| Full Name | Anna Kay Faris |
| Birthday | November 29, 1976 |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Height | 5‘ 5" (1.65 m) |
| Spouse | Ben Indra (m. 2004–2007), Chris Pratt (m. 2009–2018) |
| Children | Jack Pratt |
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
| Social Profiles |
Facebook, Twitter, |
Anna Faris is an actress and comedian best known for starring in parody films like Scary Movie, The House Bunny and the CBS sitcom Mom. With her lively onscreen persona, innate comedic skills and ability to parody herself, Faris has charmed her way into becoming one of America‘s most beloved funny ladies.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 29, 1976 in Baltimore, Maryland, Anna spent most of her childhood in Edmonds, Washington after her family relocated when she was six. Her father Jack worked as a sociology professor while her mother Karen taught special education. She has an older brother named Robert who works as an economist.
Faris became interested in acting and performing as a child. She enjoyed drama classes in school and did community theater productions. After graduating high school, she enrolled at the University of Washington to study English literature but dropped out at 19 to pursue acting full time.
Rising to Fame with Scary Movie
Faris moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s to build her acting career. She landed minor TV roles in shows like Friends and small parts in low-budget horror films. Her big break came in 2000 when she was cast as the lead role of the clueless but lovable Cindy Campbell in the horror-comedy spoof Scary Movie.
Despite the movie‘s modest $19 million budget, Scary Movie earned over $278 million worldwide with Faris‘ hilarious performance as a likeable dumb blonde becoming the highlight. Her spot-on comic timing and willingness to make herself look foolish impressed critics and audiences. She won the Best Kiss award with Jon Abrahams at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.
Establishing Herself as a Comedy Star
The massive success of Scary Movie cemented Faris‘ status as a rising star of comedy. She went on to reprise the role of Cindy Campbell for three profitable sequels from 2001 to 2006. She also starred in other successful comedies like The Hot Chick (2002), Waiting… (2005) and Just Friends (2005) playing bubbly, klutzy characters.
Her breakout as a lead actress came with The House Bunny (2008) which earned over $70 million. As the optimistic Playboy bunny Shelley Darlingson, Faris charmed viewers with her infectious energy and spot-on comedic skills. She proved she could carry a movie with her funny yet endearing performance.
Primetime Emmy-Nominated Role in Mom
While conquering the big screen, Faris also found phenomenal success on television when she landed the lead role of Christy Plunkett in Chuck Lorre‘s sitcom Mom in 2013. Her portrayal of a flawed but determined single mom struggling with addiction earned widespread praise from critics and audiences.
Faris‘ dramatic yet humorous performance scored her four consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress from 2014 to 2017. Mom has run for 8 highly rated seasons, with Faris directing some episodes as well. Her first TV starring role cementing her chops as a versatile comedic actress.
Major Filmography
Some noteworthy movies that showcase Anna Faris‘ comedic skills:
- Scary Movie film series (2000-2006) – Her career-defining role as Cindy Campbell
- The Hot Chick (2002) – Played clueless Jessica Spencer
- Lost in Translation (2003) – Cameo as an airhead actress
- Just Friends (2005) – Role of clingy, pop-star wannabe Samantha James
- Brokeback Mountain (2005) – Played the lively Lashawn Malone
- The House Bunny (2008) – Led the cast as the bubbly Shelley Darlingson
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) – Voiced weather intern Sam Sparks
- What‘s Your Number? (2011) – Leading role as the unlucky-in-love Ally Darling
- The Dictator (2012) – Played the liberal feminist Zoey
- Mom (2013-present) – Stars as Christy Plunkett in the hit sitcom
- Overboard (2018) – Top billed as heiress Kate in the remake
Fun Facts and Trivia
- She worked as a frozen yogurt vendor at ‘Lucky Bees Yogurt‘ in college before becoming an actress.
- She eloped with actor Ben Indra in Vegas when she was just 21 years old – the marriage lasted 3 years.
- Faris suffered a concussion on the sets of Scary Movie 5 in 2012 when she was accidentally hit by a stunt guard.
- She has been open about her plastic surgery procedures including a breast augmentation and rhinoplasty.
- Her memoir ‘Unqualified‘ based on relationship and career advice from her podcast debuted at #1 on the NYT bestseller list.
- She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded in 2017 for her contributions to cinema.
- Faris supports charities like Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth and LA Food Bank.
Legacy and Influence
With her stellar comedic timing, willingness for self-parody and innate likeability on screen, Anna Faris has secured her place as one of the most talented comic actresses of her generation. She has often been compared to legends like Lucille Ball and Goldie Hawn.
Critics have praised her for breaking gender barriers within comedy by taking on slapstick, dumb blonde roles that allow women to gleefully subvert expectations. She has paved the way for other female comedians and actors to take on similar unconventional parts.
Few actresses can make audiences consistently laugh out loud and also tug at their heartstrings like Faris. Her longevity and popularity stem from her willingness to make herself look foolish for a laugh and being in on the joke. She truly is America‘s hilarious sweetheart now and for decades to come!