‘She Changed Our TV Screens Forever’: Tracy Moore on Beauty, Family Life and Body Image

Tracy Moore isn’t afraid to show her true colors.

Earlier this week, the 47-year-old appeared on The Brandon Gonez, a news and entertainment talk show that debuted on YouTube in January 2021.

The online show is hosted by Canadian television personality Brandon Gonez and focuses on national news in Canada covering entertainment, social and political issues.

In the latest episode of the series, “Canada’s Queen of Daytime TV,” Moore opened up about her career, family life, beauty and everything in between.

Gonez kicked off the show by laying out the “facts”: “Tracy Moore is an icon, a trailblazer and a downright badass mom.” After showing a series of photos and videos from the Cityline host’s prolific career, they discussed the duo about Moore stepping into a role in 2008 Canada had never seen before — she became the first black woman to host a daytime talk show in the country. Since then, “she changed our TV screens forever.”

The mother-of-two said she auditioned for three months before she “earned” the position of presenter, but despite her success, “being first and only is sometimes a lonely place.” When she got the job, Moore received letters and emails from people saying they would no longer watch the show due to its novelty and race.

As Moore got the hang of her new gig, she made it her mission to connect with fans and learn what they’re expecting from the show. Moore also said that “the more honest” she is, “the better reaction” she gets from viewers.

“I’ll never tell you I have it all together because I don’t have it … and that’s okay,” she said.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native went on to explain that despite her honesty with the backstage team, she “didn’t want to ruffle any feathers.”

The story goes on

First, Moore told Gonez that the barbers didn’t know how to style black hair, which she found an “embarrassing” experience — especially since part of the show was about makeovers.

“I didn’t know how hard to fight for the things I had to fight for,” she revealed. But as the season wore on, Moore made it his mission to shine a spotlight on diverse fashion and beauty, which was a huge hit.

But as Moore made her name on the air, people began to wonder about her personal and family life. When they see her on the street, fans often expect a “smiling” and “funny” personality – which has taken a toll on her over the years.

To counteract this, Moore said that having a strong support system is “crucial”.

Especially when she’s feeling “like a zombie” after an energetic day, she often turns to her husband or makeup artist.

“My husband was the main person I vented with. He really was an amazing co-parent and partner… he gave me advice and just listened… But thank god for the community. Because if that’s just you, you have to have at least someone who can validate what you’re going through,” she said.

Speaking of community, despite the fact that Moore has interviewed A-list celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Kim Kardashian, and Heidi Klum, her favorite conversation partners are genuine individuals with an “honest connection.”

“My favorite interviews are the real people that come in and are vulnerable with me, I take that as a real compliment,” Moore explained.

Later in the interview, Moore spoke about the balance between authenticity and vulnerability on social media. This is to avoid confusing her “TV persona” with her normal personality.

“I just made a decision. When I’m going to be on this platform and people are watching and following and watching, it’s going to be so much easier when I’m just one person… having to adapt to immersing yourself in a culture that’s not yours is very draining,” she said .

“I have really good bosses who managed to cross those worlds of Tracy’s personality and Cityline to a place where we coexist,” added Moore.

One of the reasons Moore’s show is such a hit — and why she loves her job so much — is that she’s made it her mission to discuss issues that matter to women.

The TV host referenced the recent “Cityline” segment about menopause and how many women have championed the relatable message.

“I was talking about hot flashes and menopause this week, which was new to me, and I’m saying it’s normal and not an old lady!” Moore said with a laugh.

Moore also opened up about her history of negative body image and how for years she “wasted her energy” thinking about how she looks on screen. Since then, she’s felt “rewarded for her honesty” by sharing videos and photos of herself without makeup and talking about body confidence.

Towards the end of the interview, the self-proclaimed “joy seeker” opened up about lighter subjects, like her love of dancing and “fangirling” about Beyoncé’s latest album. However, the road wasn’t always so fun and easy.

Looking back, Moore revealed that the biggest lesson she had to learn was how to stay true to herself while also leading a team — especially amid the haters.

“When people come for me, I get angry. I don’t get angry, I get sad. I’ve wondered a million times if this is right for me because I’m soft,” she explained. “But the biggest thing I’ve learned is that soft skills, collaboration, communication and leadership with empathy is leadership.”

After thanking her for her time and her “inspirational” message, Gonez ended the Q&A by asking Moore to share advice for her younger self.

“I would tell my younger self, don’t worry so much. Embrace who you are and you don’t have to change that. Be yourself, because there are all kinds of ways to lead, be led, and be inspired by who you are,” Moore said. “But I have a feeling that my future is good. I can’t say what it will be like, but I feel like I have so much to give, so I trust the process.”

In the comments of the video, fans thanked Moore for inspiring them to reach for the stars.

“She really paved the way and provided the representation we needed on daytime television,” commented one viewer. “I remember her from the start being so amazing to see the support of her husband, family and friends as she became a pioneer in our Canadian media world! Keep it up girl!”

“I loved this interview – Tracy is one of my favorite people in media and what I like most about her is that she is so genuine, humble and kind,” shared another.

“Wonderful woman! Really enjoyed it, thanks for inspiring me to be the best version of myself,” added another.

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