Celebrities often find their way into the spotlight through film, music, or public appearances—but sometimes the people who stand quietly beside famous figures carry stories just as compelling. Jaclyn Matfus, known widely as the wife of acclaimed musician Ben Harper, is one of these personalities. While she maintains a low-public profile, interest in her life, career, age, children, and family continues to grow.
This article dives deeply into everything publicly known about Jaclyn Matfus—her background, early life, age, birthday, motherhood, family life, relationship with Ben Harper, her son, and her journey from acting and production work to humanitarian interest. Whether you’re researching for your blog, seeking celebrity family details, or simply want a comprehensive biography, this 1500–2000-word guide covers it all.
Who Is Jaclyn Matfus?
Jaclyn Matfus is an American actress, producer, and quietly influential humanitarian figure. While many know her primarily as the spouse of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ben Harper, Jaclyn carved out her own career long before her marriage made headlines.
She worked in the entertainment industry both in front of the camera and behind it. Her early IMDb listings show small acting roles and short film production credits. Though her Hollywood footprint is modest compared to her husband’s global musical acclaim, Jaclyn maintains an identity rooted in creativity, compassion, and advocacy.
Over the years, glimpses of her humanitarian work have surfaced through charity events, initiatives for women and youth, and collaborations that hint at a strong devotion to social betterment. This dimension of her life, although not overpublicized, suggests she is deeply committed to meaningful causes.
Despite her public connections, Jaclyn prefers a quieter lifestyle—one where privacy is valued, her family is protected from unnecessary media attention, and her personal story unfolds outside the constant glare of celebrity culture.
Early Life and Background
Public records and entertainment databases list Jaclyn Matfus as being born in 1984, with some sources narrowing it down further to May 24, 1984, in New York City. While the exact date has not been universally confirmed, the year 1984 appears consistently across multiple profiles.
Jaclyn was raised in the United States, reportedly by parents Nicholas Matfus (1952–2018) and Suzanne Deutsch (1954–2009). Although details about her childhood remain private, what is known suggests she was influenced by a culturally rich, ambitious environment that supported her creative interests.
Her upbringing likely played a role in her gravitating toward acting and later toward philanthropy—two areas that require empathy, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Career: From Acting to Production and Advocacy
Acting Career
Jaclyn Matfus had a brief but noteworthy experience in acting. One of her most recognizable credits comes from the 2009 film “17 Again”, which starred Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. While her role was not a starring part, it remains her most publicly acknowledged acting credit and the one most frequently referenced in celebrity databases.
Production Work
Her work extends beyond performance. Jaclyn also took on behind-the-scenes roles, including producing the short film “10ten” (2006). These early projects show her versatility and willingness to explore creative avenues beyond traditional acting.
Activism and Humanitarian Work
This is an area that, while not heavily publicized, repeatedly appears in association with Jaclyn Matfus. Several sources describe her as an activist with involvement in charity and global outreach projects. Her efforts align with initiatives focused on:
- Women’s empowerment
- Education
- Youth development
- Social justice
Jaclyn’s humanitarian focus has also influenced elements of Ben Harper’s philanthropic engagements, strengthening their shared commitment to community-oriented work.
Marriage to Ben Harper: A Love Story Away From the Spotlight
Jaclyn Matfus and musician Ben Harper married on January 1, 2015, in a ceremony that—true to their style—was private and intimate. Their relationship had blossomed out of shared values, particularly centered around activism and compassion.
Ben Harper, known for hits such as “Steal My Kisses”, “Walk Away”, and “Diamonds on the Inside,” has long been respected not only for musical talent but also for his emotional depth and personal complexity. His marriage to Jaclyn seems to reflect a partnership grounded in understanding, mutual respect, and shared passions.
Unlike high-profile celebrity marriages that thrive on constant media attention, Jaclyn and Ben Harper remain low-key. They appear together occasionally at major events—such as award shows and charity functions—but largely keep their private life off social media and away from tabloids.
Jaclyn Matfus Children
One of the most searched questions about her personal life is “Does Jaclyn Matfus have children?”
