NEWSAllison Janney, 66, Makes Candid Confession About Why Marriage and Motherhood 'Didn’t Happen' for Her
Allison Janney confessed why marriage and motherhood were never in the cards for her.
Aug. 13 2026, Published 1:51 a.m. ET
Allison Janney is opening up about why marriage and motherhood were never in the cards for her.
The actress appeared on the “Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky” podcast on Tuesday, August 11. During the conversation, she revealed she once came close to having kids during her mid-30s. However, her then-partner wasn't quite the right person.
“It was apparent to me that this was not the man I wanted to have kids with,” she said.
“So I was like, ‘OK, well, I guess that didn’t happen,’” she added.
Allison Janney reflected on her decision to not pursue motherhood.
Allison Janney on Motherhood and Why She Missed That Milestone
Allison Janney revealed she always thought she thought she'd get married when she was a child.
The 66-year-old told the host that her expectations about how life would turn out as a child were very different from how it unfolded.
“I always thought I would get married, just because at the time I was growing up, that’s what you did,” she pointed out.
However, when she moved to New York as an aspiring actress, she realized that she might not want children at all. What made her even more certain about her decision was that her longtime partners, too, didn't want to grow their family.
The West Wing star also said that she knew she "never wanted to have kids.”
Allison Janney said she always knew she did not want children.
“That’s just something that I’ve always known,” she added.
However, she considered giving it a try when she was in her 40s and consulted with a fertility doctor.
“The first I heard that I wouldn’t be able to have a kid at 40-something was in this fertility doctor’s office. She was like, ‘The odds are not in your favor,’” she recalled, noting that she thought women could easily start their pregnancy journey in their 50s.
“And she said, ‘Also, where is your partner?’ And the guy that I was with, he didn’t even come with me and I was like, ‘I guess that is a sign, isn’t it?’” Janney added.
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Allison Janney Said Being in a Relationship With an Incompatible Partner Was ‘Awful’
Allison Janney said it is 'awful' to feel 'lonely' while being in a relationship.
The Diplomat star also said that one of the most uncomfortable feelings in the world is being stuck in a relationship with someone you're incompatible with.
“The way you feel in a relationship that you know is probably not the one and you’re kind of in it and you don’t know how to get out of it,” she said before adding, “That’s the most lonely feeling in the world: to be with someone and feel alone.”
“Oh my God, that’s awful. So, it didn’t happen for me,” she stated.
Allison Janney previously admitted that she is 'fine' with never getting married.
The Hollywood icon stated that her “true love” in life happens to be her close family, friends and her beloved dogs.
“Animals, especially dogs, are my heart,” she revealed, adding, “I could not love dogs more.”
The I, Tonya star also commented on not getting married during her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2021.
“I really am this time in my life getting to know who I am and what I want,” she said at the time.
“I’d love to eventually find someone to share my life with, but if it doesn’t happen, I’ll be just fine,” she admitted. She also remarked, “I would rather regret not having kids than have kids and regret that. I’m OK with it.”
