Demi Moore Was ‘Terrified’ After Landing Her Breakout Role on “General Hospital” at 19 Years Old (Exclusive)

Demi Moore Recounts Feeling ‘Terrified’ During her Time on General Hospital at 19

Demi Moore, now a seasoned actress, reminisces about her early days as an actor and the nerves she felt on one of her first roles. In an exclusive interview for PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful issue, the 62-year-old star delves into her time on the iconic soap opera, General Hospital, which played a pivotal role in launching her career. Moore portrayed the role of journalist Jackie Templeton on the show from 1982 to 1984.

Reflecting on the significance of landing the role, Moore shared, “I think the first big moment that kind of gave me a little bit of encouragement of, wow, this could be possible, is when I got General Hospital because it was a real job on a show that was successful for a soap opera.” The actress highlighted the impact of the show’s reputation, particularly after Elizabeth Taylor’s guest appearance in 1981. Taylor’s cameo during Luke and Laura’s wedding added to the show’s allure at the time.

At the tender age of 19, Moore found herself navigating the world of acting and recalls the mix of excitement and fear that came with it. “And literally it was a month before my 19th birthday,” Moore reminisces. “And so it was like a real job where I was going to be paid and have an actual salary. Meaning that I didn’t have to have another job. I could actually live by doing this thing that I loved and hoped I could do. So that was like the first moment to really kick it off.”

Despite her enthusiasm for the role, Moore confesses to feeling apprehensive, especially when looking back at old publicity photos. She describes herself as “super dolled up, heavy-duty made up,” and acknowledges that alongside the excitement, there was an element of trepidation. The photographs capture a moment in her career where she was still finding her footing in the competitive world of Hollywood.

Following her stint on General Hospital, Moore’s career soared to new heights with notable roles in films like Blame It on Rio (1984), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), About Last Night… (1986), and the box office hit Ghost (1990). More recently, she has impressed audiences with her roles in acclaimed projects like Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and Paramount+’s Landman.

Embracing the journey of ageing in Hollywood, Moore reflects on her body’s resilience and the acceptance that comes with growing older in the industry. She candidly shares her perspective on self-worth and the evolving definition of beauty in the entertainment world. The actress’s humility and wisdom underscore her continued success and influence in the industry.

As Moore continues to captivate audiences with her talent and grace, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and fans alike. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability and share her experiences encourages others to navigate their own paths with courage and authenticity. The actress’s journey from a young, “terrified” soap opera star to a revered Hollywood icon is a testament to her resilience and passion for her craft.

For more insights from Moore and other captivating features, don’t miss the World’s Most Beautiful Issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands Friday, April 25th. Stay updated on the latest celebrity news and heartwarming stories by subscribing to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter.

Overall, Demi Moore’s reflections on her early acting days provide a glimpse into the inner world of a Hollywood icon, showcasing the highs and lows of a remarkable career that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.