Allison Janney has shared her perspective on why she chose not to have children or get married.
In a resurfaced clip from her 2025 appearance on Monica Lewinsky's "Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky" podcast, the actor stated that she "always thought I would get married, just because at the time I was growing up, that’s what you did." However, she also expressed a consistent feeling about not wanting children.
"That’s just something that I’ve always known," Janney said. Despite this certainty, she consulted a fertility doctor to understand her options. The doctor informed her that her chances of conceiving in her 40s were low, which Janney found surprising, as she had believed women could have children until around age 50.
Janney was previously engaged to actor Richard Jenik, but they ended their relationship in 2006. Reflecting on her choices, she stated, "I would rather regret not having kids than have kids and regret that. ... I’m OK with it."
She previously discussed this on "The Drew Barrymore Show" in 2021, mentioning that if she had met the right partner who also wanted children, she might have pursued parenthood. However, her primary focus and "true love," apart from family and friends, are animals, particularly dogs.
"Animals and especially dogs are my heart," Janney said. "I could not love dogs more."