Jason Bateman Reflects on Early Marriage 'Negotiations' with Wife Amanda

The Ozark star opened up about navigating his partying lifestyle as a young actor and how it impacted his relationship.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Jason Bateman, the star of Ozark, has been married to his wife Amanda Anka for over 24 years. However, their early relationship was marked by "negotiations" as Bateman navigated his binge drinking and partying lifestyle in his 20s. Bateman revealed that his wife, the daughter of singer Paul Anka, was initially the breadwinner and supported him as he pursued his acting ambitions. The couple had difficult conversations about Bateman curbing his alcohol and drug use, which he has since largely overcome, though he still considers himself "California sober."

Why it matters

Bateman's openness about the challenges he and his wife faced in the early years of their marriage provides a relatable look at how substance abuse and the pressures of fame can impact even the strongest relationships. His journey to sobriety and commitment to his family offers an inspiring example of personal growth and the power of partnership.

The details

Bateman and Amanda Anka met in the late 1980s at a Los Angeles Kings hockey game when they were both around 18 or 19 years old. They remained friends for nearly a decade before deciding to take their relationship romantic in 1998. Shortly after, Bateman proposed, and the couple married in 2001 in Malibu, California. They have since welcomed two daughters, Francesca Nora and Maple Sylvie.

  • Bateman and Anka met at a Los Angeles Kings hockey game in the late 1980s.
  • Bateman and Anka began dating romantically in 1998.
  • Bateman and Anka married in July 2001 in Malibu, California.
  • Bateman and Anka welcomed their first daughter, Francesca Nora, in 2007.
  • Bateman and Anka welcomed their second daughter, Maple Sylvie, in 2011.

The players

Jason Bateman

An American actor, director, and producer best known for his roles in the TV shows Arrested Development and Ozark.

Amanda Anka

An American voiceover actress and the daughter of Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka.

Paul Anka

A Canadian singer-songwriter and the father of Amanda Anka.

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What they’re saying

“Amanda and I definitely had a few negotiations about the point at which the [partying] spigot was going to completely turn off. She'd be like, 'This drip, drip, drip is annoyingly unpredictable, Jason.' She didn't demand that I completely absolve, but that was sort of the back-and-forth, and I was like, well, I feel like my [sobriety] ETA is six months away, but if I could land this plane now, it would alleviate a lot of the tension, so let's just [expletive] do it.”

— Jason Bateman, Actor (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Being a father of two is everything I wanted. I'm a big fan of marriage and being a dad. And my wife, Amanda, makes those things easy. She spoils me; she makes the husband part simple.”

— Jason Bateman, Actor (Redbook)

What’s next

Bateman continues to be open about his journey with sobriety and the importance of his family, frequently thanking his wife and daughters for their support during his award show acceptance speeches.

The takeaway

Bateman's story highlights the challenges that can arise in a relationship when one partner is navigating substance abuse, but also the power of communication, compromise, and unwavering support to overcome those obstacles. His commitment to his family and personal growth serves as an inspiring example of the transformative potential of marriage and fatherhood.