Anna Faris, beloved for her role as Christy Plunkett in the CBS sitcom Mom, surprised fans when she announced her departure from the show ahead of its eighth and final season. The question on everyone’s mind was: why did Anna Faris leave Mom? Initially, Faris cited a desire to pursue new opportunities, but she has since offered more insight into her decision to step away from the popular series and acting in general.
In a statement released at the time of her exit, Faris expressed gratitude for her seven years on Mom. She stated, “The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career. 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.” This official statement pointed towards a career shift and the exploration of different professional paths.
However, in a more recent interview with People magazine, Faris elaborated on her choice, revealing a more personal motivation behind her departure. She explained that leaving Mom was not a consciously planned career move, but rather a gradual shift in priorities. “I kind of took my foot off the gas and I spent a lot of time with my son,” Faris shared. This desire to dedicate more time to her family and personal life appears to have been a significant factor in her decision to leave the demanding schedule of a network sitcom.
Faris described this period as feeling like a “sabbatical,” emphasizing the restorative nature of her time away from acting. “It felt really good. It wasn’t conscious, but sort of a sabbatical, I guess,” she told People. This period of stepping back allowed her to recharge and reassess her career trajectory.
Interestingly, Faris isn’t entirely stepping away from the spotlight. She is set to appear in a Super Bowl 2023 commercial for Avocados From Mexico, showcasing her return to the screen in a lighter, comedic role. Reflecting on her future, Faris expressed enthusiasm for new projects that are beginning to materialize. “And now, what also feels great is that all of the projects and the characters that I’ve been sort of subconsciously kicking around, feel like they’re slowly kind of starting to sprout. And I feel really proactive, which feels great.” This suggests that while her time on Mom has concluded, Anna Faris is looking forward to embracing new creative endeavors.
Anna Faris’s career extends beyond Mom, with notable roles in popular movies like Scary Movie, The House Bunny, and The Hot Chick, solidifying her status as a comedic actress. Her decision to leave Mom seems to be a multifaceted one, driven by both a desire for personal time and a readiness to explore new professional horizons. While fans may miss seeing Christy on Mom, Anna Faris’s departure appears to be a positive step towards a new chapter in her life and career.
