Anne Hathaway Shares 1 Hilarious “Mom-Mode” Secret on Fallon
Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to address the viral red carpet video from the premiere of her new thriller Verity, opening up about going full “mom-mode” under pressure, navigating third-trimester pregnancy, and rocking an autographed New York Knicks jersey on stage.
Speaking with host Jimmy Fallon, Hathaway reflected on the viral sensation sparked by a photocall moment at the New York premiere of Verity, the upcoming psychological thriller directed by Michael Showalter and adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. In a lively conversation, the actress broke down why she stepped in to direct the press line, how she handles pregnancy while traveling for press tours, and what drew her to one of the darkest roles of her career.
What Happened on The Tonight Show?
Appearing in high spirits and adorned with Bulgari jewelry, Hathaway immediately addressed the realities of working while in her third trimester. Comparing this experience to previous pregnancies, she noted that while fatigue was previously her biggest hurdle, this pregnancy triggered an intense sense of smell, turning the streets, elevators, and back hallways of New York City into an overwhelming sensory map. She humorously summarized her current public goal: “to not waddle in public.”
The conversation also celebrated Hathaway’s passionate support for the New York Knicks. Acknowledging the viral “Anne Hathaway effect” credited with boosting team morale during past playoff runs, Fallon surprised her with an autographed jersey from Knicks forward OG Anunoby, alongside a baby gift basket. Hathaway delighted the live studio audience by immediately pulling the oversized jersey over her high-fashion outfit without hesitation.
Why Did Hathaway’s Red Carpet “Mom-Mode” Video Go Viral?
The centerpiece of the discussion was Fallon pulling up footage from the Verity premiere the night before. As dozens of photographers shouted competing directions at the cast, Hathaway took charge, counting out cadences like a dance captain or an attentive parent: “Now we gotta go — No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Just like that. Let’s do it.”
Hathaway admitted that her maternal instincts kicked in simply to defuse the growing tension in the room:
“The photographers were getting upset, the vibe was changing, and I was just trying to be helpful. And as soon as I was done, I went, ‘Oh no, this is gonna go viral. There’s always video.’ And I went into a full cringe crouch on the inside.”
Fallon praised the quick thinking as classic “mom mode by way of chorus line.” While Hathaway playfully apologized for her intense coordination, she fully embraced the result: “That girl came out to play… actually, she didn’t come to play. She came for business.”
What Did Hathaway Reveal About Colleen Hoover’s Verity?
Turning to the film itself, Hathaway confessed that she entered the production with completely mistaken expectations. Having previously collaborated with director Michael Showalter on The Idea of You, and knowing Colleen Hoover’s reputation as a romance author, she assumed the project would be a lighthearted romantic comedy.
“And then I read Verity,” Hathaway recalled. “And it is, like, murder. Bad murder, bad humans, lies, and deceit.”
Co-starring alongside Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett, Hathaway plays a complex, bedridden character who spends significant screen time in luxury cashmere socks and expensive nightgowns. She joked about the surprisingly comfortable acting routine:
“An actress friend of mine, who’s a serious actress, looked at me with such concern and was like, ‘Aren’t you bored?’ And I was like, ‘No, babe. I am having the best time. I think I might be a genius.'”
Describing the underlying psychological themes, Hathaway connected the plot to modern culture: “We’re all living in this post-truth age where social media has taken over… this movie is kind of like that concept turned up to an 11.”
Where to Watch the Interview and Premiere Details
The complete segment, featuring the exclusive preview clip of Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, is available to watch on the official The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon YouTube Channel. The feature adaptation of Verity officially hits theaters nationwide this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the premiere photocall for the movie Verity, Anne Hathaway helped overwhelmed press photographers by counting out a strict rhythm (“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7”) to coordinate the cast to pose in unison, an action fans immediately labeled “mom-mode.”
What talk show did Anne Hathaway appear on to explain the clip?
Hathaway appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss the premiere, her pregnancy, and the viral video.
Who stars in the film Verity with Anne Hathaway?
The Colleen Hoover adaptation stars Anne Hathaway alongside Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett, directed by Michael Showalter.
Why did Jimmy Fallon present Anne Hathaway with a Knicks jersey?
Fallon gifted Hathaway an autographed OG Anunoby jersey and baby gear to honor her courtside fandom and the viral “Anne Hathaway effect” associated with New York Knicks playoff victories.
Stay tuned to Talkshow Bites for more updates.