Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Tracing My Genealogy to Actress Anna Faris

Explore a unique genealogy journey that connects a family historian to actress and author Anna Faris. Discover their shared royal lineage, ties to King Henry II, and insights into family tree research.

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Expanding My Family Tree Beyond Direct Ancestors

When I began researching my family tree, I didn’t limit myself to a direct line of grandparents and great-grandparents. I made a conscious effort to include aunts, uncles, cousins, and their spouses, believing that a broader approach reveals a richer, more complete picture of one’s ancestry. Many genealogy enthusiasts focus only on linear descent—but by doing so, they may overlook fascinating family connections.

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A Well-Documented Lineage with Noble Roots

I’ve been fortunate that my paternal lineage is well documented, thanks in part to several prominent ancestors—many of whom were nobility. These ancestors often had the resources to record their lives and family histories in detail, which has greatly benefited my own research.

It was through this noble branch of my family tree that I discovered a fascinating connection: actress, comedian, and author Anna Faris is my distant cousin.

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How I’m Related to Anna Faris

Anna Faris and I are connected through our shared descent from King Henry II of England, a significant historical figure and my 25th great-grandfather. Anna descends from King Henry II on her mother’s side, while my connection comes through my paternal lineage.

While we both share King Henry II as a common ancestor, our lines diverge at his partners:

• My lineage continues through Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry’s queen and my great-grandmother.

• Anna descends from Ida de Tosny, one of Henry’s well-known mistresses.

That makes Anna’s mother, Karen Bathurst, my 24th cousin, and Anna herself my 25th cousin, once removed.

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From England to Washington State: Tracing Anna’s Family Journey

Though Anna Faris was born in Baltimore, Maryland, her mother’s family has deep roots in Washington state, dating back to the early 1900s. Their migration pattern—from England to New England, and eventually westward—mirrors that of many American families I’ve researched.

Some of Anna’s maternal ancestors lived in Connecticut during the 1600s, as did mine, suggesting we may share multiple ancestral links.

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Connections to the Dudley Family and Lady Jane Grey

Another fascinating connection appears through the Dudley family name, which features in both our family trees. While a definitive link between Anna’s ancestor Thomas Dudley and Guildford Dudley—husband to Lady Jane Grey (my 4th cousin)—hasn’t been confirmed, the shared surname and region are worth further exploration.

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A Personal Connection to a Familiar Face

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Anna Faris—someone I see regularly on TV—was also a part of my extended family. I first saw her in the “Scary Movie” franchise, a perfect blend of slapstick and dark humor. Later, I became a fan of her work on the hit CBS sitcom “Mom”, where she played Christy Plunkett.

Her comedic timing, expressive acting, and ability to portray both light and serious moments make her a standout performer. Although Anna left “Mom” after Season 7, the show remains a favorite in my household—though not quite the same without her.

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More Than an Actress: Anna Faris, Podcast Host and Author

Anna’s talents go well beyond acting. Since 2015, she has hosted the podcast “Unqualified”, a mix of celebrity interviews and relationship advice. While I’ve only had the chance to listen to one episode (thanks to my noisy household and a dog named Hemingway!), I plan to explore more.

She is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her book, also titled Unqualified, blends memoir with humor—a testament to her depth and creativity beyond the screen.

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Anna Faris’ Personal Life

Anna has been married twice: first to actor Ben Indra in 2004, and then to actor Chris Pratt, with whom she shares a son, Jack, born in 2012. Though Anna and Chris divorced in 2018, they appear to co-parent amicably and remain supportive of each other publicly.

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A Proud Addition to the Taylor Family Tree

Discovering Anna Faris in my family tree was both exciting and meaningful. Like my other famous cousin, Lucille Ball, Anna brings joy and laughter into many homes—including mine. Whether she’s acting, podcasting, or writing, Anna is a multi-talented individual, and I’m proud to call her family.

She’s yet another reminder of how genealogy can bring unexpected connections to life—some of which might already be in your living room.