Mandy Moore’s Lifeline: How Hilary Duff Became Her Rock During the Terrors of First-Time Motherhood
Navigating the choppy waters of new parenthood is a challenge for anyone, but for Mandy Moore, the experience was amplified by the unprecedented global circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of lockdowns, shifting restrictions, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty, the acclaimed actress found an unexpected but invaluable source of support in fellow star Hilary Duff. Moore, 42, recently opened up about how Duff, 38, became an absolute lifeline during her first pregnancy in late 2020 and early 2021, forging a bond that has only deepened with time.
Moore, who is now a mother to three children – five-year-old August ‘Gus’, three-year-old Oscar ‘Ozzie’, and 21-month-old daughter Louise ‘Lou’, all with her husband Taylor Goldsmith – revealed the depth of Duff’s support during an upcoming appearance on Amanda Hirsch’s Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. The This Is Us star explained that as she embarked on her motherhood journey for the very first time, Duff was an instrumental presence.
“We went through – [Hilary] went through her third pregnancy, and I went through my first pregnancy – like together,” Moore shared. “And so, like I really was able to immediately lean on her.” This shared experience, occurring at the peak of the pandemic, created a unique and powerful connection between the two actresses.
Beyond their parallel pregnancy journeys, Moore highlighted Duff’s proactive approach to fostering a community for new mothers during a time when social isolation was the norm. According to a preview clip of Moore’s podcast conversation, obtained by People, Duff actively welcomed a group of mothers into her home for a baby class. This initiative proved to be a crucial element in building a much-needed support network.
” ‘[Hilary] was the one that welcomed in all these other new moms during the pandemic to a baby class at her house,’ ” Moore recounted. ” ‘We started with like baby music class when our kids were like little blobs just lying on the grass. It was so much fun.’ “
This group of mothers, which included Ashley Tisdale, later gained notoriety when Tisdale described the circle as “toxic” in an essay. However, for Moore, the experience was overwhelmingly positive, largely thanks to Duff’s leadership and the genuine connection formed.
Duff, a mother of four herself, was the architect of these gatherings, meticulously organising classes and meet-ups that helped to create a vital support system for parents grappling with the unique challenges of raising young children during the pandemic. “I have become a mom with her, and she’s the best,” Moore stated emphatically.
The actress also reflected on the broader emotional toll of pregnancy during such an unprecedented global event. She described the pervasive sense of confusion and fear that many expectant parents experienced. “It was feeling incredibly confusing and scary to be, like, pregnant during that strange time that gave us all PTSD,” she admitted.
A Friendship Forged in Shared Experiences
The bond between Moore and Duff is not a recent development; their friendship has been steadily growing over several years. Moore previously spoke about their connection with Glamour in February, recalling a chance encounter in 2018 that laid the foundation for their enduring relationship.
“I feel exceedingly lucky that my kids happen to spend time with people that I feel like our values are aligned with,” Moore remarked, emphasizing the importance of shared values in her friendships, particularly those formed since becoming a parent. She added, “The friends that I’ve made since becoming a parent are some of the deeper, more surprising friendships I’ve found as an adult.”
This period of shared motherhood during the pandemic has clearly solidified their connection, transforming a celebrity acquaintance into a deep and supportive friendship. The timing of this revelation is particularly poignant as Moore continues to be celebrated for her role as Rebecca Pearson in the beloved series This Is Us. Meanwhile, Duff remains a prominent figure in entertainment, recognised for her iconic role in Disney’s Lizzie McGuire, her leading performance in TV Land’s Younger, and her successful pop music career, with hits like “Come Clean” and “So Yesterday.”
The candid conversation on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast offers a rare glimpse into the personal lives of these stars, highlighting the universal human need for connection and support, especially during life’s most transformative moments. It underscores the idea that even amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, genuine friendships can blossom, providing essential comfort and strength when it’s needed most. The story of Moore and Duff serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of global uncertainty, the bonds of friendship and shared experience can offer a beacon of hope and resilience.
