Jason Bateman's Wife Amanda Anka: A Decades-Long Love Story

The actor and his actress wife have been married for over 20 years and share two daughters.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Jason Bateman and his wife, actress Amanda Anka, have been married since 2001 and have overcome challenges in their relationship, including Bateman's past drug and alcohol use. The couple, who met as teenagers at an LA Kings game, say their long friendship is a key reason their romance has lasted. Amanda is the daughter of famous singer-songwriter Paul Anka, and she has her own acting credits. Bateman and Amanda have two daughters, Francesca and Maple, and the actor has said he strives to be the best version of himself for his family.

Why it matters

Bateman and Anka's decades-long marriage in Hollywood is noteworthy, as many celebrity couples struggle to maintain long-term relationships. Their story provides insight into the importance of friendship, communication, and personal growth in a successful marriage.

The details

Bateman and Anka met at an LA Kings game when they were teenagers, but it wasn't until a decade later that they started dating. Anka initially wasn't interested in Bateman due to where he was at in his life at the time. Anka comes from a famous family - she is the daughter of singer-songwriter Paul Anka. Bateman has said that overcoming his past drug and alcohol use was crucial to saving his marriage, and he and Anka had difficult conversations about him leaving partying behind after they got married.

  • Bateman and Anka met at an LA Kings game when they were teenagers.
  • Bateman and Anka got married in 2001.
  • The couple welcomed their first daughter, Francesca Nora, in October 2006.
  • The couple welcomed their second daughter, Maple Sylvie, in February 2012.

The players

Jason Bateman

An American actor known for his roles in shows like Arrested Development and films like Horrible Bosses.

Amanda Anka

An American actress and producer, and the daughter of famous singer-songwriter Paul Anka.

Paul Anka

A Canadian-American singer-songwriter known for hits like "Diana" and "My Way."

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What they’re saying

“I just waited until I found a girl that really was that in my life. Amanda is and that's why it feels so effortless. It gets better every single year.”

— Jason Bateman

“Our marriage has defied the odds and works really well.”

— Jason Bateman

“I know when I'm a pain in the ass to my wife or to my kids, and I try not to do that. It's lazy to do that. It takes a little bit more effort to be the best version of yourself, and I try to get that done each day. So hopefully that's the takeaway from my life — people say thanks for trying.”

— Jason Bateman

What’s next

As Bateman's older daughter Francesca heads off to college, the family will likely continue to navigate the changes and challenges that come with that transition.

The takeaway

Jason Bateman and Amanda Anka's decades-long marriage serves as an inspiring example of the power of friendship, communication, and personal growth in sustaining a successful Hollywood relationship.