5 of The Best Mothers on TV and In Film
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- March 31, 2021
If you stop and look around, you’d realize that moms are literally doing it all, and often for everyone but themselves. As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacts working moms, this year provides yet another reason to show the mom (or moms) in your life how much you appreciate all she does. To celebrate these wonderful members of society, I decided to list out 5 of my favorite (fictional) moms from both TV and Film, along with a short blurb on why they made my list. From movies that depict strong working moms to shows that follow amazing women who, despite being under a tremendous amount of pressure, persevere, these women may be fictional, but they each epitomize some characteristics attributable to the best real-world mothers.
Elastigirl/Mrs.Incredible -The Incredibles (2004)
Very few movie moms hold their families together quite as literally as Mrs. Incredible. Flexible, unflappable, sympathetic but firm, she’s in tune with her kids’ needs, works to keep dad involved, and generally inspires boundless confidence. She’s also a homemaker who can fly a jet plane.
Molly Weasley – Harry Potter (2001-2011)
Table the magic debate. Presiding over an unruly but happy working-class household of nine, including Harry’s best friend (as well as his eventual wife), Mrs. Weasley’s maternal heart runs over, embracing Harry as a surrogate son. Don’t let her frumpy look fool you: Her wand isn’t for show… attack her family at your peril.
Clair Huxtable – The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
In 2006, Clair was voted as TV’s favourite mum in a survey and this does not come as a surprise. Played excellently by Phylicia Rashad,a noted feminist, Clair is a strong and outspoken woman who is always in charge, a disciplinarian and over the run of the show became a very successful lawyer. Is there anything she can’t do?!
Marge Simpson – The Simpsons (1989-Present)
For 30+ years now, Marge has been the force that keeps the Simpsons together. Always trying to be positive and happy, she has the personality that is the perfect antidote to Homer’s crazy antics. Risk-averse, her family may often see her as a killjoy, but she’s only trying to protect them.
Sarah Connor -Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
Linda Hamilton morphs from the damsel-in-distress of the first ‘Terminator’ film to the hardcore mom of John Connor in ‘T2.’ While Arnold Schwarzenegger might have had the most quotable lines as the T-800, Hamilton is the true badass of James Cameron’s flick. The thing about Hamilton’s portrayal of Sarah is that she’s tough but not invincible, which makes her that much mentally capable than the robots she battles to save her son. Her vulnerabilities, her softness and her motherly qualities are what make her human, qualities that may become extinct should Skynet prevail. Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke have also taken cracks at the character of Sarah, but Hamilton is the gold standard. Well there you have it. These (again, fictional) women may look very different but they are all superb mothers and their families would all suffer heavily if they weren’t present, just like in our world. So take some time and appreciate a mom today. Happy Mother’s Day!
