Forget the red carpet glamour. Mandy Moore is pulling back the curtain on the real, unvarnished challenge of life in the spotlight. The acclaimed actress and mother of three is getting brutally honest about the constant juggle that defines her world, proving that even A-list stars don’t have it all figured out.
At Step Up’s 2025 Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles, Moore sat down with E! News and delivered a powerful message that resonates far beyond Hollywood. The “This Is Us” star, who shares sons Gus, 4, and Ozzie, 2, and 12-month-old daughter Lou with husband Taylor Goldsmith, revealed that the relentless pursuit of work-life balance is her greatest ongoing battle.
“I think maintaining that work-life balance, especially now being a mom of three, it’s definitely
This candid admission highlights the universal struggle faced by working parents everywhere. Yet, amidst the chaos, Moore’s gratitude for her acting career shines through. “I feel really lucky that 25 years in, I’m still able to do what I love,” she shared. This sense of fulfillment is the driving force behind the delicate balancing act.
With over two decades of experience in the demanding entertainment industry, Moore has gathered a wealth of wisdom. Her advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is a soothing balm for the soul. “We’re all in the same boat,” she stated reassuringly. “No one has it all figured out, and if they say they do, they’re lying.”
Her solution? Radical self-acceptance. “So have some grace for yourself,” she urged. “I feel like no one’s immune to it—we all have those days where we feel overwhelmed and overcome and confused and all of that. But just recognize that you take it one tiny step at a time.”
But Moore’s blueprint for a fulfilling life and career doesn’t stop at self-compassion. She pinpointed one irreplaceable trait that she believes is the true secret to longevity in any field: kindness.
“Kindness is key,” she declared. “I feel like that’s what you want your legacy to be. There are tons of successful people, there are tons of beautiful people and talented people, but I feel like kindness is the key to longevity.”
This philosophy extends to her personal life, where her partnership with Goldsmith serves as her anchor. She has often gushed about his unwavering support, calling him “everyone’s favorite person” and marveling at his patience and generosity as a father. This strong family support system is clearly a critical component in making her own work-life balance possible. Mandy Moore’s story is more than a celebrity soundbite. It’s a powerful reminder that the quest for balance is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant adjustment, a heavy dose of self-grace, and the profound understanding that leading with kindness is the ultimate mark of a life well-lived, both on-screen and off.
