Chuck Lorre has revisited his decision to cast Anna Faris in the CBS sitcom Mom, revealing that he initially opposed giving her the lead role. In his memoir Sitcom, the veteran producer says he questioned whether Faris suited the show’s material but eventually changed his mind after reflecting on his past mistakes.
“I initially said no. I wasn’t sure Anna would be appropriate for this kind of material,”
Lorre writes, according to TMZ’s report. He says his experience handling his relationship with Charlie Sheen influenced his decision to reconsider, adding that an actor’s personal life should not determine casting.
Faris left Mom in 2020 after seven seasons. Lorre writes that the circumstances behind her departure were not mysterious to people working on the sitcom. He also argues that the show eventually found its “true voice” toward the end of its run.
The series continued for one additional season without Faris before concluding in 2021. Lorre’s comments offer his perspective on the casting decision and the show’s final years, though they do not independently establish the reasons behind Faris’ departure.
Faris starred alongside Allison Janney in the comedy about a mother and daughter steering recovery and family challenges. Lorre’s memoir revisits the production’s history, including his changing view of the actor’s role.