Life isn't a sitcom. Anna Faris knows that better than most people. While the world watched her and Chris Pratt become one of Hollywood’s most beloved "it" couples, they were navigating a private crisis that would change their lives forever. It started in 2012.
Jack was born. He was early. Very early.
Nine weeks before his due date, Anna Faris' son Jack entered the world weighing just three pounds and twelve ounces. It’s the kind of moment that freezes time. You’re in a hospital room, surrounded by monitors and beeping machines, and suddenly the "movie star" life feels like a distant, irrelevant memory. Anna has been incredibly open about this—honestly, her vulnerability is probably why so many parents of NICU babies feel such a deep connection to her. She didn’t sugarcoat the fear.
The Early Days and the NICU Journey
When Jack was born, the doctors delivered news that no parent is ever prepared for. Because he was so premature, he suffered a severe brain hemorrhage. The uncertainty was suffocating. For weeks, Anna and Chris were told they might need to prepare for a child with significant physical and developmental disabilities.
They spent a month in the NICU. If you've ever been there, you know the smell of the sanitizer and the specific, haunting rhythm of the heart monitors. It’s a different world.
Anna later wrote in her memoir, Unqualified, about those initial days. She described the "heavy" feeling of looking at her tiny son through the glass of an incubator. It wasn't about fame or the next red carpet. It was about whether Jack would be able to see, walk, or breathe on his own. The medical team at Cedars-Sinai was phenomenal, but medicine can only give you so much certainty.
The couple had to wait. They had to watch.
Understanding Jack's Health and Vision
Jack is older now, and he’s doing great, but the journey wasn't a straight line. The brain hemorrhage he experienced at birth left him with some residual health challenges. Specifically, it affected his vision and his leg muscles.
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You’ve probably seen photos of Jack wearing glasses. They’ve become sort of his signature look, and honestly, he pulls them off better than most adults. Those glasses aren't just an accessory; they are a result of the surgeries he had to undergo as an infant to correct issues with his eye muscles.
He’s also had several surgeries on his legs. Anna has mentioned in various interviews and on her podcast, Anna Faris is Unqualified, that Jack has had to deal with some physical limitations, but his spirit is basically untouchable. He's a kid who loves life. He’s funny. He’s sharp.
Why Their Openness Changed the Conversation
In Hollywood, there is this weird pressure to pretend everything is perfect. People filter their kids, their houses, and their struggles. Anna and Chris did the opposite. By being so candid about Jack’s birth and his ongoing health needs, they gave a face to the millions of families dealing with premature birth.
They became huge supporters of Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS). This wasn't just some celebrity "charity of the month" thing. It was personal.
Statistics tell us that about one in ten babies is born prematurely in the United States. That is a massive number of families sitting in NICU waiting rooms every single day. Seeing a high-profile actress talk about the "guilt" she felt—even though she knew, logically, it wasn't her fault—helped a lot of moms breathe a little easier.
Co-Parenting Jack After the Split
When Anna Faris and Chris Pratt announced their divorce in 2017, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. They seemed so solid. But while the fans were mourning the "death of love," Anna and Chris were focused on one thing: Jack.
They’ve actually mastered the art of co-parenting in a way that’s pretty rare for celebrities. They lived close to each other for years to make sure Jack had stability. Even after Chris married Katherine Schwarzenegger and Anna married cinematographer Michael Barrett, the priority remained the same.
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You’ll see them together at school events or holidays. It’s not a show for the cameras. It’s just the reality of raising a child who has been through a lot. They’ve both said that Jack is "thrilled" to have a bigger family now, especially with his half-siblings.
Common Misconceptions About Jack’s Condition
People often Google "What is wrong with Anna Faris' son?" or "Does Jack Pratt have a disability?"
The "what's wrong" phrasing is kinda gross, honestly. Jack doesn't have a single, named syndrome. His challenges are the direct result of being a "preemie."
- Brain Hemorrhage: This caused the initial concern regarding his motor skills and cognitive development.
- Vision Issues: He has undergone multiple surgeries to strengthen his eye muscles.
- Muscle Tone: He has dealt with some issues in his legs, which is common for babies born at 31 weeks.
But here’s the thing: he’s thriving. He’s a regular kid who goes to school, plays, and probably spends way too much time on a tablet like every other 12-year-old in 2026.
The Impact on Anna's Career and Outlook
Anna has admitted that having Jack shifted her perspective on Hollywood. When you're worried about your kid's ability to see, you care a lot less about whether a movie gets a "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
She has stepped back from the grueling schedule of a multi-camera sitcom like Mom to spend more time with her family. Her podcast became her primary creative outlet because it allowed her to be home. It allowed her to be there for the doctor appointments and the school runs.
She’s also talked about the "indescribable" bond she has with him. Because they went through those first few terrifying months together, there’s a level of closeness that is hard to put into words.
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Navigating the Public Eye in 2026
As Jack gets older, Anna and Chris have been a bit more protective of his privacy. You don't see him in every single Instagram post. They are letting him grow up away from the constant flashbulbs as much as possible.
This is a smart move. Being the "son of famous parents" is hard enough, but being the "son whose medical history was public knowledge" adds another layer. They are giving him the space to define himself.
He’s not just a "NICU survivor" or a "preemie." He’s Jack.
Key Insights for Parents of Preemies
If you are reading this because you are currently in the thick of a similar situation, there are a few things to take away from Anna Faris' experience.
First, the "guilt" is a lie. Anna talked extensively about how she questioned every meal she ate and every flight she took during her pregnancy. Doctors told her then, and research confirms now, that in most cases of spontaneous preterm labor, there is nothing the mother could have done differently.
Second, "developmental milestones" are not a race. Jack reached things in his own time. Some things took longer. Some things required surgery. But the "end goal" isn't to hit a mark by a certain month; it’s to help the child reach their individual potential.
Finally, find your community. Whether it's a group like GAPPS or just a local support circle, don't do the NICU or post-NICU life alone. Anna found her strength in sharing her story, and while you might not have a podcast with millions of listeners, having one person who "gets it" changes everything.
Actionable Next Steps for Supporting Prematurity Awareness
- Educate Yourself on GAPPS: Visit the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth to see how research is progressing in 2026 to identify the causes of early labor.
- Support Local NICUs: Many hospitals have "wish lists" for items like specialized clothing for tiny babies or books for parents to read to their infants in incubators.
- Advocate for Mental Health: If you are a parent of a child with special medical needs, prioritize your own therapy. Anna has been a vocal proponent of mental health awareness, recognizing that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
- Check Vision Early: If your child was born prematurely, ensure you have regular check-ups with a pediatric ophthalmologist, as vision issues are one of the most common long-term effects of early birth.