Tanya Moodie Reflects on Motherland Character and 'Having It All'

Tanya Moodie, known for her role as the high-flying "alpha-mum" Meg in the television series Motherland, has stated that she is significantly different from her character, particularly regarding the concept of women being able to "have it all."

In a recent interview, Moodie shared that she believes the idea of having it all is unrealistic. "Something's got to give," she remarked, emphasizing the need for prioritization. She added, "I have learnt that my cup has to be full and overflowing before I can support others." Moodie noted that among her close female friends, none have managed to achieve this balance.

Moodie attributes her mindset in part to her three-decade-long practice of Buddhism. She explained that her Buddhist organization focuses on supporting oneself and others. The actress also questions the necessity of exerting "100 percent" into every endeavor, suggesting that "80's fine. 50 is necessary and sometimes 20 is the best you can do." This approach, she believes, allows for conserving strength for future efforts.

Having recently become an "empty nester" with her daughter attending university, Moodie, 54, is focusing on self-care and personal pursuits. She noted that this new phase has given her the agency to do as she pleases, a freedom she previously curtailed due to her daughter's needs and past long-term relationships. "I've really started to feed my own creativity, my own desires, my own spirituality and really fill my cup, and it feels fantastic," she said, observing that her relationships have become more meaningful as a result.

Navigating Menopause and Physical Health

Moodie also discussed the physical demands of acting, especially in theatre, and her experiences with menopause. "As I have gotten older theatre is more taxing. It's a very athletic thing to have to do, eight shows a week," she stated. She described menopause as a "really tough" period and expressed a desire to connect with other women experiencing similar challenges.

To prepare for demanding roles, Moodie maintains a rigorous fitness routine. She weight trains three times a week, walks frequently, and performs vocal exercises. Her diet consists of whole foods, and she has abstained from alcohol, smoking, and drugs for several years. She referenced Buddhist teachings on "three treasures"—storehouse, body, and heart—suggesting that accumulating "treasures of the heart" naturally leads to well-being in the other two areas.

Upcoming and Past Projects

While currently focused on other endeavors, Moodie expressed openness to reprising her role as Meg in Motherland and would be interested in a spin-off. She has also recently filmed the Apple TV series Safe Houses, an international espionage thriller with Jennifer Connelly and Ana de Armas.

Fans can currently see Moodie in the body horror film Clayface, based on a DC comic character. The film centers on a promising actor who undergoes extreme measures after a disfigurement. Moodie's character is a resident of Gotham City, though details are kept to avoid spoilers. She noted that she does not struggle with leaving characters behind, as she has not yet undertaken roles requiring complete immersion and transformation. She also mentioned that as she matured, she learned the importance of not relying on personal trauma for acting, deeming it unhealthy.

Actress Becky Bush, also appearing in Clayface, described her role as a treat and a glamorous counterpoint to the film's dark Gotham setting. She credited director James Watkins for creating a supportive environment on set.