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May 10th, Mother’s Day, is a special day in remembrance of the maternal roles that have shaped our characters today. With all of the love and respect, this special Sunday acts as a tribute to be grateful for our mothers, who have shown us some of the greatest examples of love and care to carry on. For this occasion, there are countless motherly roles in film and television we’ve also grown attached to and love. Therefore, we reminisce at some of the mothers we know and cherish from our favorite franchises.
1. kala from Tarzan
Although she wasn’t human, Kala’s role as Tarzan’s mother fulfilled the absent maternal role in his life after his parents were tragically killed by a jaguar.
Walt Disney’s Tarzan (1999)
His close encounter with the jaguar led to his rescue by Kala, an ape, who quickly became attached to the baby. As the plot unfolds, the movie shows that Kala prioritizes her motherhood as she protects, nurtures, and raises Tarzan as her own in the African jungle. Her love for Tarzan is best depicted as she sings, “You’ll Be In My Heart,” to him as a child, which transitions into his successful growth in the jungle as an adult.
2. Jill andersen from inside out
While it is arguable that Riley and her emotions are the majority of Inside Out, her mother and father’s endless love for Riley is emphasized in a series of memories shown in her head. Riley’s memories with her parents help establish the islands of personality that creates her best character traits, like Goofball Island. Because both of her parental roles encourage her silly antics, Riley continues to grow into her lovable personality with an endless imagination.
Her mother, especially, is shown caring for Riley as the family moves to a new house in San Francisco. The plot outlines Riley’s transition in her move from her hometown in Michigan to the bustling city of San Francisco, causing conflict and distraught feelings for Riley in her adjustment. With a new home, a new school, and her struggle in making new friends, the move seems to spiral downwards for the normally energetic preteen. However, Mrs. Andersen expresses her concern as she continues to watch after Riley. In particular, in a scene where Riley expresses her disappointment of the new house, Mrs. Andersen is quick to cheer Riley up with an order of takeout. Although the food wasn’t satisfactory, their close bond helps create a lighthearted situation.
3. Fiona Gallagher from Shameless
In contrast to the mothers of Disney films, Emmy Rossum’s portrayal of Fiona Gallagher in SHOWTIME’s Shameless is an example of an underrated maternal role in television. For nine seasons, Fiona Gallagher acted as the mother for her five younger siblings after her mother abandoned the family due to their irresponsible father. Alone in her twenties, Fiona took on the financial responsibilities whilst simultaneously being the moral and parental backbone to the Gallagher family.
Fiona Gallagher, as the leader of the family, balanced the range of five different personalities as they grew to become young adults in season nine. With Phillip, Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam Gallagher, the hectic household was never quiet and often stirred trouble. However, she managed to keep the unit as one and always fulfilled the absent role of their mother.
For this reason, each child grew with the life lessons they needed in becoming adults, and Fiona was set to leave before the start of season ten. Although the fans of Shameless were sad to see Emmy Rossum leave her iconic role, the appreciation for her thorough delivery for the character Fiona continues on.
4. Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burgers
In all seriousness of a mother’s role in her family, Linda Belcher is a memorable maternal figure with her lively personality. Her bubbly and comedic qualities add a special quality in the way she raises her three children and in her relationship with her husband, Bob.
Through nine lovable seasons, Linda proves to be supportive of her kids’ endeavors time after time and encourages them to chase after their dreams in methods that incorporate her love of singing and dancing.
5. kitty Forman from That 70’s show
Lastly, Debra Jo Rupp’s role as Kitty Forman in That 70’s Show is an honorable mention. The lovable TV mom stole the spotlight in 1998 when she first appeared as Eric Forman’s mother, a sweet and innocent personality.
However, Jo Rupp brought much more to the character as Kitty’s development revealed the depth behind the smile. As a nurse providing for her family in an economic downfall in the earlier seasons, Kitty was the sole bread maker for her family when her spouse lost his job. At the same time, she additionally carries the responsibilities of a second shift in providing meals and running household errands for her family. This tiring balance; however, was always covered with a contagious laugh and a sweet smile. Despite this lifestyle, Kitty can often be under-appreciated in her efforts by her family members, particularly her mother-in-law.
However, she is always available to lend a helping hand and to provide affection to others in need. For example, Kitty became the mother of Steven Hyde, one of Eric’s best friends. Hyde’s mother left home in the early season of the show, leaving Steven in the desperation for a home. Fortunately, due to Kitty’s maternal instinct, she convinced her husband to house him and then fostering him as the show continued. Although he wasn’t used to permanent parental roles, Kitty’s motherly love and affection created an emotional level to Steven that later developed and benefitted his relationships. Truly, Kitty Forman’s influence and presence as a mother is one that cannot be replaced.
Loving Our Mothers On Mother’s Day
Just like the examples of mothers above, the roles of mothers have produced some of the biggest and best examples of love in life. They have shown that love can come in many ways, whether it is through thoughtful gestures or words of encouragement. Each acts as a life lesson, creating a foundation to carry on to our future relationships with others. Truly, the maternal roles in our lives are ones to be grateful for, remembering them through the lovable personalities of mothers we see on television and film.