listed the home for sale in Julywith an asking price of $68 million, PEOPLE confirmed at the time. After 10 months with no takers, theyslashed the asking price significantly by $8.5 millionto $59.5 million. As of July 2, public real estate records show it has been removed from the market. Affleck and Lopez, whomarried in July 2022, purchased the 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom, 38,000 sq. ft. California home in May 2023 for $60,805,000. Getty Images According to itslisting, the home was "recently renovated with the highest level of quality" and includes amenities such as a bar, sports lounge, fully equipped gym, boxing ring and courts for basketball and pickleball. Additional features include a 12-car garage, 5,000-square-foot guest penthouse, caretaker house and a two-bedroom guardhouse. Lopezfiled for divorcefrom Affleck on the second anniversary of theirtraditional wedding ceremonyin Georgia, held on Aug. 20, 2022. The actress andsinger purchased a new homenear Los Angeles for about $18 million in March 2025, property records show. The move came aftershe and Affleck finalized their divorceon January 6, 2025. She initiallyfiled for divorce from the actor on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the second anniversary of theirtraditional wedding ceremonyin Georgia. Darren Gerrish/Getty; Gary Miller/WireImage Affleck has also moved on to a new home. He purchased ahome in Brentwood for $20 millionlast summer. The actorclosed escrowon the five-bedroom property on July 24, PEOPLE confirmed at the time, which wascoincidentally Lopez's 55th birthday. "The environment is family-friendly, but it could easily be transformed into a bachelor pad," a source told PEOPLE, adding that Affleck's new neighborhood, which is home to numerous other entertainment industry A-listers, "boasts a sophisticated crowd—it's not trendy. Real establishment." Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

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July 02, 2025

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Take $60M Mansion Off Market After 1 Year in 'Decision They Made Together': Source

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Take $60M Mansion Off Market After 1 Year in 'Decision They Made Together': Source Monica Schipper/...

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