LOS ANGELES — Anna Faris addressed remarks published in a new memoir by television producer Chuck Lorre on Thursday, writing that his comments regarding her casting and eventual departure from the CBS comedy series “Mom” were unexpected and painful.
Lorre, 73, released his memoir “Sitcom” earlier in the week. In the book, the veteran producer wrote that he initially hesitated to cast Faris as Christy Plunkett, a recovering alcoholic and single parent, before conceding that someone’s personal life was not his business following his past working difficulties with Charlie Sheen on “Two and a Half Men.” Lorre added that her departure from the comedy after seven seasons confirmed his initial doubts, writing that she left for “mysterious reasons that were not mysterious to anyone on the show.”
Faris reflects on time on the show and sobriety
Faris, 49, responded to the excerpts in a message shared to her Instagram account on Thursday, acknowledging that the criticism caught her off guard.
“Yikes. Yes, I read a few things. I really didn’t see that coming. Of course it hurts,” Faris wrote. “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.”
The actress also discussed her personal journey with alcohol, noting that she has been sober for a year and a half, according to reports from Deadline and TheWrap.
“I was on a show about recovery and then I lived it,” Faris wrote. “Now I’m healthy, I’m working, and I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. If anyone reading this is where I was, I hope that’s useful. It gets better. I’m proof.”
Faris had previously spoken about her decision to stop drinking during an August appearance on Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” podcast, explaining that she recognized a clear link between her drinking habits and depression.
Departure after seven seasons
“Mom” debuted on CBS in 2013, starring Faris alongside Allison Janney, who portrayed her mother, Bonnie Plunkett, also a recovering alcoholic. Faris served as the co-lead of the ensemble comedy for seven seasons before announcing her departure in 2020 to pursue other creative endeavors.
Following her exit, the network produced an eighth and final season centered entirely on Janney before canceling the series in 2021. In his memoir, Lorre expressed frustration with CBS executives for ending the production, writing that network leadership opted to part ways with a talented cast led by Janney, whom he referred to as a “national treasure.” Lorre also wrote that the comedy “found its true voice” during its later years by showing optimism and humor in recovery.
Faris addressed her exit from the long-running show in June during an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz. She described the production as an intense marathon and admitted she began losing focus near the end of her run, adding that she had never held a single job for longer than three and a half months outside of waitressing.
Representatives for Lorre did not immediately return requests for comment regarding Faris’ statement.
