Hollywood’s hilarious sweetheart Anna Faris first captured audiences’ attention with her breakout role in the comedy-horror parody Scary Movie.
This film showcased her impeccable comedic timing, combined with an endearing, girl-next-door charm, launching her into stardom.
With her bright blonde hair, infectious wide grin, and a resemblance often likened to Marilyn Monroe, Faris quickly became a standout in the industry.
Over the years, she has solidified her place in Hollywood not only as a versatile and talented actress but also as a beloved fixture on the red carpet, where her fashion choices have consistently turned heads.
Whether in comedies, TV shows, or interviews, Faris has continued to win fans with her genuine humor, charisma, and relatable personality.
#1. 2000
A Maryland native, Anna Faris grew up performing in local theater and initially had plans to travel after finishing school. However, a last-minute decision led her to Los Angeles instead.
At just 24 years old, she skyrocketed to fame with her role in the 2000 parody Scary Movie, a send-up of popular thrillers. At the time, Anna was dating actor Ben Indra, whom she had met and fallen for while filming her first major movie, the 1999 slasher flick Lovers Lane.
Her youthful, fresh-faced beauty, combined with her sharp wit and undeniable acting talent, quickly caught people’s attention. For her performance in Scary Movie, she earned nominations for two MTV Movie Awards in 2001, marking the start of her rise to stardom.
#2. 2002
As Anna Faris’s star continued to rise, she experimented with her look before settling on her now-iconic blonde hair
. In a bold 2002 photoshoot, she switched things up by dyeing her hair a deep brown, a striking departure from the blonde locks her fans had come to recognize.
By then, Anna’s career was in full swing. She reprised her role in Scary Movie 2 and starred in the comedy The Hot Chick alongside Rachel McAdams, further solidifying her place in Hollywood.
Time and again, Anna proved she wasn’t just known for her beauty—her sharp comedic skills and undeniable talent were shining through in every role she took on.
#3. 2005
In 2005, Anna Faris embraced a fresh new look, chopping her hair short and returning to her signature blonde. Coming off the excitement of her wedding to longtime boyfriend Ben Indra in June 2004, the year turned out to be a career milestone as well.
The comedy queen appeared in Southern Belles, Brokeback Mountain, Waiting…, and Just Friends alongside Ryan Reynolds—all in the same year—cementing her status as a sought-after Hollywood star.
Ryan Reynolds, who worked closely with Anna in Just Friends, later praised her comedic talent, calling her “one of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with” in a 2023 birthday tribute on Instagram.
#4. 2007
As Anna Faris continued to rise in Hollywood, the world couldn’t help but fall in love with her. The Los Angeles Times praised her “fearless comedic skills” and the “freshness of her radiant blonde beauty.”
She further showcased her talent in films like Smiley Face, solidifying her place as a comedic force.
However, with her growing fame came insecurities about her appearance, which eventually led her to try lip injections. In her 2018 memoir, Unqualified, the now 47-year-old opened up about the experience, admitting that the decision wasn’t right for her.
She shared how she gradually “weaned” herself off the injections, realizing it wasn’t the solution she had hoped for.
“I started getting lip injections in my upper lip,” she wrote. “I did it for a little bit and noticed a small difference, but no one else ever said anything. I kept wondering if anybody else even noticed.”
#5. 2008
Anna Faris hit the big time in 2008 with her starring role in the college comedy The House Bunny, but while her career was soaring, her personal life was going through turmoil.
She divorced her husband, Ben Indra, in April 2007, after meeting future Marvel star Chris Pratt on the set of Take Me Home Tonight earlier that year.
In a candid 2018 interview with Women’s Health, Anna opened up about her decision to get breast augmentation in 2008. “I was always a negative-A cup,” she explained.
“So when I was 30, I was getting a divorce, I had just finished House Bunny, and I’d sold another movie. All of these new things were happening, so I got my breasts done.”
She went on to admit, “I never, ever thought I’d do something like that. I always thought plastic surgery was caving in to ‘the man,’ you know?
But it came down to a really simple thing: I wanted to fill out a bikini. What would that feel like? I’m still floored that I did it, because I am a staunch feminist.”
Her honesty about the experience highlighted her personal journey of balancing body confidence and her feminist ideals.
#6. 2009
Anna Faris opened up further about her decision to undergo plastic surgery during a 2017 appearance on the What’s the Tee podcast. Reflecting on the choice, she admitted, “That’s what all the Hollywood actresses do.”
She explained, “I was like, I’m turning 30. I wanted to make a change. So, I got my boobs done. Because… we’re all going to die early!”
Her humorous take on the situation shed light on the pressures of Hollywood and her desire for a personal transformation.
Amidst her busy 2009 schedule, starring in four films, Anna also found time to quietly marry Chris Pratt. After dating for two years, the couple tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony in Bali in July of that year, keeping the event low-key despite their growing fame.
#7. 2012
In early 2012, Anna Faris and Chris Pratt joyfully announced they were expecting their first child. The expectant mother appeared radiant and glowing with happiness on red carpets in the months leading up to the birth.
Their son, Jack, was born in August 2012, arriving nine weeks prematurely. Due to his early birth, Jack had to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to stabilize his condition.
At the time, a representative shared a statement with People magazine, saying, “He arrived earlier than expected and will be spending some time in the NICU.
The happy parents thank you for your warm wishes and ask that you honor their privacy during this time.”
Despite the initial challenges, Jack’s arrival brought immense joy to the couple.
#8. 2017
Despite navigating a challenging personal life, Anna Faris continued to dazzle on the red carpet. In December 2017, she and Chris Pratt announced their separation with a heartfelt statement.
It read, “Anna and I are sad to announce we are legally separating. We tried hard for a long time, and we’re really disappointed.”
The statement continued, “Our son has two parents who love him very much, and for his sake, we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward.
We still have love for each other, will always cherish our time together, and continue to have the deepest respect for one another.”
Amidst these changes, Anna found a new chapter in her life. That same year, she met cinematographer Michael Barrett while working on the remake of Overboard.
The pair began dating after her divorce was finalized, marking the start of a new and hopeful relationship for Anna.
#9. 2020
In 2020, Anna Faris decided to step away from the spotlight, leaving her highly successful sitcom Mom to spend more time with her son and her husband, Michael Barrett, whom she married in 2021.
Reflecting on this period in a 2023 interview with People, she shared, “I kind of took my foot off the gas and I spent a lot of time with my son. It felt really good. It wasn’t conscious, but sort of a sabbatical, I guess.”
Alongside her family time, Anna continued to focus on her popular advice podcast, Anna Faris is Unqualified. Launched in 2015, the podcast has featured high-profile guests like Gwyneth Paltrow and Paris Hilton, maintaining its success and broad appeal.
#10. 2024