'She's changed our TV screens forever': Tracy Moore on beauty, family life and body image

Tracy Moore isn't afraid to show her true colours.

Earlier this week, the 47-year-old appeared on The Brandon Gonez show, a news and entertainment talk show that debuted on YouTube in January 2021.

The online telecast is hosted by Canadian television personality Brandon Gonez, and centres on national news stories in Canada covering entertainment, social and political topics.

On the show's most recent episode, Moore, "Canada's queen of daytime television," opened up about her career, family life, beauty, and everything in between.

Gonez started the show by stating the "facts": "Tracy Moore is an icon, a trailblazer, and a downright badass mom." After showing a series of photos and videos from the "Cityline" host's prolific career, the duo discussed that in 2008, Moore stepped into a role that Canada has never seen before — she became the first black woman to host a daytime talk show in this country. Since then, "she's changed our TV screens forever."

The mother-of-two said that she auditioned for three months before "earning" the host position, but despite her success, "being the first and the only is a lonely place to be at times." When she got the job, Moore received letters and emails from people saying they would no longer watch the show due to her newness and race.

As Moore got the hang of her new gig, she made it her mission to connect with fans and learn what they wanted to get out of the show. Moore also said that "the more honest" she was, "the better reaction" she got from viewers.

"I will never tell you I have it all together because I don't...and that's OK," she said.

The Richmond Hill, Ont.-native went on to explain that despite her honesty, she didn't want to "ruffle any feathers" with the backstage team.

At first, Moore told Gonez that the hairstylists did not know how to style black hair, which she found to be an "embarrassing" experience — especially because part of the show centres around makeovers.

"I did not know how hard I should fight for the things I needed to fight for," she revealed. But as the seasons progressed, Moore made it her mission to bring diverse fashion and beauty into the limelight, which has been a huge success.

But as Moore made a name for herself on the air, people began to wonder about her personal and family life. When they see her on the street, fans often expect a "smiling" and "fun" personality — which has taken a toll on her over the years.

To combat this, Moore said that having a strong support system is "crucial."

Specifically, when feels "like a zombie" after a high-energy day," she often turns to her husband or makeup artist.

"My husband has been the main person I've vented with. He's really been an amazing co-parent and partner....he would give me advice and just listen...But thank goodness for community. Because when you are the only, you have to have at least someone who can validate what you're going through," she said.

Speaking of community, despite the fact that Moore's interviewed A-list celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Kim Kardashian and Heidi Klum, her favourite people to speak to are real individuals with an "honest connection."

"My favourite interviews are the real people who come in and are vulnerable with me, I see that as a real compliment," Moore explained.

Later in the interview, Moore opened up about balancing authenticity and vulnerability on social media. This is to avoid juggling her "TV personality" with her regular personality.

"I just made a decision. If I'm going to be on this platform, and people are going to be watching and following and looking, it's going to be so much easier if I'm just one person...having to assimilate into a culture that isn't yours is very exhausting," she said.

"I have really good bosses that have managed to intersect these worlds of Tracy's personality and Cityline to a place where we are co-existing," Moore added.

One of the reasons why Moore's show is such a hit — and why she loves her job so much — is because she's made it her mission to discuss subjects that matter to women.

The TV host referenced the recent "Cityline" segment on menopause, and how many women have been championing the relatable message.

"I talked about hot flashes and menopause this week which was new to me, and I'm saying it's normal and not old lady!" Moore said with a laugh.

Moore also opened up about her history with negative body image and how she spent years "wasting her energy" thinking about how she looks on the screen. Since then, she feels "rewarded for her honesty" by sharing videos and photos of her without makeup and talking about body confidence.

Near the end of the interview, the self-proclaimed "joy seeker" spoke about lighter topics, such as her love for dancing and "fangirling" over Beyoncé's latest album. However, the road hasn't always been this fun and easy.

Looking back, Moore revealed that the biggest lesson she'd had to learn was how to be true to herself while also leading a team — especially amidst the haters.

"When people come for me, I get upset. I don't fill with anger, I get filled with sadness..I've questioned myself a million times whether this is the right thing for me because I'm soft," she explained. "But the biggest thing I've learned is that soft skills, collaboration, communication and leading with empathy is leadership."

After thanking her for her time and "inspiring" message, Gonez ended the Q&A by asking Moore to share advice for her younger self.

"I would say to my younger self don't worry so much. Go into it being who you are and you don't have to change that. Be you, because there's all sorts of ways to lead, be lead and be inspired by who you are," Moore said. "But I feel like my future is good. I can't put my finger on what it's going to look like, but I feel like there's so much that I can give so I'm trusting the process."

In the comments of the video, fans thanked Moore for inspiring them to reach for the stars.

"She really did pave the way and provide the representation we needed on daytime TV," commented a viewer. "I remember her from the beginning, so awesome to see her husband, family, and friends stand behind her while she became a pioneer in our Canadian media world! Keep doing you girl!"

"Loved this interview — Tracy is one of my favourite people in media and my favourite thing about her is that she is so genuine and humble and kind," shared someone else.

"Wonderful woman! Really enjoyed this, thanks for inspiring me to be the best version of myself," added another.

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