Former teen queen Mandy Moore has really grown up since her days of missing you like candy! From her younger years as a pop sensation to her more recent work as an Emmy-nominated actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mandy has crafted a successful career in Hollywood. In honor of the actress-singer's 36th birthday on April 10, 2020, Wonderwall.com is taking a look at her life and career through photos. Keep reading for more…
The song that started it all! On Aug. 17, 1999, Mandy Moore — seen here at the 1999 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas in December 1999 — released her debut single, "Candy," off her first album, "So Real." While the track peaked just outside of the Top 40 at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is considered her most successful single to be released internationally (it hit No. 6 in the United Kingdom and No. 2 in Australia). According to Nielsen Soundscan, her debut track has sold 753,000 physical copies and 198,000 digital downloads.
Talk about a dream job! In the late '90s, pop star Mandy Moore opened for boy bands *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys on their respective tours… no big deal! In a 2017 interview with InStyle, the former pop star reminisced about the iconic (albeit arguably cringeworthy) fashion of that time. "When I was starting out, it was all about those bejeweled white tank tops and flared, colored leather pants," she recalled. "I think I have PTSD from the pants." So was Mandy — seen here performing in the late 1990s or early 2000s — a BSB or an *NSYNC fan? "I was both!" she told the magazine. "When I was touring with Backstreet Boys, I was team Backstreet and with *NSYNC, I was obviously team *NSYNC."
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Mandy Moore was 15 when she released her debut album, "So Real," on Dec. 7, 1999. "Candy" was the album's first single and "Walk Me Home" followed as the second single. The album was considered a success: It peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. Mandy is seen here promoting her album at a Sam Goody's in Los Angeles in February 2000.
On March 23, 2000, Mandy Moore hit the stage on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" to perform new single "I Wanna Be With You" from her second album of the same name.
On May 9, 2000, Mandy Moore released her second studio album, "I Wanna Be With You," just six months after her debut album, "So Real," came out. Her second album consisted of five new songs in addition to six songs from "So Real." It also contained a remix of the title track and sole single "I Wanna Be with You," which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 — her highest charting single to date — and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America after having sold upwards of 805,000 units. While "I Wanna Be with You" was considered Mandy's second album in the United States, it was released as the international version of her debut project, "So Real."
Mandy Moore attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party on March 26, 2001, days before her 17th birthday. The young pop singer looked gorgeous and very 2000s in her plunging dark brown gown and adorable hairstyle — the buns were everything!
Mandy Moore dated "That '70s Show" star Wilmer Valderrama from 2000 to 2002. They're seen here after reconnecting at an Emmys afterparty in Los Angeles in September 2005. Mandy was also previously romantically linked to singer Billy Crawford, TV personality Brian McFayden and former professional tennis player Andy Roddick.
On June 19, 2001, 17-year-old Mandy Moore released her self-titled third studio album. With this project, Mandy — seen here at an album signing days later — gained more creative control over her sound: The new album was a departure from the teen image and bubblegum pop that characterized her two previous albums. Instead, "Mandy Moore" incorporated R&B, pop, dance, hip hop and techno elements. The album achieved moderate success too — it debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. Four singles including "Crush," "Cry" and "In My Pocket" reached the Top 40 in the United States. "Mandy Moore" performed particularly well in Asia — it went four-times platinum in the Philippines and was the 33rd bestselling album of all time in the Philippines with 200,000 copies sold.
In 2001, Mandy Moore made her acting debut! She lent her voice to a character in "Dr. Dolittle 2" that year and appeared as mean girl Lana Thomas alongside Anne Hathaway and Heather Matarazzo in Disney's "The Princess Diaries." The film, which premiered on Aug. 3, 2001, was a major success: It grossed nearly $23 million in North America in its opening weekend and went on to make $165 million worldwide!
Adorable co-stars! Mandy Moore and Anne Hathaway are seen here at the premiere of "The Princess Diaries" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on July 29, 2001. At the time, Mandy was just 17 while Anne was only 18!
In 2002, Mandy Moore made her starring debut alongside Shane West in the romantic drama "A Walk to Remember," the film based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name. The movie was a hit — it opened at No. 3 at the U.S. box office and grossed $12 million in its opening weekend and $47 million worldwide by the end of its run. "It just gives me an all-encompassing warm feeling inside," Mandy told Entertainment Weekly in 2017 of the film. "There are very few times in your career when the memories and the relationship you have to a project match the relationship that an audience has to the project — but this movie is as special to me as it seems to be to people out there in the world. I mean that's the reason that 15 years later we're still talking about it." Her single "Cry" from her self-titled third studio album was also featured in the movie.
At the 2002 MTV Movie Awards, Mandy Moore picked up the trophy for best breakthrough female performance for her work as Jamie Sullivan in the feature film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel "A Walk to Remember."
The awards didn't stop there! For her starring role in "A Walk to Remember," Mandy Moore won big once again — this time at the 2002 Teen Choice Awards. That August, she took home surfboards for choice movie female breakout star and choice movie chemistry for her work with Shane West.
