Anna Kay Faris: A Complete Biography and Profile
Anna Kay Faris is an American actress, producer, podcaster, and author, best known for her roles in broad comedies and her long-running TV work. Born and raised in Washington state, she has successfully transitioned from a breakout star in the early 2000s to a multi-hyphenate creator today.
- Full Name: Anna Kay Faris
- Date of Birth: November 29, 1976
- Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. (Raised in Edmonds, Washington)
- Education: University of Washington (B.A. in English Literature)
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Podcaster, Author
- Active Years: 1986–Present
- Spouses:
- Ben Indra (m. 2004; div. 2008)
- Chris Pratt (m. 2009; div. 2018)
- Michael Barrett (m. 2021)
- Children: Jack Pratt (with Chris Pratt)
- Notable Roles: Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie franchise, Shelley Darlingson in The House Bunny, Christy Plunkett in the CBS sitcom Mom.
- Published Works: Unqualified (Memoir, 2017)
The Cinematic Comeback: Scary Movie 6 and New Film Slate
After stepping back from her starring role on the sitcom Mom in 2020, Anna Faris focused heavily on her personal life and her podcast. However, 2025 marks a thrilling return to her roots and a diversification of her filmography. The biggest news sending shockwaves through Hollywood is her return to the franchise that made her a household name.
The Return of Cindy Campbell in Scary Movie 6
The most anticipated project on her slate is the sixth installment of the Scary Movie franchise. Faris is set to reprise her iconic lead role as Cindy Campbell, a character who became the face of the early 2000s horror spoof genre. This revival is a massive moment for fans and a significant career move, showcasing her willingness to embrace the comedic legacy she created. The project is reportedly moving forward under a first-look deal between Paramount Pictures and Miramax, with co-star Regina Hall also expected to return. Writer Marlon Wayans has also confirmed the project, with a possible 2026 release date.
A Diverse Lineup of Upcoming Features
Beyond the horror comedy, Faris is lining up several other feature films that demonstrate a broad range of interests:
- Spa Weekend: A highly anticipated comedy project where Faris is expected to star.
- I, Object: She is attached to this upcoming film directed by the acclaimed Andrew Niccol, known for dramatic and sci-fi works like Gattaca. This suggests a potential move into more genre-bending or dramatic territory for Faris.
- TBA Comedies: Other projects currently in development or post-production include Summer Madness, Golddiggers, and TMI, which are expected to lean into the comedic style she is famous for.
The Unqualified Empire: Podcast Success and Media Resilience
While her film career is heating up, Anna Faris’s media presence is anchored by her hugely popular podcast, Anna Faris Is Unqualified. Launched in 2015, the podcast has evolved into a full-fledged media company and a crucial part of her brand.
The Format and Topical Authority
The weekly podcast is an "ongoing experiment" where Faris, often with a co-host, attempts to gain insight into the world by interviewing celebrity guests and giving out "completely unqualified" relationship advice. This format allows her to engage in candid, humorous, and sometimes surprisingly deep conversations, building significant topical authority around themes of love, relationships, celebrity life, and personal growth. Guests range from fellow comedians and actors to relationship experts, ensuring a fresh and diverse discussion each week.
From Memoir to Media
The success of the podcast directly led to her 2017 memoir, also titled Unqualified, which became a New York Times bestseller. The book and podcast share her signature blend of self-deprecating humor and honest vulnerability, offering a powerful contrast to her often over-the-top comedic film roles. This platform has allowed fans to connect with the real Anna Faris, the author and advice-giver, not just the actress.
Navigating Personal Life and New Beginnings
Anna Faris's personal life has been as public as her career, from her high-profile marriage and subsequent "conscious uncoupling" from Chris Pratt to her current, quieter life with cinematographer Michael Barrett.
Marriage to Michael Barrett
Faris is currently married to cinematographer Michael Barrett, whom she met while filming the 2018 movie Overboard. The couple married in 2021 in a private courthouse ceremony. Their relationship marks a more private and grounded chapter for the star, who often speaks about finding a deeper sense of stability in her new marriage. Barrett, known for his work on films like Ted and A Million Ways to Die in the West, shares a creative, behind-the-scenes sensibility with Faris.
Co-Parenting and Family
Faris and her ex-husband, Chris Pratt, remain committed to co-parenting their son, Jack Pratt. Their dedication to a healthy post-divorce relationship is often cited as a positive example in Hollywood, emphasizing their shared focus on Jack's well-being.
Resilience After Tragedy
In a powerful display of personal resilience, Faris faced a devastating house fire at her Pacific Palisades home on January 8, 2025. The loss of her home was a profound personal tragedy that she has handled with grace and strength, choosing to focus on her family and her work to move forward.
The Future: From Pilot to Producer
Looking ahead, Faris is also exploring new television opportunities, including a pilot for a TV show called It Takes A Village from Lighthearted Entertainment. This potential project suggests a continued interest in television, following her successful run on the CBS sitcom Mom. While she has primarily excelled in comedy and animation (like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and The Emoji Movie), this new pilot might offer a slight shift in tone, showcasing her versatility.
Anna Faris's 2025 is defined by a powerful creative reawakening. From the nostalgic excitement of Scary Movie 6 to the intellectual curiosity of her podcast and the personal strength shown in the face of adversity, she continues to be one of Hollywood's most compelling and enduring figures. Her ability to blend high-concept comedy with deeply personal, authentic media makes her "unqualified" advice ironically some of the most qualified in the industry.
