The One Quirk Anna Kendrick Lives By—No Matter What’s on Her Plate

Anna Kendrick has built a career as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile actresses. From her early days on Broadway to her acclaimed role in Up in the Air, and later as the standout star of the Pitch Perfect franchise, Kendrick has established herself as a force in the entertainment industry. Yet, despite her widespread acclaim, the actress has faced criticism that often overshadows her many positive attributes. But a deeper look into Kendrick’s career and public persona reveals that many of these criticisms are based on isolated incidents or misunderstandings. Here’s why you might be wrong about Anna Kendrick.

Rising to Stardom: The Actress and Her Versatility

Born on August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, Kendrick’s career began with a Tony Award nomination for her role in High Society at just 12 years old. She quickly transitioned into film, with notable roles in Twilight (2008) and Up in the Air (2009), for which she earned several award nominations, including for the Academy Awards. However, it was her portrayal of Beca Mitchell in Pitch Perfect (2012) that solidified her status as a versatile actress capable of delivering both comedic and dramatic performances. Her ability to take on a range of characters—from the lighthearted to the deeply emotional—has earned her a reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

The Public Image: Relatable, Likable, and Funny

Anna Kendrick’s public image is largely defined by her relatability and humor. She has cultivated a persona that resonates with audiences, thanks to her wit and self-deprecating nature. Vanity Fair even named her one of the funniest women in Hollywood, while The Ringer highlighted how she has avoided the backlash often associated with overexposure. Her 2016 memoir Scrappy Little Nobody showcased her down-to-earth persona and charm, further endearing her to fans. Moreover, Kendrick has maintained a healthy balance between her public and private life, residing in Los Angeles and dating actor Bill Hader, which only adds to her “girl-next-door” appeal.

Facing Criticisms: Unfounded or Overblown?

Despite her positive image, Anna Kendrick has faced a number of criticisms, often based on anecdotal evidence or secondhand accounts. Some of the most prominent criticisms include:

• Difficult to Work With: A 2016 accusation by a New York stylist, Tahira, claimed Kendrick was rude during a book signing event. The stylist alleged that Kendrick refused to speak, trashed fan mail, and demanded a hefty sum for wearing certain clothes. This was spread through TikTok videos, with the stylist stating she would never support Kendrick’s work again. However, many fans and supporters dismissed this incident as an isolated one, possibly stemming from a bad day.

• Rude Behavior: Reddit discussions and online forums have also shared secondhand stories of Kendrick being “difficult” on set, such as allegedly refusing to speak to staff and treating movie crews poorly. Some cited Kendrick’s own admission of being an “asshole” in the Armchair Expert podcast as evidence of her problematic personality. However, these criticisms do not reflect the experiences of most of her colleagues, who often speak highly of her professionalism and work ethic.

• Professional Conflicts: Rumors about tension between Kendrick and co-star Blake Lively on the set of A Simple Favor (2018) emerged, with reports suggesting disputes over poster appearances. However, these rumors were quickly debunked by director Paul Feig, who called them “total BS” in a tweet, suggesting the media had blown the issue out of proportion.

While these criticisms have made their rounds online, it’s important to remember they often stem from isolated incidents or exaggerations. Kendrick’s reputation as a “difficult” actress is largely unsubstantiated by consistent reports from colleagues or significant events in her career.

The Defense: Talent, Generosity, and Resilience

Despite these negative perceptions, numerous sources counterbalance the criticisms by highlighting Anna Kendrick’s many positive qualities:

• Acting Talent and Versatility: Kendrick’s performances continue to receive widespread praise. Her role in Up in the Air was lauded for its depth, and her portrayal of Beca in Pitch Perfect was widely recognized for striking the right balance between charm and wit. She has showcased her versatility across a range of films, from the dark comedy 50/50 (2011) to the gripping drama Alice, Darling (2022).

• Relatability and Humor: Kendrick’s humor is one of her standout features. Fans have praised her for being “not self-absorbed” and “charming,” especially on her social media, where her self-deprecating humor shines. Her Twitter presence (now X) has further cemented her likability, with fans appreciating her down-to-earth nature.

• Advocacy and Generosity: In 2024, Kendrick made headlines by donating her entire salary from Woman of the Hour to various charities. This act of generosity, prompted by her discomfort profiting from the film’s heavy subject matter, showcased her social responsibility and commitment to meaningful causes.

• Personal Resilience: Kendrick has also been open about her experiences with emotional abuse, discussing a six-year relationship that deeply affected her. This vulnerability, shared on the Armchair Expert podcast, humanized her and showcased her strength and resilience. Her openness about her struggles has added depth to her public persona, particularly as it relates to her role in Alice, Darling.

• Support from Fans and Colleagues: In response to the stylist’s accusations, many fans rallied behind Kendrick, dismissing the incident as an isolated event or a misunderstanding. Reddit discussions often paint Kendrick in a more favorable light, with fans praising her for being sweet and adorable, especially when learning of her past relationship struggles.

Conclusion: A Talent Beyond the Criticism

Anna Kendrick’s career has been built on her immense talent, versatility, and relatability. While she has faced criticisms and negative perceptions—often stemming from isolated incidents or secondhand accounts—her body of work, generosity, and resilience have solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. It’s clear that Anna Kendrick’s image, like many public figures, has been shaped by both her successes and the unfair judgments cast upon her. Instead of allowing these criticisms to define her, Kendrick continues to prove herself both as a talented actress and a person who remains grounded in the face of scrutiny. So, the next time you hear a negative comment about Anna Kendrick, take a moment to consider the whole picture—because she’s far more than the sum of a few isolated incidents.