Anna Faris shared a rare insight into how she navigated the end of her marriage to Chris Pratt, revealing that one unexpected project became a lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
In a new interview with Variety, the actress reflected on her 2018 divorce from the Guardians of the Galaxy star after eight years of marriage, admitting she was struggling emotionally at the time.
"I was feeling sad," Anna candidly recalled. The 49-year-old explained that launching and hosting her popular podcast, Anna Faris Is Unqualified, helped her regain a sense of purpose and connection as she adjusted to life after the split. "I'm lucky that at that time I had my podcast," she said.
© Getty ImagesFinding comfort in community
Anna revealed that when she first launched the podcast, she had modest expectations. "I wanted, like, four people to listen and to build my own secret community," she explained. "I wanted an avenue outside of Hollywood as a way to connect with people."
While the actress admitted she did not share every detail of her personal life with listeners, she found comfort in knowing the platform was there if she ever needed it.
© Getty Images"Despite having a constant desire to connect with people, I didn't disclose a lot on the podcast," she said. "But it made me feel like I could if I needed to."
The experience also helped her reimagine her future. "It made me think, 'I know I could be happy if I'm writing because I've always loved that, and maybe that's an avenue to make money.'"
© WireImageLife after Chris
Anna and Chris first met in 2007 before marrying in 2009. The former couple welcomed their son Jack in 2012 and announced their separation in 2017 before finalising their divorce the following year.
At the time, the split attracted significant public attention, something Anna now says she was able to weather thanks to her resilience. "I had enough gumption, enough of a core," she told the publication.
However, she acknowledged that more than two decades in the spotlight inevitably had an impact. "I'd be naïve to think it didn't shape me," she admitted, before adding: "But, f--k the scrutiny."
Lessons learned
Anna has previously spoken candidly about what she believes contributed to the breakdown of her marriages. During a 2021 episode of her podcast with guest Gwyneth Paltrow, the actress reflected on being married to fellow actors, including her first husband, Ben Indra.
She suggested that competition within relationships had at times created challenges. "I don't think we did a great job of eliminating competitiveness," she said at the time. "Or at least I didn't, being a proud person, and not wanting to reveal vulnerability."
Happily ever after
Today, both Anna and Chris have found happiness again. Chris married author Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2019 and the couple are parents to daughters Lyla, five, and Eloise, four, as well as son Ford, one.
Anna also found love again, marrying cinematographer Michael Barrett in 2021. Looking back, the actress says she feels grateful not only for the support she received during a difficult chapter but also for the enduring connection she has with fans. "When people see me, they usually smile and say, 'Oh, I love The House Bunny' or 'I love Scary Movie' or 'Mom helped me through that hard time,'" she said. "The opportunities are more bountiful than they've ever been. I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude."
