Ben Richardson Anna Kendrick’s Dating History: Relationships, Reflections, and Healing Through Hollywood

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Written By Kanisha Laing

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Anna Kendrick, known for her engaging performances and talent for portraying complex romantic entanglements, has experienced her share of highs and lows in love. Despite her openness on screen, Kendrick typically keeps her private life away from the spotlight. Over the years, she’s been linked to director Edgar Wright, cinematographer Ben Richardson, and fellow actor Bill Hader.

This article provides a comprehensive look at her romantic journey, how it shaped her personally and professionally, and the themes of growth and self-empowerment that emerge through her work and reflections.

Early Romance: Anna Kendrick and Edgar Wright (2009–2013)

Kendrick’s first publicly known relationship was with British director Edgar Wright, whom she met on the set of the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in 2009. Wright directed the film, while Kendrick played Stacey Pilgrim, the protagonist’s sister.

While discussing the project, Kendrick admitted that she trusted Wright’s vision even when she didn’t fully understand the story’s direction on paper, highlighting the creative partnership that also marked their personal relationship.

Their four-year relationship was mostly private, though Kendrick once spoke about the challenges of public interest in her love life. In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, she described feeling exposed and uncomfortable after paparazzi published candid photos of the couple. “It felt scary and dangerous,” she recalled.

Despite parting ways in 2013, Kendrick and Wright remained on friendly terms. They collaborated again in 2023 for the animated series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off on Netflix, with Wright as executive producer and Kendrick reprising her role as Stacey.

A Long and Private Relationship with Ben Richardson (2014–2020)

After her breakup with Wright, Kendrick moved on to date British cinematographer Ben Richardson, whom she reportedly met while working on the film Drinking Buddies in 2013. Known for his acclaimed work on projects like Beasts of the Southern Wild,

Richardson matched Kendrick’s preference for keeping things low-key. The two rarely appeared in public, and Kendrick kept his identity out of her conversations, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining privacy in Hollywood.

Their relationship, which lasted six years, showcased Kendrick’s dedication to guarding her personal life. In a 2020 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Kendrick highlighted the difficulty of keeping her relationship away from public scrutiny, noting, “It isn’t easy, as you are proving right now.” Although the exact timing of their split remains unconfirmed, the two were last seen together in 2019, marking the end of one of her most extended relationships.

Bill Hader and a Brief Romance That Made Headlines (2020–2022)

After Richardson, Kendrick entered a relationship with fellow actor Bill Hader, known for his comedic and dramatic roles. The two crossed paths professionally long before dating, sharing a connection to Saturday Night Live, where Hader was a prominent cast member.

Their bond deepened after working together in Disney+’s 2019 holiday film Noelle, where they played siblings. Although they kept the relationship largely under wraps, a source close to the couple confirmed their romance in January 2022, stating, “They are both very private people… Anna has been dating Bill quietly for over a year.”

During their time together, sources described them as having a warm and sarcastic chemistry. However, by June 2022, Kendrick and Hader’s relationship had ended, with no further details disclosed. Following their breakup, Hader moved on, later dating comedian Ali Wong.

Love, Loss, and Reflection

Beyond her relationships, Kendrick’s personal growth shines through her work and interviews. In a 2020 interview, she reflected on how her HBO Max series Love Life helped her explore the patterns in her romantic relationships. “Looking back now, it’s like, ‘Oh god, I acted like such a jerk in that relationship,’” she admitted, discussing how each relationship helped her gain clarity about her self-worth and the importance of setting boundaries.

These reflections deepened when Kendrick starred in the 2022 film Alice, Darling, a project that hit close to home after she had experienced a challenging relationship. In an October 2024 appearance on Call Her Daddy, Kendrick opened up about the emotional toll of a seven-year abusive relationship, w

hich she described as “built on this foundation of I had so much love and trust for that person, so I thought it had to be me.” Through her story, Kendrick shared how she found the strength to let go of misplaced guilt, realizing that her partner’s issues were not her responsibility to resolve.

Conclusion

Anna Kendrick’s romantic history reveals a journey marked by privacy, self-discovery, and resilience. Her relationships with Edgar Wright, Ben Richardson, and Bill Hader, though private, have contributed to her growth and the nuanced ways she approaches romance on screen.

Kendrick’s experience exemplifies the importance of boundaries, self-respect, and healing. By sharing insights into her experiences, Kendrick encourages others to find strength in their vulnerabilities and to embrace the personal growth that follows life’s most challenging relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who did Anna Kendrick date before Ben Richardson?
Kendrick dated director Edgar Wright from 2009 to 2013. They met on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and maintained a close relationship even after their breakup.

2. How long were Anna Kendrick and Ben Richardson together?
Kendrick and Richardson were together for six years, from 2014 to 2020, though they kept their relationship very private.

3. When did Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader start dating?
Kendrick and Hader began dating in 2020, though they had known each other for years and worked together on Disney+’s Noelle. They kept the relationship out of the public eye until 2022.

4. Has Anna Kendrick spoken publicly about her relationships?
While Kendrick keeps her relationships private, she has occasionally shared insights about the emotional lessons she learned. In 2024, she revealed she had endured an abusive relationship, which helped her gain clarity on boundaries and self-worth.

5. Did Anna Kendrick and Edgar Wright work together after their breakup?
Yes, Kendrick and Wright collaborated on Netflix’s 2023 series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, where she voiced her character from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World while Wright was an executive producer. Their amicable post-relationship friendship demonstrates their mutual respect.

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