Chuck Lorre addressed his casting decision for the CBS comedy “Mom” in his new memoir titled “Sitcom,” which was released on Tuesday. He wrote that he initially said no to casting Anna Faris as the show’s lead, recovering alcoholic and single mother Christy Plunkett, explaining that he wasn’t sure she would be appropriate for the material. Lorre noted that his change of heart came after reflecting on his past working relationship with Charlie Sheen, leading him to conclude that “Someone’s personal life is none of my business. The mom in ‘Mom’ would be, and should be, Anna Faris.”
Faris portrayed Christy opposite Allison Janney, who played her own alcoholic mother Bonnie Plunkett. The pair led the show from its debut in 2013 through 2020, when Faris confirmed she was exiting the sitcom after seven seasons. At the time of her departure, Faris shared a statement calling the experience “some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career” and thanked Lorre, the writers, and her castmates for creating a wonderful work environment. She added that while her journey as Christy had ended, she would continue to watch the show and root for her TV family.
Later, Faris elaborated on her reasons for leaving during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, saying that the intensity of the project toward the end caused her to lose focus and that she had not held a job besides waitressing for more than three months prior to the role.
Lorre, however, expressed vindication after Faris’ exit in 2020. In the memoir he stated, “As the years went by, it became apparent that my initial reluctance to hire Anna was, in fact, correct.” He added that after six years on the show, Faris left for reasons that were not mysterious to anyone involved with the production.
“Mom” continued for one additional season without Faris, concluding with Season 8 in 2021. Lorre defended the show’s later seasons, saying it “found its true voice” and that there is hope and laughter in overcoming the seemingly fatal disease of alcoholism. A representative for Faris did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on Lorre’s remarks.