Teyana Taylor compares parenting while in the spotlight to 'Hannah Montana'

Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor said balancing life as a performer and a mother often feels like living two completely different worlds, much like the fictional pop star Hannah Montana.

Speaking exclusively to People Magazine at the TIME Women of the Year Gala in West Hollywood on March 10, the 35-year-old actress opened up about juggling her career with raising her two daughters.

“I think because when I am home and when we are together, I’m in such mommy mode that it’s almost like Hannah Montana,” Taylor said.

The actress shares daughters — Iman ‘Junie’ Tayla Shumpert Jr., 10, and Rue Rose Shumpert, 5 — with her ex-husband, former NBA player Iman Shumpert.

Taylor explained that her children understand the difference between her public persona and her life at home.

“I live two different lives where it’s like, ‘Okay, here’s carpet mommy,’ ” she said. “But then here is mommy when she’s home — we’re going to the trampoline park, we’re cooking, we’re playing, we’re drawing.”

Despite growing up around Hollywood events and red carpets, Taylor said her daughters have remained grounded — though they certainly know how to shine in the spotlight when the moment calls for it.

She described Junie as a selfless “little celebrity” and a natural leader, praising her daughter for staying humble despite her mother’s fame.

“She doesn’t walk in saying, ‘My mom needs this,’ or ‘I’m this,’ ” Taylor said. “I love that balance.”

Still, when the cameras come out, both girls are ready for the spotlight. “You see Junie and Rue on a red carpet, and they’re posing and serving,” Taylor said. “It’s amazing to watch how they navigate that balance.”

Taylor recently shared a sweet moment with her youngest daughter at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on March 1, where Rue joined her on the red carpet. 

The youngster even helped adjust the train of Taylor’s gown before stepping in front of photographers herself.

The actress is currently celebrating a major milestone in her career. 

She earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 98th Academy Awards for her role in the film One Battle After Another, after previously winning the same category at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this year.

Despite the excitement surrounding awards season, Taylor says she’s staying grounded and focused on the bigger picture.

“I’m not even thinking about my speech,” she previously told PEOPLE. “I’m pacing myself. I don’t want to jinx anything.”

For the multi-hyphenate star, the nomination itself already feels like a victory.

“Win or lose,” she said, “to have this moment that I’m having right now feels amazing. I feel like I already won spiritually and mentally just by being part of the conversation.”

The 2026 Oscars air live on ABC and Hulu on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET.