Jennifer Lopez and husband-to-be Ben Affleck made their first public appearance together on Sunday at the New York premiere of her new film Maid in Manhattan.
The couple was also joined by Ben's best friend Matt Damon, Tim Robbins, Liam Neeson and British co-star Natasha Richardson for the glamorous, albeit chilly, event.
J Lo admits that the rags-to-riches story told in Maid In Manhattan is very close to her own. The movie follows the experiences of a chambermaid who finds herself moving amongst the rich and powerful after a Senate candidate mistakes her for a wealthy hotel guest.
The politician, played by British actor Ralph Fiennes, falls in love with her without knowing that she comes from an impoverished family on the outskirts of the city. Jennifer herself grew up in the Bronx and says she had to battle against the same prejudgements that her character, Marisa, experiences.
"Being Puerto Rican, and a minority, it was like 'What are you thinking about? This is crazy. You will obviously not succeed'," says the 33-year-old actress. Three albums and a string of hit films later, Jennifer has proven her doubters sorely mistaken.
And veteran British actor Bob Hoskins, who also stars in the film, says he thinks the singer-actress has the potential to go even futher. "I hope she takes some chances and does some really great roles," he said. "I think she has the chops for it. I hope she doesn't listen to the studios."
Ben's old friend Matt Damon, keeping warm under a woolly hat, was more worried about Jennifer's wedding than her acting career. The Bourne Identity star admitted he didn't know what gift he could possibly get the couple. "If they announce a date, I'll actually have to start thinking about that," he said. "I can't even buy a Christmas gift for Ben because the guy's already got everything, so their wedding will be tricky."
Jennifer's sister, journalist Lynda Lopez agreed. "I wish they'd tell me what they want, because clearly they don't need anything," she said, adding, "I plan on being a bridesmaid."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
