Jen's Present to Ben and Julianne Margulies' Gift to Herself

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 Nov 2008 12:19 PM

I guess the child Jennifer Garner is carrying is not her Christmas present to her famous hubby Ben Affleck after all.

Rather, the National Enquirer is reporting that the actress is designing her poker-playing spouse a gaming suite in their new home. The tabloid claims that Garner surprised Affleck with the plans for the new addition a few months ago.

But, perhaps, even more shocking than the fact that Garner paid big bucks to recreate her hubby's favorite high-roller suite at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas (which apparently is his favorite place to play) is the news that the actress has given up on trying to get Affleck to kick his gambling habit.

A source tells the National Enquirer, "Jen wanted Ben to cut out playing poker completely, but she knew that wasn't realistic. So she decided to build a room at home where Ben could have the boys over once a week."

Back in 2004, shortly after he became the first celebrity to win the California State Poker Championship, Affleck told reporters that gambling was "in his blood."

Now it's in his new mansion. Merry Christmas to Ben.

JULIANNA MARGULIES' GIFT TO HERSELF

So much for a full-fledged reunion.

Despite being invited to join her former colleagues on the last episode of the show that made her famous, actress Julianna Margulies won't be checking back into NBC's "ER."

Margulies, who spent six years playing nurse Carol Hathaway, says she is now concentrating on her life as a new wife and mom and has no desire to return for a final goodbye on the series finale.

"I feel like I left Carol Hathaway in the best scenario possible," Margulies recently told reporters. "I can't imagine making it any better than that."

Margulies' character left Chicago's County General for Seattle and settled down with Dr. Doug Ross (played by George Clooney).

As the series' 15th and final season draws to a close some of its original stars have been appearing in guest shots. Last week Anthony Edwards reprised his role of Dr. Mark Greene. Meanwhile, fellow alums Noah Wyle and Eriq La Salle are reportedly planning to make guest appearances in upcoming episodes.

Still no word on whether Clooney will make like Edwards and Wyle or pull a Margulies before the series fades off into the sunset.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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