Julianne Moore in 2025 (left); Kathryn Hays (left).
Julianne Moore recently reflected with heartfelt grace on the invaluable lessons she received from her early days on the soap opera As the World Turns, particularly through her on-screen mother, the late Kathryn Hays. Moore, who portrayed the dual roles of Frannie Hughes and her character’s mysterious half-sister Sabrina between 1985 and 1988, recalled these memories during her appearance on the May 29 episode of The View.
Before she became an Academy Award winning actress, Moore’s journey was deeply rooted in daytime television. Now at 64, she looked back fondly on that chapter of her life. Host Alyssa Farah Griffin noted that Moore’s more recent co-stars from Sirens, including Milly Alcock and Meghann Fahy, had praised her kindness and professionalism on set. This prompted a thoughtful question about who inspired Moore in her formative years.
“I love the collaborative spirit of what we do,” Moore shared. “That sense of connection among the people on set is everything. Everyone brings something unique, and that’s what makes the work feel magical.”
When asked about mentors, Moore spoke with warmth and admiration. “I always go back to my days on the soap opera. That’s where I met Kathryn Hays, who played my mother.” Hays, who passed away in 2022, brought to life the role of Kim Hughes, a central figure in the series and a maternal presence both on and off screen.
“She was so generous and nurturing,” Moore said, her voice tinged with emotion. She recalled a moment during filming when she was emotionally overwhelmed in a scene and buried her face in Hays’ shoulder. “She gently lifted my face and turned it toward the camera and said, ‘Darling, let them see you.’ I never forgot that.”
Following Hays’ passing, Moore honored her legacy with a touching tribute on Instagram. “The beautiful and gracious Kathryn Hays has passed away,” she wrote. “Working with her at the start of my career on As the World Turns left a lasting imprint. She exemplified professionalism and grace in every moment. She often spoke lovingly of her daughter, and I hope her family knows how deeply she touched those of us who had the privilege to work alongside her.”
Through her words, it’s clear that Julianne Moore still carries the wisdom and warmth of Kathryn Hays with her — not just as an actress, but as a person shaped by kindness in a formative time.
