Shane West Gave the Sweetest Speech at Mandy Moore’s Walk of Fame Ceremony
Mandy Moore has had a lot of roles in a lot of projects — most recently, and maybe most notably, as Rebecca Pearson on This Is Us — but we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for her breakout performance as Jamie Sullivan in 2002’s A Walk to Remember. We fell under her spell as Shane West’s character fell in love with Jamie, so it’s only fitting that West was on hand to honor his onetime costar at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday, March 25.
West starred in the movie as Landon Carter, a popular, rebellious teen who is forced to spend time with Jamie (Moore), the wholesome, reserved daughter of a minister. The characters were as different on-screen as West and Moore were off-screen, but in both cases, the bonds they formed were real and lasting.
“We could have not been more opposite when we met,” West said in a speech at Moore’s ceremony, sharing a photograph of them from 17 years ago, when they wrapped the Nicholas Sparks-penned teen romance. “I was busy wearing ill-advised clothes and having dubious hair choices and eyeliner and my garage punk band or whatever that was, and you were killing it on the pop star scene, and you had very long, beautiful blonde hair at the time. I was trying to get you to listen to The Clash and the Ramones, and you weren’t very interested in it, but you were sweet about it.”
The Nikita actor went on to reflect on the friendship they formed while shooting, saying, “Not only was this film a wonderful experience in every way, it gave me the chance to fall for this fantastic woman. Mandy, you are an absolute gem, your smile is absolutely ridiculous — seriously, it’s ridiculous, and it lights up the room when you walk in — your energy is irresistible, and your heart is second to none. I couldn’t be more proud of you, I couldn’t be more happy for you. Love ya.”
Moore returned the sentiment in her speech, recalling how West helped her on set. “I can’t help but think of my poor, sweet costar, Shane, explaining the basics of filmmaking to me, like how to hit my mark, and when and how to deliver my lines,” she shared. “He was exceedingly patient, kind, and so talented. On set I was a nervous wreck, but I felt buoyed knowing that I had such a capable friend who had my back, and lovingly let me ride his coattails into teenage romance infamy.”
RELATED: Mandy Moore and Shane West Celebrate the 16th Anniversary of ‘A Walk to Remember’
(Photos via Steve Granitz/WireImage + Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
