On May 10, 2025, as the world continues to celebrate Jodie Foster’s illustrious career, a deeply personal moment from her life has resurfaced, resonating with audiences and reminding us of the universal truth that money and fame cannot buy the most precious thing of all—time with those we love. Foster, the two-time Oscar-winning actress and director, has long been a private figure, guarding her personal life with fierce determination. Yet, in a series of heartfelt reflections, she has opened up about the final moments with her mother, Evelyn “Brandy” Foster, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 90 from complications related to dementia. Her words, filled with raw emotion and profound wisdom, have left audiences around the world in tears, reflecting on the fragility of life and the irreplaceable value of family.
Foster’s relationship with her mother was complex, deep, and formative, shaping her from her earliest days in Hollywood. Evelyn, a former big band singer turned Hollywood publicist, became a single mother of four after her divorce from Lucius Foster in the early 1960s. She channeled her entertainment savvy into managing the careers of her children, particularly her son Buddy, known for his role in Mayberry R.F.D., and later Jodie, who would become a global star. Foster’s career began at just three years old with a Coppertone advertisement, a moment that marked the start of a journey that would see her become one of the most respected actresses and filmmakers of her generation. Evelyn managed Foster’s career until her second Best Actress Oscar win in 1991 for The Silence of the Lambs, a testament to her unwavering support and belief in her daughter’s talent.
But behind the glamour of Hollywood, Foster’s relationship with her mother was fraught with the pressures of being a child star and the expectations of a “momager” who lived vicariously through her daughter’s success. In a 2018 interview with PorterEdit, Foster described their bond as “wonderful and fraught,” revealing the emotional toll of supporting her family from the age of seven. “I was bred to be [my mother’s] partner,” she said, recalling how they traveled together, watched foreign films, and discussed their craft. Yet, this closeness came with a fear of abandonment, a lingering anxiety that drove Foster to strive for perfection, as she admitted, “That’s always having to get straight A’s, to be the best at everything, so my mom won’t leave me.”
As Evelyn’s health declined due to dementia, Foster found herself grappling with a new role: caregiver. In a poignant moment during her 2013 Golden Globes acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Foster spoke directly to her mother, who was watching from home, her blue eyes clouded by the disease. “Mom, I know you’re inside those blue eyes somewhere,” Foster said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I love you, I love you, I love you. And I hope that if I say this three times, it will magically and perfectly enter into your soul, fill you with grace and the joy of knowing that you did good in this life. You’re a great mom. Please take that with you when you’re finally OK to go.” The speech, described as “breathtakingly emotional” by The Washington Post, moved the audience to tears, a rare glimpse into the private struggles of a woman who had spent her life in the public eye.
Foster’s reflections on her mother’s final moments came later, after Evelyn’s passing on May 13, 2019, just a day after Mother’s Day. In an interview with Caregiving Club, Foster shared the sacred yet heartbreaking experience of being by her mother’s side as she slipped away. “Dementia is an interesting thing,” she said. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve been through and yet also strangely sacred… I’m just here to care for her. I have no axe to grind. Mine will be the last face she sees.” Foster’s commitment to ensuring her mother’s dignity in her final days was unwavering. When asked if she would consider residential care, she responded, “Oh God, no way. I’m going to feel good—I’m going to feel that the end honored her and that she didn’t have to lose her dignity.”
What struck audiences most was Foster’s realization that no amount of money or fame could buy back the time she craved with her mother. In a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Foster reflected on the lessons her mother imparted, often rooted in fear of a fleeting Hollywood career. Evelyn had warned her that her acting days would be over by 18, and later discouraged her from directing, fearing it would derail her earning potential. Yet, Foster now sees these warnings as a reflection of her mother’s own anxieties, not her own reality. “She had fear, so that was what she gave me,” Foster said, her voice tinged with both gratitude and sorrow. “I feel lucky that I could identify that… but it still affected me.” What she couldn’t reclaim, however, was the time lost to those fears—time she now wishes she could have spent differently with her mother.
The emotional weight of Foster’s words has resonated deeply with fans, especially those who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to dementia. On social media platforms like X, users have shared their reactions, with one writing, “Jodie Foster’s words about her mom hit me so hard. I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s, and she’s right—money can’t buy time. I’m sobbing.” Another user added, “Her Golden Globes speech still makes me cry every time I watch it. You can feel how much she loved her mom.” Foster’s vulnerability has struck a chord, reminding us that even a Hollywood icon, with all her accolades—two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and an Honorary Palme d’Or—cannot escape the universal pain of loss.
Foster’s story also sheds light on the broader issue of dementia, a disease that affects millions worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans and 36 million people globally live with dementia, with one out of every two people over 85 developing the condition. Foster’s role as a caregiver places her among the 24 million “Sandwich Generation” caregivers, balancing the care of aging parents with raising children, a group that includes other high-profile figures like Maria Shriver and Diane Keaton.
As Jodie Foster continues to captivate audiences with her recent roles in True Detective: Night Country and Nyad, her reflections on her mother serve as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. In a world obsessed with fame and fortune, Foster’s message is clear: no amount of success can replace the time we have with those we love. Her emotional revelations, shared with a sincerity that transcends her private nature, have left an indelible mark on her audience, bringing tears to eyes and warmth to hearts as we all reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of love.
