Why Anna Kendrick Says You Don’t Need Kids to Value Family

Anna Kendrick, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air, and A Simple Favor, has often spoken about the importance of family in her life. Raised in a supportive, grounded environment in Portland, Maine, Kendrick’s views on family are shaped not only by her upbringing but also by the deep emotional connections she maintains with her relatives. This article delves into Kendrick’s family background, her personal reflections, and how she navigates the complexities of family relationships amid her high-profile career.

Family Background and Early Life

Born Anna Cooke Kendrick on August 9, 1985, Kendrick comes from a humble family background. Her father, William Kendrick, was a history teacher, and her mother, Janice, was an accountant. Her older brother, Michael Cooke Kendrick, is also an actor, marking a shared connection within the family to the entertainment industry. Despite the fame that came with her own career, Kendrick’s upbringing was rooted in ordinary professions, which has had a lasting impact on her values.

Kendrick often reflects on how this family dynamic shaped her, with her parents providing a stable foundation for her to pursue acting. This grounded upbringing plays a significant role in her appreciation for the importance of family and her desire to maintain close, meaningful relationships with her loved ones.

The Loss of Her Father and Deep Emotional Ties

Kendrick’s emotional connection to her family was particularly evident in 2022, when her father, William Kendrick, passed away from end-stage liver cirrhosis at the age of 75. In a People interview, Kendrick opened up about the grief she experienced, revealing the deep bond she shared with her father. She spoke on the Armchair Expert podcast about “unspoken things” between them, indicating a connection that was beyond words—an understanding that often exists between close family members. She also mentioned the difficulty of spending quality time with him during his declining health, which only further emphasizes how deeply she values familial closeness.

Kendrick’s brother, Michael, also shared a tribute on Instagram, captioning family photos with “William King Kendrick 1946-2022. Rest In Peace Dad,” which further highlights the family’s closeness and their collective mourning of the loss. These public moments of remembrance show how integral family is to Kendrick, both in times of joy and sorrow.

Choosing Not to Have Children, but Valuing Family

While Kendrick has been vocal about her decision not to have children, she clarifies that this does not lessen her appreciation for the family she already has. In her 2024 interview with Flow Space, she reiterated her stance from her 2016 memoir Scrappy Little Nobody, where she described herself as the “childless cat lady.” She emphasized that motherhood was not a part of her life plan, highlighting a broader societal conversation around how men and women discuss parenthood. Kendrick pointed out that while many men casually mention having “a couple of kids running around,” this is a sentiment less frequently expressed by women, reflecting her nuanced perspective on family life.

In another conversation with The Independent, Kendrick humorously questioned whether she could be trusted with a child after she struggled to take care of a pet cat, showcasing her lighthearted approach to the topic. Yet, it is clear that her decision not to expand her family through children does not diminish the importance of her existing family bonds. Kendrick continues to prioritize her relationships with her parents, brother, and other close relatives.

Public Persona and Family Connection

Kendrick’s relatability and down-to-earth public persona are, in part, shaped by her strong family connections. While Hollywood may be filled with extravagant lifestyles, Kendrick has always remained grounded. As noted in various media, her parents worked regular jobs, and she often speaks with admiration about their influence on her life. Cinemablend highlighted how Kendrick’s “everywoman” persona, rooted in a family background of finance and accounting, contrasts with her successful career in Hollywood. This connection to normalcy, despite her fame, reinforces Kendrick’s appreciation for her family and the stability they provide.

Conclusion

Although Anna Kendrick has not directly labeled family as the “most important” aspect of her life, her words and actions suggest it plays a pivotal role. The emotional bond she shares with her father, the close relationship with her brother, and her deep appreciation for her humble family background point to family being a central, meaningful part of her life. Kendrick’s decision not to have children reflects her personal life choices, but it does not diminish the value she places on the familial relationships she holds dear.