Elisabeth Moss Declares Parenting the 'Hardest Job in the World'
In an exclusive interview, acclaimed actress Elisabeth Moss, often dubbed the 'Queen of Peak TV', has opened up about her latest role and personal reflections, stating that being a parent is the most challenging profession globally. The 43-year-old star, renowned for her performances in The Handmaid's Tale and Mad Men, is currently starring in the psychological thriller series Imperfect Women on Apple TV+.
New Role in Imperfect Women
Moss portrays Mary in the eight-episode series, adapted from Araminta Hall's novel. The show centres on three lifelong friends—Mary, Nancy (played by Kate Mara), and Eleanor (Kerry Washington)—whose bond fractures after Nancy's murder. Moss, who also serves as an executive producer, describes her character as a homemaker dedicated to her family, a role she deeply admires.
"She's more of a homemaker—a mum, a wife, and that's her job. Taking care of her family is everything. I have a lot of admiration for that. I think that is the hardest job in the world," Moss revealed. She added humorously about Mary's three children, "She has three, so, it's something!" Moss, a mother herself since 2024, has kept details about her child private, though reports suggest she brought her baby on set during The Handmaid's Tale filming.
Reflections on Friendship and Life
The thriller delves into secrets and betrayals, with Moss noting its relatability to real-life friendships. "I think it's very true to life, and that part's probably the most relatable," she said, laughing about the murder plot: "I hope that none of the other parts are relatable to you and your friends." Moss shared that she has three close friends, including one in the UK, mirroring the series' themes of enduring bonds despite life's diverging paths.
"Your lives go in different directions, and, hopefully, you stay in touch. Usually, if they're your best friend, you do. But sometimes you don't even talk every day, and you end up doing different things than when you were 20," she explained. "But if it really is a true best friend, you can not have seen them for months and then pick up right where you left off—it's beautiful."
Career Highlights and Influences
Moss's career began early, with her breakout role as Zoey Bartlett in The West Wing at age 17. She praised the political drama as "probably the greatest ever made," calling her time on set "such a gift." "I was 17 to 23 when I did it. I literally did my last episode of The West Wing at the beginning of April and shot the Mad Men pilot at the end of April," she recalled.
She highlighted the invaluable lessons learned from co-stars like Martin Sheen, who treated everyone equally on set. "That is where I learned how to be on set—how you're supposed to behave, treat other people, and collaborate with the crew," Moss said. "Martin Sheen would, literally, treat the background actor exactly the same way as the lead actor. I was like, 'that's how you're supposed to be.' It was an incredible learning experience."
Life-Changing Roles and Personal Insights
Moss cited The Handmaid's Tale as a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. "It was a very life-changing experience. Nine years doing that. I learned how to be a producer, a director, and how to lead a show," she shared. Her role as June Osborne inspired her, describing the character as "cool, strong, and complicated."
Now settled in Sonoma, California, with her child, Moss maintains a private life, having been married to Fred Armisen from 2009 to 2011. Raised by Scientologist parents, her early screen debut was at age six, but it was The West Wing that catapulted her to fame.
Behind the Scenes of Imperfect Women
Moss was drawn to Imperfect Women due to the novel's unique structure and engaging content. "It was really the structure of the book that starts with Kerry's character, Eleanor, and then goes to Kate's character, Nancy, and then mine. There was also a lot of fun, delicious, juicy stuff in the book and the show," she explained. She humorously admitted discovering the book by chance: "I bought it at the airport because I loved the cover and the title. I'm very deep that way!"
Throughout the interview, Moss emphasised her admiration for parents worldwide, stating, "I have so much admiration for how hard not just mums, but dads, too, work." Her insights blend professional achievements with heartfelt personal reflections, showcasing why she remains a revered figure in television.
