Mandy Moore, the acclaimed actress and singer, was recently celebrated by her young co-stars during the filming of their upcoming animated feature, The Breadwinner. The trio of actresses, comprising Stella Grace Fitzgerald, Birdie Borria, and Charlotte Ann Tucker, orchestrated a delightful surprise for Moore, honouring her music career by performing a choreographed dance to her 1999 hit, “Candy.”
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The surprise performance took place on set and was shared by Charlotte Ann Tucker on her Instagram account. In the video, the young actresses can be seen energetically dancing and singing along to the catchy pop track, much to Moore’s delight as she watched from her chair. The girls creatively incorporated candy props into their routine, adding an extra layer of charm to the heartfelt tribute.
After the lively performance, Moore enthusiastically applauded the girls before running to embrace them. With visible pride, she complimented their dancing skills, stating, “You guys are way better dancers than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” and remarked on how impressive the surprise was.
The heartfelt gesture was clearly something the young cast had planned for quite some time. Tucker’s Instagram caption revealed their excitement, stating, “When your movie mum is Mandy Moore… there’s really only one option—surprise her with a dance to ‘Candy.’” The sentiment radiated throughout the set, as further comments highlighted the positive atmosphere and the genuine kindness of all involved, making it evident that the film’s environment fostered strong relationships.
The enthusiasm from the young actresses didn’t end with the choreography. In another delightful clip shared on Tucker’s Instagram Stories, the trio can be seen sitting together in the hair and makeup trailer, happily singing along to “Candy” once more. Their enjoyment of Moore’s music exemplified just how well they connected with their on-screen mother.
Originally released in 1999 as the lead single from Moore’s debut album, So Real, “Candy” marked the start of her musical career, reaching a peak position of 41 on the Billboard charts. This single helped to establish Moore as a significant pop figure before she made a successful transition into acting, starring in iconic films such as A Walk to Remember and earning acclaim for her role in the Emmy-nominated series This Is Us.
While reflecting on her early career, Moore recently shared her thoughts on her experience of recording “Candy.” On the Yestergays podcast, she expressed that, at the time, she lacked personal experiences to inform the lyrics. “I was just a baby,” she recalled, admitting she had never truly understood the line about ‘missing someone like candy’ because she was so young and inexperienced at love.
Despite these reflections on her youth, Moore has also acknowledged the enduring resonance of the song in her life. In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, she expressed that looking back on that time feels almost surreal, as if it were a different person’s history. She shared tangible memories from the period, emphasising how it has remained a memorable chapter in her life.
One part of the song that Moore highlighted as a personal favourite is its spoken-word bridge, which she described as delightfully nonsensical. “You know who you are. Your love’s as sweet as candy. I’ll be forever yours,” she recited, noting her initial concerns over its unconventional nature during recording. Yet, she observed how audiences frequently engaged with that section, finding joy in their participation during performances.
As for The Breadwinner, which premiered in May, it showcases Moore in the role of Katie, a mother whose life dramatically changes when she secures a lucrative business deal on Shark Tank. This unexpected turn forces her husband, Nate, portrayed by comedian Nate Bargatze, to adapt to life as a first-time stay-at-home father to their three daughters.
Overall, the heartfelt dance surprise from her young co-stars not only highlights Moore’s significance in their lives but also marks a beautiful moment that intertwines her past in music with her present in film. This unique celebration on set exemplifies how artists can inspire and create lasting connections across generations.