70-Year-Old Mandy Moore Singing a Heartbreaking Piano Ballad Is Pop Culture History
Moore was magnificent in her role as Rebecca Pearson on This Is Us — especially in the character's older years.
With six seasons of family memories, the Pearson family gave us so many tear-jerking scenes on This Is Us. Still, few can top the moment when a 70-year-old Rebecca Pearson, played by the incredible Mandy Moore (in aging makeup), performed a heartfelt performance of "The Forever Now," an original song, at her daughter's wedding.
This Is Us employed Moore's vocal talent often, but "The Forever Now" remains one of Rebecca Pearson's most powerful performances. The song, written by Moore's husband, Taylor Goldsmith, struck such a chord with fans that it earned a 2022 Emmy nomination. The scene unfolded during Season 6, Episode 13 ("Day of the Wedding"). As the Pearson family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Phillip (Chris Geere), the occasion was tinged with underlying sorrow as Rebecca's Alzheimer's flared up. Throughout the day's preparations, Rebecca's memory loss grew increasingly evident. At several points, she believed her late husband, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), was still alive.
In love with her mother's voice and stage days, Kate had asked Rebecca to perform at the wedding reception, but the Pearsons worried she wouldn't be up for it. As Kate panicked, Phillip encouraged her to have faith in her mom — Rebecca would "find her key," he said.
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Thankfully (and beautifully), Rebecca did find her key, creating one of the most unforgettable scenes on This Is Us.
Rebecca Pearson's performance of "The Forever Now" had This Is Us fans in tears
As soon as Rebecca began playing during the scene, it was just like the good old days, bringing tears to everyone's eyes as she gave a touching, arresting performance.
As the reception swelled with emotion, Rebecca envisioned the moment she first locked eyes with Jack, bringing even more resonance to the scene. Seeing a 70-year-old Rebecca performing with the same vigor as she did in her 20s was magical.
As Rebecca sang of making the most of our precious time with loved ones, the song encapsulated the soul of This Is Us. Rebecca's love for her family is eternal, and her performance of "The Forever Now" served as a reminder to her family that she'd never leave their hearts.
"I get this moment with you, forever now," Rebecca sang. "It all hits me at once, forever now. If there's a right way to say it. I'm still learning how. All that we have is a forever now."
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