by McKenzie Westmore
as told to Julie Weingarden Dubin
I never considered hosting a television show because my background is in the scripted world of acting. After a 10-year run on the NBC soap opera, Passions, reality TV was the furthest thing from my mind. However when the concept of Face Off came to me I thought, "How can I not do this?”
It's everything my family history is based on." When I was approached to possibly host Face Off I went through four auditions and I finally got the job.
Loving my job
It's so much fun being a host! At first it was a big change because instead of playing a character, I was just being me. I’m grateful for the people I meet and the artistry I experience every week. And now I get to work alongside my dad — a dream come true!
Hollywood’s not all glamour. It's work like any other job and I treat it as such. I feel very lucky to be where I am in this industry and I never take that for granted.
Keeping it real
My greatest role is raising my 6-year-old son, Maddox. I juggle motherhood and hosting the show with the help of my family — I co-parent with my parents. I'm very thankful for my family’s support. It takes a village!
I believe I’ll be able to keep Maddox grounded. I’m careful not to make a big deal about what I do. He has an understanding and he comes to the set but for the most part, I'm just Mom. Yes, I’m on TV and I do red carpet events but at the end of the day it's all about the warmth of home. My son is more excited that I volunteer at school and help with the drop-off line than any TV show or magazine cover.
Motherhood didn't come naturally to me. At first, I suffered postpartum depression but as time went on and I battled through that, I came to love everything about being a mom. Maddox has made me a better person.
How motherhood rocked my world
I love seeing him grow into a young man and I love the conversations we have. It hasn't been the easiest these last few years going through a divorce, but he's becoming stronger and I’m becoming stronger.
My son’s taught me to slow down in life. There’s so much more to enjoy when you see it through a child's eyes. I just hope I can teach Maddox the same values my parents taught me.
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mom wisdom
mom wisdomRealize you can't do it all. It's so important to lean on friends and family. Even finding support groups in your local area or online, makes a difference. Talking to other people who are struggling helps so much. Know that you are never alone.
Image credit: WENN
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