Why Mom Star Allison Janney Hasn't Had Real-Life Kids Of Her Own

Allison Janney is no stranger to the role of motherhood. In fact, the actor is well-known for her role as Bonnie Plunkett on the CBS sitcom "Mom." In the comedy series, which ran from 2013 until 2021, Janney's character was a sassy recovering alcoholic navigating a complicated relationship with her daughter, Christy (Anna Faris). Before playing a parent in this series and in films like "Juno," Janney explored the option of having kids of her own, but a doctor visit dissuaded her from starting a family. She'd been in several long-term relationships by her mid-thirties before she felt a somewhat passive urge to weigh her options before ruling out kids completely. 

"I went to a fertility person, and they were like, 'Oh, you're ... kind of over the hill,'" Janney shared on an episode of "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky". "I was sort of under the impression that women could have kids 'til they were 50 or something. I don't know why I thought that ... They didn't teach us anything about our bodies growing up." This occurred in the '90s, but today, still, pregnancies for women over the age of 35 are more susceptible to complications. Celebs like Ashley Graham can attest to the reality of giving birth and the terrifying challenges that can arise. However, what stood out the most for Janney during that appointment was the doctor asking why her then-partner hadn't come with her. At that moment, the actor realized her man's disinterest in attending the fertility appointment was a clear red flag.

Though she's enjoying her child-free life, Allison Janney believes had she found her prince charming, things may have been different. "I think if I had found the right guy at the right time ... I probably would have [had children] with the right partner," the "Diplomat" star explained during an appearance on the "The Drew Barrymore Show." "I wasn't ever really confident that I wanted to have kids, and I would rather regret not having kids than have kids and regret that." And Janney was right to be selective about whom she'd have a child with, considering the decision would likely alter the course of her life, especially if the relationship didn't pan out. Fellow celebs like '80s star Kelly LeBrock, who gave up Hollywood for her kids, and Kelly Clarkson, who enjoys going home alone, have candidly spoken out about divorce and the sacrifices of motherhood.

However, Janney, who always thought she'd get married at some point, remains optimistic about being single. "I'm okay with it. I really am, at this time in my life, getting to know who I am and what I want," she told Drew Barrymore. "I'd love to eventually find someone to share my life with, but if it doesn't happen, I think I'll be just fine." While her romantic future remains unknown, the star's words serve as a reminder that a single life can still be a fulfilling one.