Jennifer Garner Sends Love to ‘Alias’ Costar Who Turned 54 on Wednesday originally appeared on Parade.
There’s an old saying that if a friendship lasts for seven years, it will last a lifetime. For Jennifer Garner, there’s a good chance that saying is true— just ask her friend of 24 years, Merrin Dungey.
On Wednesday, Dungey, Garner’s former ‘Alias’ costar, turned 54 and Garner took to Instagram to celebrate. She shared a carousel of photos of the pair through the years, and gave a subtle nod to the show that brought them together by referring to she and Dungey as their beloved characters’ names in the sweet, yet poignant caption.
“Sydney & Francie forever. Happy birthday, @realmerrindungey. I love you. ♥️☕️ ♥️”
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‘Alias,’ created by J.J. Abrams, premiered in 2001, launching Garner, who led the series as CIA agent Sydney Bristow, into superstardom. Dungey played Francie Calfo, Sydney’s best friend and roommate, and anyone who watched the series remembers all too well how their storyline ended. Spoiler alert: a knock-down-dag-out fight for the ages.
While their friendship captivated audiences, who cherished their on-screen chemistry, the pair’s friendship also blossomed off-screen, as evidenced through Garner’s slideshow of photos.
In 2023, the duo reunited publicly on the SAG-AFTRA picket line during a strike that began when contract negotiations between the actors’ union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers broke down. The strike revolved around concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in television and cinema as well as residuals from streaming and job security. Garner shared a smiley photo of the picketing pair to Instagram.
Last year, Garner appeared on an episode of the ‘The Ringer’s’ Dear Felicity podcast and she was asked if she’d ever consider participating in an ‘Alias’ reboot.
“Are you kidding? Of course I would,” she replied. “I’d do anything J.J. would direct.”
Dungey isn’t the only ‘Alias’ cast member Garner has remained close with over the years. In the same interview, she revealed that she’s stayed friends with several members of the original cast, including Bradley Cooper, Victor Garber, and Ron Rifkin.
She told the co-hosts of The View in 2023. “Bradley, Victor, and Ron were just together—they were seeing Maestro, which is such an amazing movie. I see Victor and Ron all the time. So we’re all very, very close.”
Jennifer Garner Sends Love to ‘Alias’ Costar Who Turned 54 on Wednesday first appeared on Parade on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
