Friends of actress Anna Faris have publicly criticized television producer Chuck Lorre following the release of his new memoir, Sitcom. The backlash centers on Lorre’s claims regarding Faris’s initial casting and subsequent departure from the hit CBS comedy series Mom. Sources close to the actress argue that his remarks overlook her seven-year commitment and substantial contribution to the show’s success.
The controversy ignited after Lorre revisited his historical doubts about hiring Faris for the lead role of Christy Plunkett in his book. According to insiders speaking with TMZ, people close to Faris described the producer’s published comments as unfair and ungracious. They emphasized that her years on the program helped build its massive audience and directly benefited everyone involved, including Lorre himself.
Chuck Lorre’s Memoir Remarks on Casting Anna Faris
In Sitcom, Chuck Lorre details his initial hesitation about bringing Faris on board for the series, which ran from 2013 to 2021 and co-starred Allison Janney. Lorre wrote that he initially turned down the idea because he was unsure if Faris would be appropriate for the material.
However, Lorre explained that he reconsidered after reflecting on his previous turbulent working relationship with Charlie Sheen. He reasoned that an actor’s personal life should remain separate from professional considerations, ultimately concluding that the titular mom should be Anna Faris.
Despite her seven-year run, Lorre argued in the memoir that Faris’s departure in 2020 validated his original instincts. He wrote that as the years progressed, his initial reluctance proved correct, claiming her exit was driven by reasons that were well-understood by the production team. Lorre also asserted that Mom found its true voice toward the end of its run, managing to continue for an eighth and final season after her departure.
Faris’s Inner Circle and Personal Response
Faris’s inner circle pushed back strongly against the narrative presented in the book. While acknowledging that Lorre has every right to share his industry experiences, they criticized the timing and tone of his remarks while promoting his memoir, suggesting a creator of his stature should show more generosity toward a former collaborator.
Faris herself addressed the situation directly on Instagram, admitting that the remarks caught her entirely off guard and caused her pain. “Yikes. Yes, I read a few things. I really didn’t see that coming. Of course it hurts,” Faris wrote. She added, “Chuck gave me a job I loved, and for seven years I never took a day of it for granted. I’m proud of what we made together and nothing changes how grateful I am for those people and those years.”
During her social media statement, Faris also shared personal milestones, revealing that she has been sober for a year and a half. Connecting her real-life journey to her past television work, she noted, “I was on a show about recovery and then I lived it. Now I’m healthy, I’m working and I’m happier than I’ve been in a longtime.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Anna Faris and Mom
Why did Anna Faris leave the CBS sitcom Mom?
Anna Faris departed Mom in August 2020 ahead of the show’s eighth and final season. At the time, she stated that her journey as Christy Plunkett had come to an end, allowing her to pursue new career opportunities.
What did Chuck Lorre write about Anna Faris in his memoir?
In his memoir Sitcom, Chuck Lorre revealed he initially had doubts about casting Faris and claimed that her eventual departure from the series validated his early reluctance to hire her.
How did Anna Faris respond to Chuck Lorre’s memoir comments?
Anna Faris posted a statement on Instagram acknowledging that Lorre’s remarks hurt and caught her by surprise, while simultaneously expressing deep gratitude for her seven years working on the show and the people involved.
How long did Anna Faris star in Mom?
Anna Faris starred as Christy Plunkett in Mom for seven seasons, spanning from the show’s premiere in 2013 until her departure in 2020.
Who co-starred alongside Anna Faris in Mom?
Anna Faris co-starred alongside Academy Award-winner Allison Janney, who played her mother, Bonnie Plunkett, throughout the series’ run.
