Jason Bateman's Wife Of Over 20 Years Praises Actor For Not Just 'Selling A Six-Pack'

May 19, 2022

Jason Bateman has probably made you laugh a time or two. The actor has been in box office hits like "Horrible Bosses," "The Switch," "Identity Thief," and "Game Night." But before stepping onto the big screen, Bateman was born in New York and lived in Utah and California during his childhood. 

Born in 1969, Bateman was born into a family of the arts. His dad, Kent Bateman, was an actor, director and writer for television. Being a star was in his roots, so it was no surprise that Bateman stepped into Hollywood at a young age. His first major role was starring in "Little House on the Prairie" in 1980. From there, the doors opened to his acting career. From 1982 to 1984, he was a regular on "Silver Spoons," as he continued to grow as an actor.

 While landing consistent roles, Bateman landed a renowned series in 2003. He starred in "Arrested Development" until 2006, when the Fox series ended. The series landed him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Bateman acted in "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," as well as "Couples Retreat," before voice acting in "Zootopia" in 2018. Even still working on the Netflix show "Ozark," Bateman credits all of his success to his support system. At one point, the star opened up and shared with the world that he almost lost everything at one point due to drugs and alcohol. He is a star actor, but he is also a husband and father too. He has also said without giving up those vices, he wouldn't have his family today. 

In 2009 while sitting down with Details, Jason Bateman revealed that his wife Amanda Anka had once given him an ultimatum over the drugs and alcohol. The star had stayed out too late for too long, and she was getting tired of it. The article discusses how, after that, Anka left Bateman alone at home while she escaped to a Mexican Christmas getaway. It was during that time he realized he should change his ways. "Do you want to continue being great at being in your twenties, or do you want to step up and graduate into adulthood?" the star asked himself. 

Not long after having that tough conversation with himself, Bateman and his wife would have two daughters in 2006 and 2012. For an interview with GQ, Bateman's wife gushed over how proud of her husband she is. 

"He's not selling a six-pack. He's not selling an image. He's the Everyman's guy. He became emotional when he learned he was going to get to direct a feature film. He only wears Falke socks. He has thick skin: He's the most sensitive, generous man without being fragile, which is interesting to me," she said. 

The couple has now been married for over 20 years. Anka, who is an actress and producer herself, has a full-time career. Her husband has acknowledged that she has taken on an extra load due to his own career and ambitions. Bateman also said that without her and his daughters, he wouldn't be where he is today. While accepting his Screen Actors Guild Award in 2019, the star moved the world with his speech. 

In his speech, he said, "They're used to me working weird hours or not being in town a lot. My wife [Amanda Anka] keeps me really grounded by doing nothing other than just being her." 

He stood up on stage and continued to gush over his family and how important they are to his career and, more importantly, his success. 

"She's got a full-time career herself, and she's able to be an incredible mom, and she's also almost a full-time dad too because I'm out of town so much," Bateman said. "I'm floored by that. That keeps me grounded. That reminds me that I've got a real strong example to kind of live up to what she's showing." Bateman shared that his family helps keep everything in perspective.

"That keeps me from taking any of this for granted or just doing it half-assed," the award-winner said.

"I would like to say specifically though to my wife, my two daughters — Amanda, Franny and Maple — without you, none of it would be enjoyable and it probably wouldn't be possible," he said as he started to tear up. "I love you more than I even tell you I do, and I'll be home for kisses so don't go to bed. Amanda, pop a mint, I'm going to come give you yours in about 5 minutes."

Most recently, Bateman has starred in "Ozark" where he also won an Emmy for Outstanding Director for a Drama Series in 2019. Besides on the screen, fans cannot find Bateman on places like Instagram, but the actor does have a Twitter page. The page with over two million followers is updated regularly so fans can keep up with the star. 

How do you think Jason Bateman's wife handled her husband's vices? Without her giving him an ultimatum, the star may not be where he is today. If you are inspired by this story—pass it along to others who would be inspired too!