Actress Allison Janney, 66, has shared a candid and emotional perspective on her journey with motherhood, revealing a “heartbreaking” experience when she explored the possibility of having children later in life. The Oscar-winning star, known for her roles in “The West Wing” and “I, Tonya,” discussed her feelings about never having had children during a recent appearance on the “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky” podcast.
Exploring Fertility Options
Janney recounted visiting a fertility doctor in her forties, a decision prompted by a growing desire to start a family. “I just thought, well, I better… I should try,” she explained on the podcast. However, the consultation took an unexpected and discouraging turn. The doctor informed her that the “odds are not in your favor” due to her age.
Adding to the difficult conversation, the doctor inquired about a partner, a detail that Janney found particularly telling. “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?'” she recalled, reflecting on the absence of a supportive partner at a crucial moment.
The actress admitted she had held a misconception about the biological timeline for women. “I was sort of under the impression that women could have kids until they were 50 or something,” Janney stated. She expressed surprise at the doctor’s assessment, saying, “I went to a fertility person and they were like, ‘Oh, you’re kind of over the hill to…’ I was like, ‘Oh, really?'”
For context, medical professionals define advanced maternal age (AMA), often referred to as geriatric pregnancies, as carrying a pregnancy at age 35 or older at the time of delivery. Janney’s experience highlights the stark reality of these timelines when trying to conceive later in life.
Reflections on Relationships and Loneliness
Beyond the specifics of fertility, Janney also delved into her experiences with romantic relationships and the profound sense of loneliness that can accompany them, even when partnered. Having never married, she has been in several long-term relationships throughout her life.
She was publicly linked to computer programmer Dennis Gagomiros from 1994 to 2001. Following that, she was engaged to her “Our Very Own” co-star Richard Jenik, though they separated in 2006. Later, she dated “The Way, Way Back” production manager Philip Joncas from 2012 to 2017.
Janney reflected on societal expectations and personal choices, noting, “I always thought I would get married just because at the time I was growing up that’s what you did.” She continued, “I was like, ‘Okay, well, I guess that didn’t happen…”
The actress articulated a deep understanding of emotional isolation within relationships. “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, 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 shared, emphasizing the pain of feeling disconnected even when not physically alone.
A Deep Love for Dogs
In contrast to the complexities of human relationships, Janney expressed an unwavering and profound love for dogs, identifying them as her “true love” alongside her friends and family. Her passion for canine companionship is so strong that she finds herself drawn to adopting whenever she sees rescue animals online.
“I could not love dogs more. I mean, I have to get off Instagram because every dog I see on the rescue things [I want to adopt],” she confessed. Janney envisions a future with a large pack of dogs, stating, “I want to have a farm and rescue, you know, at least have at least 10 dogs. I just love them so much.”
Her deep connection with animals may stem, in part, from her upbringing. Janney mentioned that her family environment in Massachusetts was not particularly demonstrative. “There was not a lot of touching or hugging” in her family growing up, she recalled. This lack of physical affection in her youth might contribute to the deep fulfillment she finds in hugging and interacting with her beloved animals today.
Upcoming Projects
Despite personal reflections, Janney remains actively engaged in her acting career. She is currently involved in rehearsals for the Broadway revival of “Other Desert Cities,” set to play at the Hudson Theatre in New York City. The production, which also features Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Joe Keery, and Lily Rabe, is scheduled for previews starting September 29, with the official run from October 18 to January 17, 2027.
Furthermore, Janney is slated to appear in Ridley Scott’s upcoming science fiction film, “The Dog Stars.” The $110 million-budget movie, which also stars Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin, is set to be released in U.S. and U.K. theaters on August 28. Janney’s role in the film is currently being kept under wraps.