Yes, she does—one biological son with Ben Harper, along with four stepchildren from Ben Harper’s previous relationships.
Jaclyn Matfus Baby / Jaclyn Matfus Son
On June 17, 2017, Jaclyn and Ben Harper welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Besso Harper. The birth of their son was announced publicly, though with the same delicate privacy the couple is known for. While fans were thrilled at the news, Jaclyn has intentionally kept Besso’s life out of the media.
Stepparent to Ben Harper’s Children
Ben Harper had children from his earlier relationships:
- Two children with his first wife
- Two children with actress Laura Dern
This makes Jaclyn Matfus a stepmother to four children, expanding her family role beyond the traditional. Reports suggest that she has embraced this blended family dynamic, contributing stability and support.
Jaclyn Matfus Family Life
Jaclyn Matfus’s family life centers around privacy, balance, and nurturing relationships. Her household is a blend of her own son and Ben Harper’s older children, creating a uniquely multicultural, creativity-filled family environment.
Despite being in proximity to fame, Jaclyn preserves a grounded home life. She is rarely photographed with her children, and almost no personal family details are shared publicly. This conscious decision highlights her desire to allow her children—including her son Besso—to grow up outside the pressure of public scrutiny.
Her ability to maintain privacy amid celebrity culture speaks to her strong sense of boundaries and commitment to motherhood.
Jaclyn Matfus Age
Because multiple sources state she was born in 1984, Jaclyn Matfus is around 41 years old as of 2025.
(If the May 24 birthdate is accurate, she would have turned 41 in May 2025.)
Her age is one of the most common public queries about her, as fans of Ben Harper or celebrity families often want to understand more about spouses who remain outside the constant media cycle.
Jaclyn Matfus Birthday
Although her birthday is not officially confirmed by direct sources, several entertainment platforms list May 24, 1984 as her birth date.
Until a direct confirmation comes from Jaclyn or her official representatives, this date remains widely accepted but technically unverified. Many celebrity profiles, however, treat it as accurate.
Public Image and Personality
What makes Jaclyn Matfus particularly interesting to fans and bloggers is her understated public presence. She is connected to a major music icon, yet she appears content staying behind the scenes.
Her personality—based on interviews, rare public appearances, and humanitarian collaborations—can be described as:
- Grounded: Avoids fame-driven publicity
- Empathetic: Passionate about global and local causes
- Creative: Maintains an interest in film and storytelling
- Private: Maintains strong boundaries around her family
This combination creates intrigue, especially in an era where celebrity spouses often seek their own limelight.
Why People Search About Her
Search queries like “Who is Jaclyn Matfus?”, “Jaclyn Matfus baby”, “Jaclyn Matfus son,” and “Jaclyn Matfus age” trend periodically because:
- Ben Harper’s fans want to know about his personal life
- Celebrity bloggers track lesser-known spouses of famous artists
- Her humanitarian involvement sparks curiosity
- Her privacy leaves many unanswered questions
This blend of mystery and authenticity contributes to her rising online interest.
Jaclyn Matfus in 2025: Where She Is Now
As of the most recent information available:
- She continues to live a quiet, family-centered life.
- She remains married to Ben Harper.
- Her son, Besso, is growing and, like his parents, is kept out of public view.
- She continues to show interest in advocacy and charity-related efforts.
- She appears occasionally at public events but does not maintain a strong social-media presence.
Her current focus seems to be family life, blended-family dynamics, and charitable work rather than Hollywood ambitions.
Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of Jaclyn Matfus
Jaclyn Matfus may not be a household name, but her presence in the entertainment world—and more importantly, within her blended family—reflects a woman of quiet strength, deep compassion, and meaningful purpose. From her early acting days to her humanitarian collaborations, from her marriage to Ben Harper to the joy of raising their son, Jaclyn represents a grounded figure in a whirlwind industry.
Her life story continues to draw interest because she embodies balance—between creativity and privacy, between public connection and personal boundaries, between family devotion and independent identity. For those who admire authenticity more than fame, Jaclyn Matfus is a compelling and inspiring figure.
This article is published for readers of Infory, your home for thoughtful celebrity insights and human stories.