Jennifer Garner Pays Tribute to Late Ballerina Michaela DePrince

In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2024

Jennifer Garner is remembering an impressive talent in the dancing world.

The 52-year-old reposted a tribute to late ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince on Sept. 14, writing on her Instagram Story, “Such a beautiful dancer: Rest in peace.”

News of Michaela’s death was announced on her Instagram account on Sept. 13. The Boston Ballet principal soloist was 29.

"Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength," the statement read. "Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us."

They added, "Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come."

Michaela and her sister Mia were adopted from Sierra Leone by their family in New Jersey, and her parents enrolled her at the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia. She then studied at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012. Michaela was also a dancer for the Dutch National Ballet, and in 2021 joined the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist.

According to her family's statement, DePrince is survived by her sister Mia, as well as sisters Beelee, Jaye, Mariel and Amie, as well as her brothers Adam and Erik.

As for Garner, the Alias star has a long history with ballet. In 2021 for International Dance Day, she tried out some ballet moves, admitting at the time that she hadn’t practiced ballet in decades.

"Bless this old gal's heart," the 13 Going on 30 actress self-deprecatingly wrote about herself as the caption of her post. "She hasn't held a fourth position in a good couple decades."