Jennifer Garner — the icon next door

Glamour: Do you ever worry that Violet is growing up in the spotlight?

JG: It’s not my favorite thing, but it’s a fact of life. It’s important to us that she remain a kid. If she wants to do theater someday, OK. But as far as making a living from it-, that’s not a kid’s job. We won’t allow it.

Glamour: You’re starring in “Juno,” a comedy about a pregnant teen who gives her baby up for adoption — you’re the adoptive mom. It got huge buzz at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.

JG: I’ve only seen “Juno” twice, but I cried my head off both times, in the best, most joyful way. I loved it. The character I play is an overachiever who’s always wanted things to fit into her life the way they’re supposed to fit, so when she isn’t able to get pregnant, she feels a sense of failure.

Glamour: So do you see yourself having another child?

JG: I always wanted to have several. And Violet needs a sibling. But I’m not pregnant, and we’re not trying yet. (Laughs.)

Glamour: Do you ever wear your “Alias” getups for Ben?

JG: (Laughs) I don’t have those costumes anymore. But Ben wouldn’t notice; he is the best and worst in that way. We’ll be going out to some event, and I’ll have my hair and makeup done and I’ll literally have to say, “Hey, look at me!” But it works in my favor, too, since most of the time I’m a schlep!

Glamour: You had an insane body on “Alias” — has it changed post-baby?

JG: Well, sometimes this (grabs a roll on her stomach) can make me a bit crazy. I don’t understand how women can manage to get back in shape with a new baby and a job. I couldn’t even touch exercise until I finished working on “Alias.” And trying to work out when you have a second and third child … How is that supposed to happen?

Glamour: And the paparazzi don’t give you a break to get back in shape ...

JG: It was painful and embarrassing (to see myself in photos), but I wasn’t going to spend time working out that I could have spent with Violet. I was like, ‘Screw it — what am I going to do?’

Glamour: You’ve landed on plenty of “Beautiful People” lists, but you’ve also referred to yourself as a “huge dork.” How is that possible?

JG: Trust me, I can be awkward. I tend to make big gestures. Ben and I went to a Red Sox game, and when the mascot came up to us, I hugged it. The pictures showed up everywhere. Ben and I were both like, “Ooh, too big of a gesture.” Why did I have to hug the sock? Just say hello like a normal person.

Glamour: Lastly, what’s your vision of a modern, successful, kick-ass woman?

JG: Someone who unapologetically defines herself, whether to say, “I love my career; that’s going to be my focus” or “I want to be home.” To be willing to grab on to that; to know what you want and do it.

To learn more about Garner’s flu vaccination campaign, go to facesofinfluenza.org; and for more information on the CDF, go to childrensdefense.org. For more inspiring stories, pick up the December issue of Glamour.

MORE FROM ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Section Front

Scoop: Murphy put on good face, source says Murphy autopsy finds no signs of trauma Tidbits: Woods thought of affairs as ‘perk’ Murphy’s husband ‘destroyed’ by her death Utah man who inspired ‘Rain Man’ dies ‘Avatar’ could get nine Oscar nominations   Arnold Stang, actor known for nerdy roles, dies Carrie Underwood to marry NHL player Sawyer all business in ‘World News’ debut Calif. court rejects bid to dismiss Polanski case Entertainment Section Front   Add Entertainment headlines to your news reader: