Anna Faris played the role of Christy on the CBS sitcom Mom for seven years. Why did she leave the series? Here’s what Showbiz Cheat Sheet knows.
Anna Faris as Christy on ‘Mom’
Mom first aired in September 2013. Faris played Christy, a single mom who is newly sober and trying her best to get her life in order. Just when she least expects it, her estranged mother, Bonnie, comes into the picture (she’s a recovering alcoholic). At the beginning of the series, Christy has been clean for four months. She’s challenged with balancing life as single mom, sobriety, and her mother.
Anna Faris says her ‘Mom’ character is flawed
Faris says her Mom character, Christy, has a lot of flaws. “Whatever struggle you’re having, Christy seems to have them all,” joked Faris during a 2013 Pop Sugar interview. Faris says her ex-husband, Chris Pratt, told her the character was so much like her. He encouraged her to accept the role after only reading two pages of the script.
“Christy is so dimensional,” continues Faris. “I think we can all relate to her.” When asked if there are any parts of her life that mirror the show, Faris says yes. “Moms get under your skin in a very specific way,” she says. “My mom is so supportive and amazing, but she has really strong opinions about everything, like what I wear, how to clean the sink.” Faris’ son was a baby at the time, so she says her mother would give her a lot of advice.
Why Anna Faris left ‘Mom’
Why did Anna Faris decide to leave Mom after seven years? The Hollywood Reporter says it had nothing to do with COVID-19 concerns. It was simply time for Faris to move forward with other opportunities.
“The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career,” said Faris, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m so thankful to Chuck [Lorre], the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I’ll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family.”
What will happen to ‘Mom’?
According to the publication, the show will continue. Faris’ character will reportedly not be recast. Allison Janney will likely lead the show as Bonnie.
Warner Bros. TV and Chuck Lorre Productions noted in a statement that Faris was the only person they imagined playing the role of Christy. “From the inception of Mom, Anna was the first and only choice for the role of Christy,” they said. “We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell during Anna’s seven years with us. We wish Anna all the best, and we thank her for her beautiful portrayal.”
What’s next for Anna Faris
Now that Faris won’t be returning to the Mom cast, what’s next for her? The actor hasn’t missed a beat. Next, she’s slated to appear in Summer Madness.
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