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On Monday, March 25, fans got the A Walk to Remember reunion they have wanted for over a decade when actor Shane West took to the podium to honor Mandy Moore at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
The 40-year-old gave a speech but also presented Moore with a special present: a photo of the pair when they first met over 17 years ago to film the beloved movie A Walk to Remember.
“We could not have been more opposite when we met,” said West in a speech honoring Moore. “I was busy wearing ill-advised clothes and having dubious hair choices and eye-liner in my garage punk band — or whatever that was — and you were killing it on the pop-star scene…I was trying to get you to listen to the Clash and the Ramones. You were not interested but you were very sweet about it. You stuck to your Fleetwood Mac, always Fleetwood Mac.”
He went on to note that their opposite personalities is what made the movie work so well and become iconic. “Not only was this film a wonderful experience in every way, it also gave me the chance to fall for this fantastic woman,” said West.
“Mandy, you’re an absolute gem,” he said. “Your smile is ridiculous — seriously, it’s ridiculous; it lights up a room when you walk in. Your energy is irresistible and your heart is second to none. I always knew you were incredibly talented and I always knew you were going to go on to do big things and amazing things, and you have… I couldn’t be more proud of you. I couldn’t be more happy for you. Love ya.”
Along with West, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman shared some opening remarks at the ceremony, and Moore was also joined by her This Is Us costars including Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Jon Huertas, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz and Susan Kelechi Watson.
In her own speech, the actress thanked West and Fogelman and said, “It takes just one person to see a spark in you, to see you in a way that you may not see yourself, to give you permission to go beyond what the world may or may not expect of you and completely change the path of your life and career.”
“Reflecting back on that time [on A Walk to Remember], my first leading role, I can’t help but think of my poor, sweet co-star Shane, explaining the basics of filmmaking to me, like how to hit my mark and when and how to deliver my lines,” she continued.
Moore added a more sentimental note, saying, “Honestly, none of us knew that project would have the reach and resonance it’s had over the years, with new generations discovering it and falling in love with a story that will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”
The 34-year-old took to her Instagram to reflect on the day with an epic photo of her and West from the 2002 film and from the 2019 Walk of Fame ceremony. “Stars have always sort of been our thing. Thankful to @theshanewest for his kind words on this very special day, one which I will never forget. It was a walk (of fame) to remember,” she captioned the post.
She added another post sharing several pictures from her big day, writing, “What a surreal day. It still feels like I’m floating. Thank you to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the @hwdwalkoffame for this tremendous honor. And having my family (actual and #thisisus) and loved ones on hand to celebrate? Nothing better. Thank you to the best boss, Dan Fogelman and @theshanewest for the kind remarks too. To say that I’m grateful to still be doing what I LOVE and then for this kind of acknowledgment after 20 years in the business is a massive understatement. Thanks for sticking w me, friends. photo by @photobyjennajones.”
Telisa Carter
Telisa enjoys learning and writing about all things entertainment in the world of Hollywood. When she isn't catching up on her favorite TV shows, she likes to read, and obsess over all things football.
