Anna Faris's Real Name: Anna Kay Faris

Quick answer: Anna Faris's full name is Anna Kay Faris. She was born on November 29, 1976, in Baltimore, Maryland, and performs under Anna Faris—the civil form of her birth name.

Real name and early life

The Library of Congress Name Authority File lists Faris, Anna, 1976-; major biographies and filmographies give Anna Kay Faris, born November 29, 1976, in Baltimore (LOC; IMDb bio; Wikipedia pointer). Her family soon moved to Washington state, where she grew up in the Seattle area and acted in local theater as a child. She studied English literature and drama at the University of Washington before pursuing film and television work in Los Angeles. There is no stage surname—Anna Faris is the professional form of the birth name; Kay is the middle name.

Career highlights

Faris became a comedy star as Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie franchise beginning in 2000, then headlined studio comedies including The Hot Chick, Lost in Translation (supporting), Observe and Report, What’s Your Number?, and voice work as Sam Sparks in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. On television she starred as Christy Plunkett on the long-running CBS sitcom Mom (2013–2020) and hosted the popular podcast Anna Faris Is Unqualified, later expanding into producing and writing. She was previously married to actor Chris Pratt; she later married cinematographer Michael Barrett. Across film, TV, and podcasting, billing stayed Anna Faris; the documented full name is Anna Kay Faris. Interview profiles and network bios likewise lead with Anna Faris while restoring Kay when giving the complete civil form. Cast lists and podcast credits keep Anna Faris; authority files restore the Kay middle name.

Her comedy-brand recognition on DVD shelves and streaming menus keeps the Anna Faris form dominant for shoppers and casting searches alike.

Name notes for searchers

Kay is sometimes dropped in casual mentions. Prefer LOC and studio biographies over gossip roundups. Wikipedia is a pointer after those primaries.