ENTERTAINMENTAllison Janney Has Some 'Theories' About Why 'Mom' Is Ending — But She's 'Been Told Not To Express Them'
The end of an era! Allison Janney is opening up about Mom being cancelled and said it was a "shock."
"I have my own theories [on why the show is ending], but I've been told not to express them. But listen, eight years is a great long run for a show," the 61-year-old told CBS Sunday Morning — but guessed that the reason was "probably money" related.
CBS announced in February that the show was wrapping up after eight seasons. The last episode will air on May 13, after it premiered in 2013.
"You know, it's one thing to be part of a show that entertains, which in and of itself is a wonderful thing," the Emmy winner said. "But to also have an impact on people who are in recovery, or people who have loved ones or family members who are going through it, to make recovery a more approachable option."
Still, she admitted that she hates "change." She added, "It makes me … I get afraid — I always have — to let something go and not know what's next. I think the biggest thing I need to learn how to say is no."
At the time the cancelation was announced, Janney wrote on Instagram: "Getting to be part of MOM these past 8 years...showing the laughter, love and hope that can come with recovery, has been one of the great honors of my life."
"Second to the last episode tonight 😢 #mom," she lamented on Friday, May 7.
Fans took to the comments to bid farewell to the sitcom. "You all look so good. thank god for reruns. this show was one of a kind ❤️," one fan wrote.
"I’m so sad it’s ending! I love this show!!! 😢😢😢," another user said, while another commented: "Oh how I will miss you all!! 😢."
Janney's role as a recovering alcoholic, Bonnie Plunkett, who tries to mend her relationship with her estranged daughter Christy (Anna Faris), struck a chord for the I, Tonya star, who lost her brother Hal to addiction a decade ago. "I just — I just miss his sense of humor, really," she told CBS: Sunday Morning.
"My favorite time to talk to him was when I was in the car driving someplace, so I always think of him when I'm in the car," she shared. "And I still have his phone number, and I dial it."
"It's been a long run of back-to-back things, and I do need to take some time for myself," Janney said of what's up next for her. "I don't know. What does it mean? I think it means, like, going off on a, you know, one of those meditation journeys or someplace where you go where you're not allowed to talk for a week."
