Jennifer Garner makes surprising confession about '13 Going on 30 '

More than two decades after its release, 13 Going on 30 remains one of Jennifer Garner’s most beloved films, but the actress admits she hasn’t actually watched it from start to finish since its 2004 premiere.

During a candid conversation on the Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce on Feb. 26, the 53-year-old star reflected on her iconic role as Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30 and shared a surprising confession.

“You know what’s weird?” Garner said. “I haven’t watched it since the premiere in full.”

That doesn’t mean she’s avoided it altogether. Over the years, Garner explained, she has revisited select scenes when needed for interviews or work commitments. 

“There have been times where I’ve had to talk about a certain scene or something, and so I’ve gone back and watched that scene,” she said, adding that she’s not entirely sure why she hasn’t sat down to watch the entire film again.

Released in 2004, 13 Going on 30 follows 13-year-old Jenna Rink, who magically wakes up as a 30-year-old magazine editor navigating career ambition, friendship, and romance in New York City. 

The whimsical fantasy and heartfelt love story cemented Garner as a rom-com favorite and turned Jenna into a lasting pop culture figure.

So where does Jenna rank among the many characters Garner has portrayed?

“Oh, I mean, she gosh, she’s one or two. She’s right up there,” Garner said without hesitation. “How magical? I just remember coming up with things in the moment and playing so much. There was so much joy in the creation of her and of that set in general. So yeah, she’s up there.”

Still, one role edges out the beloved birthday-wish heroine.

Garner revealed that Sydney Bristow, the undercover CIA operative she played on Alias, likely holds the top spot in her heart.

“Sydney Bristow… she might be number one just ’cause she changed my life,” Garner said. 

The role marked the first time, she explained, that audiences deeply connected with her work.

“I had such girl-next-door energy that I’d never had a swagger, and she made me have a swagger,” Garner shared. “And I think it’s really important for young women to find, recognize and know how to use their own swagger.”