Anna Faris, 45, has excelled at portraying ditzy blonde characters, showcasing her wit in comedic roles like those in “Scary Movie” and “The House Bunny.”
Her role as Christy in “Mom,” a single mother battling addiction and a complex relationship with her mother, played by Allison Janney, was a perfect fit.
So, her abrupt departure left a significant void in the show’s ensemble.
Anna Faris left the CBS show “Mom” after starring in it for seven seasons because she wanted to explore other opportunities and wanted to grow as an actor. While announcing her leave in September 2020, she expressed her gratitude and support for the show. However, CBS canceled the show after one more season- in season 8.
What Was The Reason Behind Anna Faris Leaving Mom?
The departure of Anna Faris from the hit sitcom “Mom” left fans devastated. Faris, who portrayed the character Christy Plunkett, announced that she would not be returning for the eighth season of the show, ending her time on the series.
However, her decision to leave was not due to COVID-19 concerns; instead, it was driven by her desire to explore new opportunities in her career.
In a heartfelt statement about her departure, Faris expressed her gratitude for the seven fulfilling and rewarding years she spent working on “Mom.” She thanked Chuck Lorre, the show’s writers, and her castmates for creating an incredible work experience.
Faris said (as per The Hollywood Reporter):
“The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career. I’m so thankful to Chuck, 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.”
Warner Bros. TV and Chuck Lorre Productions also shared their sentiments, emphasizing that Anna Faris was their first and only choice for Christy’s role.
They praised her beautiful portrayal of the character and wished her all the best in her future endeavors. The news of Faris’ sudden departure came as a surprise to the cast and crew of “Mom.”
The unexpected and unwelcome development left the entire network scrambling to adapt to the change.
Kristen Johnston, who played Tammy Diffendorf on the show, tried to maintain a positive outlook, noting that while they missed Anna, the essence of “Mom” remained unchanged.
Allison Janney, a prominent figure in the cast, appeared on the popular “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and confessed that it felt “very odd” to be on set without Faris. She highlighted that Anna was genuinely missed, both as a colleague and for her character’s presence on the show.
When the eighth season of “Mom” premiered, fans learned that Christy Plunkett’s character had left for Georgetown University to pursue her educational goals.
However, this departure left many loose ends, as fans found it challenging to believe that Christy could suddenly secure a scholarship at a prestigious university after struggling to gain acceptance into a community college.
Despite the show’s continued popularity and a dedicated fanbase, CBS delivered another shock by deciding to cancel “Mom.”
The executive producers released a statement expressing their gratitude to the actors and writers for the eight-year journey of bringing the characters to life and sharing their triumphs with millions of viewers.
They acknowledged the brilliant cast, guest stars, talented writers, and dedicated crew who had been part of this remarkable journey.
Anna Faris’ exit may have been a catalyst for the show’s cancellation, but the network’s decision still remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The end of “Mom” marked the conclusion of an era for fans who had followed the series for years, leaving them with lingering questions about the show’s fate and the circumstances surrounding its cancellation.
In the world of television, departures and unexpected endings are not uncommon.
As fans reflect on the legacy of “Mom” and Anna Faris’ significant contribution to the show, they can only hope for new and exciting opportunities in the future for both the talented actress and the beloved characters they came to know and love.
The final episode of the CBS show Mom aired on Thursday, May 6, 2021.
Did you like the sitcom Mom? What about Faris’ role in it? Did you think it was the right decision for her to leave the show?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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