Call Her Daddy - Episode: Anna Kendrick: Pitch Perfect, Twilight & Relationships

Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Anna Kendrick
Description: In this episode, Alex Cooper engages in a candid conversation with actress Anna Kendrick, exploring her career highlights, personal growth, and experiences navigating relationships and emotional well-being.

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Alex Cooper welcoming Anna Kendrick to "Call Her Daddy," expressing excitement about their first-time meeting.

Early Career and Audition Experiences

Anna shares her early foray into acting, starting auditions at the age of 10 and booking her first role by 12. She recounts the challenges of traveling from Maine to New York City for auditions with her brother, highlighting their resourcefulness in securing accommodations.

Quote (19:00):
Anna Kendrick:
"We found a hotel and my parents called the hotel and faxed a credit card... I washed my underwear in the sink and put on the same outfit. It was a mad dash!"

Breakthrough with "Pitch Perfect"

Discussing her role in "Pitch Perfect," Anna delves into the unique audition process and the unexpected popularity of her character's audition song, "I'm a Little Teacup." Initially embarrassed, she reflects on the song's surprising climb up the charts and the resulting platinum record.

Quote (32:20):
Alex Cooper:
"Wait, an egg white foam?"
Anna Kendrick:
"Yeah, the key is doing a dry shake in your shaker with the egg white before you add ice."

Anna expresses mixed feelings about the song's success, balancing amusement with a sense of embarrassment.

Navigating Fame with "Twilight"

Anna discusses her involvement in the "Twilight" series, addressing the intense public scrutiny and the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries amid widespread fame. She emphasizes her ability to stay grounded and focused on her performance without being overwhelmed by the surrounding chaos.

Quote (41:31):
Anna Kendrick:
"Which is also crazy because when I auditioned for that, I was like, yes, I think in the book, she's the blonde, athletic, volleyball captain..."

Personal Relationships and Overcoming Abuse

Anna opens up about a seven-year emotionally abusive relationship, detailing the complexities of recognizing and leaving the abuse. She shares her struggles with self-blame and the impact on her mental health, highlighting the importance of shedding shame and recognizing red flags without self-judgment.

Quote (45:18):
Anna Kendrick:
"The relationship was seven years, but it was like an overnight switch. It didn't follow that more traditional pattern..."

She underscores the difficulty in identifying abuse, especially when it doesn't conform to stereotypical patterns, and the ongoing journey of healing and self-trust.

Directing "Woman of the Hour"

Transitioning to her role as a director, Anna discusses her work on the movie "Woman of the Hour," based on a true story about a serial killer from the 1970s. She elaborates on the challenges of directing while acting and how her experiences as a woman in the industry influenced the film's portrayal of vulnerable women facing predatory dangers.

Quote (69:01):
Anna Kendrick:
"So it's based on the true story of a serial killer in the 1970s who went on the show the Dating Game..."

Anna highlights the film's themes of female empowerment and the societal predatory dynamics women often encounter, aiming to shed light on these critical issues through her cinematic work.

Reflections on Therapy and Mental Health

Both Anna and Alex discuss the role of therapy in overcoming personal trauma. Anna shares her ongoing therapeutic journey, emphasizing the challenges of rebuilding trust in oneself post-abuse and the importance of supportive relationships in the healing process.

Quote (56:32):
Anna Kendrick:
"I did tell you. I was like, well, if you made it through the first five minutes, it's all..."

Their conversation highlights the complexities of mental health recovery and the societal pressures that often complicate personal healing.

Dating and Relationships Today

In a lighthearted segment, Anna humorously addresses her current single status and cautious approach to dating after her traumatic experiences. She outlines her criteria for future relationships, emphasizing the importance of mutual therapy participation as a foundation for healthy connections.

Quote (80:54):
Anna Kendrick:
"I'm never getting involved with a man... unless you are in or have been in therapy."

Anna underscores her commitment to fostering relationships built on understanding and emotional health, reflecting her growth and resilience.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between Alex Cooper and Anna Kendrick. Anna's openness about her personal struggles and professional achievements provides listeners with a relatable and inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity while maintaining a successful career.

Quote (87:39):
Alex Cooper:
"Anna, thank you so much for coming on Call Her Daddy. This was so fun. You're amazing."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Audition Challenges:
  Anna Kendrick (19:00):
  "We found a hotel and my parents called the hotel and faxed a credit card... I washed my underwear in the sink and put on the same outfit. It was a mad dash!"

• "Pitch Perfect" Success:
  Anna Kendrick (32:20):
  "Yeah, the key is doing a dry shake in your shaker with the egg white before you add ice."

• Emotional Abuse Reflection:
  Anna Kendrick (45:18):
  "The relationship was seven years, but it was like an overnight switch. It didn't follow that more traditional pattern..."

• Directing Insight:
  Anna Kendrick (69:01):
  "So it's based on the true story of a serial killer in the 1970s who went on the show the Dating Game..."

• Therapy and Healing:
  Anna Kendrick (56:32):
  "I did tell you. I was like, well, if you made it through the first five minutes, it's all..."

• Dating Criteria:
  Anna Kendrick (80:54):
  "I'm never getting involved with a man... unless you are in or have been in therapy."

This episode offers a deep dive into Anna Kendrick's multifaceted life, balancing her on-screen successes with personal vulnerabilities. Her honesty and resilience serve as an empowering message for listeners navigating their own challenges.