Rita Wilson Thanks Demi Moore for Encouraging Her to Sing 'Publicly' for the First Time Ever in “Now and Then”
Rita Wilson Thanks Demi Moore for Encouraging Her to Sing 'Publicly' for the First Time Ever in “Now and Then”
Tereza Shkurtaj, Desiree AnelloSat, May 2, 2026 at 9:28 AM UTC
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Rita Wilson and Demi Moore at the 'Sound of a Woman' Event in April 2026Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty -
Speaking at the Sound of a Woman event on April 28, 2026, Rita Wilson reflected on how her music career began
The 69-year-old shared that Demi Moore was the first person to push her to sing on screen
She also called out Kara DioGuardi for helping her take her first steps as a songwriter
Rita Wilson has long been recognized for her work on screen, with a career spanning film, television and producing. Over the last decade, however, the 69-year-old has also stepped forward as a singer-songwriter, adding a new dimension to her creative life.
Speaking to Demi Moore at a 92NY event promoting her upcoming album Sound of a Woman, Wilson reflected on the moment that the Ghost actress encouraged her to sing publicly for the first time while working together on the 1995 comedy Now and Then.
“We've been friends for a very, very long time, I'd say around 30 years,” Wilson said to Moore during their conversation. “So that scene that you're talking about, on Now and Then, my character Chrissy sings to The Jackson Five's, ‘I'll Be There.' I had never sung anywhere like publicly ever… and Demi encouraged me to do it.”
Rita Wilson in 'Now and Then.'Credit: New Line/Kobal/Shutterstock
That moment 30 years ago became a turning point for Wilson, who explained that filming the scene marked the first time she allowed others to hear her sing.
“So that's actually the first moment that I ever did anything like that publicly. So that's thanks to you,” the Sleepless in Seattle actress said, crediting Moore for helping her take that leap.
Since then, Wilson has continued to grow musically, releasing albums like AM/FM, Halfway to Home, Bigger Picture and Now & Forever: Duets. Her latest record, Sound of a Woman, arrived May 1, marking her newest chapter as a recording artist.
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And while her acting resume remains extensive, her songwriting has become an equally meaningful outlet.
Rita Wilson and Demi Moore in 'Now and Then.'Credit: New Line/Kobal/Shutterstock
During her conversation with Moore, Wilson also highlighted another key figure who helped shape her music journey: songwriter Kara DioGuardi.
“I love to shout out people who I love because I really wouldn't be here without a woman who's in the house tonight, who was the person that actually encouraged me and made me believe I could be a songwriter,” she said. “Her name is Kara DioGuardi, and she is here.”
Wilson went on to describe how that encouragement unfolded in a deeply personal exchange, recalling being asked by DioGuardi, “What do you want to do?” to which she admitted, “Oh, I would give anything to be a songwriter like you, but I can't.”
When pressed on why, Wilson explained that she didn't play an instrument or read music, but the response she received shifted everything.
Instead of giving up on her, DioGuardi offered to write her first song — a simple yet life-changing offer that helped open the door to Wilson's songwriting career and gave her the confidence to begin turning her own words and ideas into songs.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
