Jennifer Garner lost a role and retreated to the desert. Two weeks later, she landed ‘Alias’: “God’s rejection is divine”

Jennifer Garner said losing a role on *The West Wing* left her so disappointed that she went alone to Palm Springs for a few days. Two weeks later, she was offered the lead in *Alias*, a career-changing opportunity that showed how one setback can open another path.

Garner had auditioned for Ainsley Hayes, a role that went to Emily Procter and appeared in the series for two seasons. JJ Abrams, who had previously worked with Garner on *Felicity*, offered her the part of Sydney Bristow in *Alias*; he said he wrote the character with her in mind. The spy drama ran for five seasons, earned Garner a Golden Globe and brought her four consecutive Emmy nominations for lead actress.