In the 2000s, Mandy Moore continued to build an impressive roster of acting credits. In 2003, she starred alongside Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher and Trent Ford in the romantic drama-comedy "How to Deal," which is based on Sarah Dessen's novels "That Summer" and "Someone like You." She played the starring role of Halley Martin, a rebellious teenager who falls in love with the new guy at school. The film grossed $14 million domestically. While "How to Deal" received generally negative reviews, film critic Roger Ebert praised Mandy for her "unaffected natural charm."
Mandy Moore dated pro tennis player Andy Roddick from 2002 to 2004. They're seen here at the "How To Deal" premiere afterparty at Lobby in New York City on July 16, 2003.
"Chasing Liberty," which debuted in 2004, is another film Mandy Moore starred in! She played Anna Foster, the free-spirited, 18-year-old daughter of the president of the United States who yearns for freedom beyond the Secret Service's reach. The romantic comedy, in which she starred alongside English actor Matthew Goode, grossed around $12 million. That same year, she also starred alongside Jena Malone in "Saved!" and a year later co-starred in the comedy-drama "Racing Stripes." In 2005, Mandy also guest starred on the HBO series "Entourage."
The 2000s weren't just characterized by acting and singing — Mandy Moore also created a fashion brand! In 2005, she started her own clothing line called Mblem., which primarily consisted of contemporary cashmere and knitwear pieces. She was inspired to make clothing that was both flattering and comfortable for taller women since she is 5-foot-10. In February 2009, however, she announced that she would be discontinuing her line. Mandy is pictured here at the launch of Mblem. at Fred Segal in Los Angeles in August 2005.
Mandy Moore began dating "Scrubs" star Zach Braff in 2004 — they're seen here at a 2006 Golden Globes afterparty — and even appeared as a guest star for two episodes on the show's fifth season. The Young Hollywood couple called it quits by late 2006 after two years together. While the exact details of their breakup haven't been disclosed, it left an impact on the singer-actress and exacerbated a depressive period. "A few months ago I felt really low, really sad — depressed for no reason," Mandy told Jane magazine in 2007. "The breakup added to what I was going through, but it's not the complete reason. It definitely doesn't help if you're already in that place."
Mandy Moore comes from a big Catholic family that's anything but traditional. "I've never really talked about this, but my parents are divorced," Mandy revealed in an interview with Byrdie in 2016. "My mother left my father for a woman. And both of my two brothers are gay. My parents loved each other; they did an incredible job raising all of us." Mandy is pictured here with mom Stacy at a launch event for her Mblem. clothing line in 2006. According to Mandy, all her family members are now "exactly where they should be. Everyone's so much happier, richer and more fulfilled being their authentic selves."
June 19, 2007, marked the release of Mandy Moore's fifth studio album, "Wild Hope" — the first body of work entirely co-written by her. The album included features from notable artists of the time like Chantal Kreviazuk, Rachael Yamagata and The Weepies. It received mixed to generally positive reviews and was praised by Billboard for its "gratifying sound of a singer finally finding her comfort zone." "Wild Hope," which debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 30 — making it Mandy's third-highest debuting album — sold more than 350,000 copies. Mandy is pictured here performing songs from the album at the Roxy in Los Angeles in June 2007.
In 2008, Mandy Moore began dating musician Ryan Adams. The couple got engaged in February 2009 and eloped on March 10, 2009, in Savannah, Georgia — they're see here at a Los Angeles flea market just a few weeks after their nuptials.
In 2007, Mandy Moore appeared in films like "Because I Said So" and "License to Wed" (pictured here) and guest starred on the hit CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." She played the role of Amy on the third-season premiere, which was titled "Wait for It."
After a two-year acting hiatus, Mandy Moore made an impactful return to the screen in 2010, voicing Rapunzel in the Disney animated film "Tangled." She co-starred alongside Zachary Levi, who voiced Rapunzel's love interest, Flynn Rider. The film was a box office hit that grossed more than $200 million in North America and $590 million worldwide. "Tangled" also broke records: It's the 17th-highest grossing animated film ever, the eighth-highest grossing film of 2010 and the third-highest grossing animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios (just behind 2013's "Frozen" and 1994's "The Lion King"). Mandy is seen here at its Hollywood premiere in November 2010.
At the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February 2011, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi performed the song "I See the Light" from "Tangled." That night, the track was up for best original song. At the 2011 Grammys, "I See the Light" took home the award for best song written for visual media.
In January 2015, Mandy Moore filed to divorce Ryan Adams (they're seen here at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in February 2012). In 2019, a New York Times exposé revealed that Ryan had been accused by seven women — including Mandy — of emotionally abusive behavior. Some women also claimed Ryan sexually harassed them under the guise of helping them further their careers. Mandy spoke candidly of her ex-husband when she appeared on the "WTF With Marc Maron" podcast in 2019. "I was living my life for him," she admitted. "It [was] an entirely unhealthy dynamic. Oh, I had no sense of self. I was imperceptible, I was so small in my own world." Their divorce was finalized in 2016.
