Mandy Moore
I remember seeing Mandy Moore in the teen magazines when she arrived on the scene in the late 90’s. I didn’t think much of her or know anything about her until This Is Us aired in 2016. FYI, I also remember seeing Milo Ventimiglia in the teen magazines about the same time. He wasn’t as popular as Mandy at that time, but I do remember him. They play husband and wife Jack and Rebecca Pearson on This Is Us. Anyway, back to Mandy.
Mandy Moore hit the teen magazines in 1999 as a singer. The earliest magazine I have with her is the Summer 1999 BB magazine. She only had a half page article in that edition with a little tiny black and white picture. The article was entitled “Opening Acts” and the article began: What was almost as sweet as seeing ’N Sync in concert this summer? Easy – scooting to their show early and seeing their awesome opening acts as well! Now, if you’re dying to know more about these musicians (or especially if you missed out), here are the vital facts on these way cool up ‘n’ comers. Enjoy! FYI, the other up and comers mentioned are Michael Africk, Jordan Knight, and Billy Crawford. I don’t think Jordan Knight could be classified as an up and comer since he previously had his thing with New Kids on the Block. I have heard of Billy Crawford before. No idea who Michael Africk is. I think Mandy was the most successful to come from this group.
The Beginning
Born April 10, 1984, Amanda Leigh Moore became interested in acting and singing almost immediately. She was born in Nashua, New Hampshire but grew up in Florida as the family moved there when she was still a newborn. Moore’s grandma was a professional ballerina which I think inspired Mandy. Her parents thought her interest in acting and singing was just a phase she’d grow out of. Thank goodness they were wrong. She started acting in local theater and also singing the National Anthem around town. She was becoming a star. A FedEx guy who had a friend at Epic Records overheard Mandy singing. He sent a recording to his friend and the rest is history.
She signed with Epic Records thanks to FedEx man and things started happening. She did have to drop out of high school in the ninth grade but she was able to continue her education with tutors. Never stop learning, people! In 1999, she started touring with ‘N Sync and the Backstreet Boys, probably the two biggest boy bands in the world at that time.
Her first two albums were bubblegum pop. She later talked about how she was only fourteen so she was doing whatever the record company asked of her. Reminds me of Leif Garrett and the crap he recorded. Mandy says the bubblegum pop albums are why she’s here today but she thinks she should issue a refund to whoever bought her first records.
Acting
Mandy Moore began her acting career in 2001. Her film debut was with Eddie Murphy in Dr. Doolittle 2. Not a bad way to begin. She was also in The Princess Diaries that same year. This girl is on fire! Her first starring role came the following year with A Walk to Remember. She’s been in several more movies including Saved! With Macaulay Culkin, Chasing Liberty, and American Dreamz. She also did appearances on TV shows.
Fast forward to September 2016 which is when This Is Us began. This show has seen nothing but awards ever since it started. It’s huge. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should really check it out and quit living under a rock. In May 2019, NBC renewed the show for three more seasons. The show stars our Mandy, Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K Brown (my fave), Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley (aka Adam Newman from The Young and the Restless).
Mandy Moore Trivia
- She has two brothers, both of whom are gay.
- Her parents divorced when mom fell in love with another woman.
- Mandy is a supporter of gay rights (duh).
- She dated Wilmer Valderrama.
- She also dated Zach Braff for a couple of years.
- Mandy was married to singer Ryan Adams from 2009-2016.
- She is currently married to singer Taylor Goldsmith.
- Mandy is good friends with the Osbourne family.
- She is good friends with singer Josh Groban.
- Mandy ranked number five in People magazine’s 2011 list of Most Beautiful celebrities.
- She is the youngest cast member of the main adult members on This Is Us.
With over 70 acting credits, six studio albums, three compilation albums, a bunch of singles and music videos, Mandy Moore can consider herself a huge success. At only 35 years of age though, I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface of her success. I’m looking forward to another 35 with Mandy Moore.
Check out the many Mandy Moore items available in my eBay store.