Mandy Moore reveals who she vents to: 'She's a huge part of our support system'

Mandy Moore has revealed the secret to managing her "crazy" life as a mother of three, and it’s all thanks to her mother-in-law. During a recent interview with E! News, the 42-year-old actress shared that when things get overwhelming with her children, Gus, five, Ozzie, three, and 20-month-old Lou, the first person she calls is Kathy Goldsmith, the mother of her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith. This heartfelt confession came during a promotional appearance for her new film, where she was joined by her co-star.

'A huge part of our support system'

While sitting down with host Erin Lim Rhodes, Moore didn't hesitate to praise her close bond with her mother-in-law. “I love my mother-in-law, and we're very close," she explained candidly. "She’s very helpful with the kids and is just a huge part of our support system.” The former This Is Us star, beloved for her role as matriarch Rebecca Pearson, made it clear who her primary confidante is when the pressures of parenting mount. 

“So, she's the first person I would vent to,” she added with a smile. For those unversed, Moore has often spoken about family life, affectionately calling her three children her own "Big Three," a sweet nod to her iconic television role.

This isn't the first time Moore has publicly celebrated Kathy Goldsmith. She has previously described her as a "silver lining" for her invaluable help and support, especially during challenging times like the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025. Her admission highlights the importance of a strong family network, a theme that coincidentally mirrors the narrative of her latest project.

Swapping roles in "The Breadwinner"

Moore shared these personal insights during a lighthearted promotional segment for her upcoming family comedy, The Breadwinner, which is set for release on May 29, 2026. In the film, she stars opposite celebrated comedian Nate Bargatze in a story that humorously flips traditional gender roles on their head. The setting for the interview itself reflected the film's chaotic family theme, with the two stars challenged to prepare and decorate pancakes together, complete with marshmallows and gummy bears.

The film's plot sees Moore playing Katie Wilcox, a career-driven mum whose household invention lands her a major deal on the show Shark Tank, forcing her to leave on an extended business trip. This leaves Bargatze's character, a lifelong provider, to navigate the hilarious and often overwhelming world of being a full-time, stay-at-home dad to their three daughters. 

The film, directed by Eric Appel and featuring a cast of comedic talent including Will Forte and Colin Jost, has been described as a "love letter to mums," celebrating the unsung heroes of the domestic sphere.

For Bargatze, hailed by The Atlantic as "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up," the film marks a significant expansion from the stand-up stage to a leading role he also co-wrote. In a move to make the family-friendly film more accessible, Bargatze recently announced a special discounted ticket price called the "Nate Rate," encouraging families to see the movie in theatres.

As Moore balances her demanding career with a bustling home life, her open appreciation for her mother-in-law offers a relatable glimpse into the reality of modern motherhood. It serves as a poignant reminder that, whether on-screen or off, even Hollywood stars rely on a village to raise their children.