In 2015, Mandy Moore began dating Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith. The couple — seen here at the 2017 Emmys — announced their engagement in 2017. As with many modern romances, Mandy and Taylor first linked up via Instagram! In May 2015, the actress-singer professed her love for Taylor's band on the social media app. "Somehow, Taylor saw it and sent a note to me," she told People magazine in 2017. "We started emailing back and forth, then we went on a date and the rest is history. Thanks, Instagram, for helping me meet my fiancé!"
Mandy Moore and actress Minka Kelly have been close friends for many, many years. The "Friday Night Lights" actress and Mandy are pictured here at the DÔEN collection launch in March 2016.
On Sept. 20, 2016, the family drama "This Is Us" premiered starring Mandy Moore as family matriarch Rebecca Pearson. "I've never been part of a project where [fans] are so willing to be vulnerable and talk about their lives," she told People magazine in 2017. "It's pretty mind-boggling. And [the cast] is one big family. We all dig in and do the work and connect to it every single day. Every day I drive into work I'm like, 'Thank you, universe!'" The series earned critical acclaim and quickly developed a dedicated fan base. In May 2019, the series was renewed for three additional seasons.
Mandy Moore, Golden Globe nominee! The actress is seen here at the 2017 Golden Globes where she was up for best supporting actress in a series, miniseries or motion picture made for TV for her portrayal of Rebecca Pearson on "This Is Us."
On Jan. 21, 2017, Mandy Moore attended the Women's March in Los Angeles. "What a way to celebrate the collective energy of so many people unwilling to sit idly by," she wrote in an Instagram post reflecting on the day. At the march, Mandy snapped photos with other famous female celebs including activist Jane Fonda and actress Helen Hunt.
On Nov. 18, 2018, Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith — seen here at a charity event in May 2018 — tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Los Angeles-area home. "We got married at our house in our backyard with 40 people there," Mandy said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! "So it was a very intimate ceremony, just friends and family." In 2017, Mandy gushed to People magazine about Taylor. "I feel incredibly understood and supported," she said. "I feel incredibly lucky to have somebody who is like, 'I got your back.' I found the right person and I feel like we can handle anything together."
In 2019, Mandy Moore co-starred in the epic war drama "Midway" alongside Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Patrick Wilson and Aaron Eckhart. The film, which was directed by Roland Emmerich, grossed $56.8 million in North America and $124.8 million worldwide.
A milestone moment! On March 25, 2019, Mandy Moore was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "This Is Us" creator Dan Fogelman and Mandy's "A Walk to Remember" co-star Shane West were the guest speakers at the unveiling ceremony. Shane reflected on how grateful he was to have worked with Mandy on the 2002 Nicholas Sparks film adaptation. "Not only was this film a wonderful experience in every way, it gave me the chance to fall for this fantastic woman," he shared. "Mandy, you are an absolute gem, your smile is absolutely ridiculous — seriously, it's ridiculous, and it lights up the room when you walk in — your energy is irresistible, and your heart is second to none. I couldn't be more proud of you, and I couldn't be more happy for you. Love ya."
On Sept. 17, 2019, Mandy Moore had another reason to celebrate — she released her first original song in more than a decade, "When I Wasn't Watching." The single received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, with Rolling Stone applauding the track for its "Seventies California pop" vibe and Vice describing it as "breathy" and "introspective." "I feel like I'm only just now emerging from a bit of an emotional hangover," Mandy wrote on Instagram. "It would be a tremendous understatement to say that I was blown away (and GRATEFUL/HUMBLED) by the response and support for new music. Thank you endlessly for the kind words- I feel them in my bones." Mandy is seen here at a pre-Emmys party three days after her track's release.
At the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 22, 2019, Mandy Moore was nominated for best lead actress in a drama series for her performance as Rebecca Pearson on "This Is Us." The first-time Emmy nominee stunned in a red-and-pink off-the-shoulder gown by Brandon Maxwell.
Mandy Moore is seen here wearing makeup that ages her character, Rebecca Pearson — a frequent occurrence on her show — as she poses alongside on-screen son Justin Hartley on an early 2020 episode of their hit NBC drama, "This Is Us."
A musical renaissance! On March 6, 2020, Mandy Moore released "Silver Landings" — her seventh studio album and first in 11 years. Following her divorce from Ryan Adams, who's allegedly controlling ways inhibited her ability to create and release music, she's said, Mandy found support in second husband Taylor Goldsmith. Together, they created "Silver Landings" — an album that exudes Mandy's personal growth. "Taylor is truly one of the most unbelievably talented people on the planet," Mandy told Rolling Stone in 2020. "I feel so lucky to be under the same roof with him. For the past five years that we've been in each other's lives, he is always at a piano or holding a guitar in his hands — just noodling or practicing or writing a song. It was a foregone conclusion that we were going to make music together, but he has been my biggest champion." Mandy — seen here with her husband-collaborator performing at a "This Is Us" event in June 2019 — hopes to tour behind the album in 2020.