Long before Rita Wilson released albums of her own, one movie scene helped open the door.
Wilson, 69, revisited the story while promoting her new album, “Sound of a Woman,” during a 92NY event with Demi Moore. According to People, the conversation included Wilson’s memories of “Now and Then,” the 1995 movie she and Moore appeared in together.
Demi Moore Encouraged Rita Wilson’s First Public Singing Moment
GettyWilson and Moore appeared together in “Now and Then,” the 1995 coming-of-age film about childhood friends reflecting on a formative summer.
Moore played the adult version of Samantha. Wilson played the adult version of Chrissy. The cast also included Rosie O’Donnell, Melanie Griffith, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann, and Ashleigh Aston Moore.
GettyDuring the 92NY event, the “Jury of One” singer discussed a scene where Chrissy sings a song from the Jackson 5.
“We’ve been friends for a very, very long time, I’d say around 30 years,” Wilson said, according to People. “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.”
The “That Thing You Do!” actress said the scene marked her first public singing experience.
“So that’s actually the first moment that I ever did anything like that publicly. So that’s thanks to you,” Wilson told Moore.
Wilson later released several studio albums; since 2012, she’s released six.
Rita Wilson Released Her Latest Album in May
GettyWilson’s sixth studio album, “Sound of a Woman,” dropped May 1.
The album follows Wilson’s previous music releases over the last decade. Her catalog includes “AM/FM,” “Halfway to Home,” “Bigger Picture,” and “Now & Forever: Duets.”
Wilson’s latest project includes 12 songs.
“The Good Wife” actress has also continued acting and producing. Her acting credits include “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Jingle All the Way,” and “Runaway Bride. She also served as a producer on “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
Rita Wilson Credits Kara DioGuardi for Songwriting Encouragement
GettyWilson also credited songwriter Kara DioGuardi during the 92NY event, according to People.
“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,” Wilson said, according to the outlet. “Her name is Kara DioGuardi, and she is here.”
The “Til You’re Home” singer recalled telling DioGuardi, 55, that she wanted to become a songwriter.
“Oh, I would give anything to be a songwriter like you, but I can’t,” Wilson said.
DioGuardi asked why. Wilson said she told DioGuardi that she did not play an instrument or read music.
Wilson said DioGuardi offered to help her write her first song.
A songwriter and former “American Idol” judge, DioGuardi’s songwriting credits include work with artists across pop music like “Baby Love” from Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man,” Pink‘s “Sober,” and “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood.
