The rising actress says working with Moss left her deeply inspired

Lucy Halliday Reflects on Working With Elisabeth Moss

April 10, 2026 – Lucy Halliday is opening up about her experience filming The Testaments, and it is clear one person made a lasting impression on the young actress: Elisabeth Moss. In a recent interview, Halliday revealed she was completely “in awe” of Moss while working together on set, describing the Emmy-winning actress as both inspiring and deeply knowledgeable about the dystopian world of the franchise. Halliday admitted that watching Moss in action left her hoping to one day emulate the same level of professionalism and preparation in her own career.

As anticipation builds around Hulu’s highly discussed The Handmaid’s Tale sequel series, Halliday’s comments are giving fans an inside look at the dynamic between the franchise’s established star and its next generation of talent.

Image Credit: Disney/Steve Wilkie

Halliday Stars in Hulu’s New The Testaments Series

Halliday plays Daisy in The Testaments, the highly anticipated follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale. Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel novel, the series picks up years after the events of the original story and focuses on a younger generation growing up under Gilead’s oppressive regime.

The new drama premiered its first episodes on April 8 and has already generated significant buzz among longtime fans of the franchise, many of whom were eager to see how the dark world of Gilead would continue beyond the original show’s conclusion.

For Halliday, joining such a beloved and critically acclaimed universe represented a major career breakthrough—and one she clearly did not take lightly.

Elisabeth Moss Remains a Guiding Force in the Franchise

Though The Testaments shifts focus toward new characters, Elisabeth Moss continues to play a vital role in the series both on and off screen. In addition to serving as an executive producer, Moss reprises her iconic role as June Osborne in the new series, continuing her connection to the franchise she helped define.

Because of Moss’s deep involvement in building the world of The Handmaid’s Tale, Halliday said being around her felt like learning from someone who understood every detail of the story’s universe.

According to Halliday, Moss possesses encyclopedic knowledge of the characters, themes, and emotional stakes that shape the franchise, making her an invaluable presence on set.

Image Credit: Disney/Steve Wilkie

“I Want to Be Like That”

Halliday’s admiration for Moss was perhaps most evident when she explained how much the veteran actress influenced her personally. She said seeing Moss work firsthand reinforced the kind of performer she hopes to become in her own career.

“I want to be like that,” Halliday shared when discussing Moss’s professionalism and command of the set.

That statement highlights the mentorship-like impact Moss appears to have had on the younger actress during filming. Rather than simply admiring her as a fan, Halliday seems to have used the opportunity to study and learn from Moss’s approach to acting and preparation.

A Lesson in Professionalism and Preparation

Halliday explained that watching Moss work emphasized the importance of preparation as an actor. She noted that Moss’s dedication to understanding every layer of the material further motivated her to approach her own performance with seriousness and discipline.

That mindset is especially important in a series as emotionally intense and politically layered as The Testaments, where performances require both vulnerability and strength to portray the harsh realities of Gilead.

For a young actress stepping into such a high-profile role, being able to learn from someone of Moss’s caliber appears to have been an invaluable part of the experience.

Image Credit: Getty Images

A New Generation Takes Center Stage

While Moss remains a foundational figure in the franchise, The Testaments is designed to usher in a new generation of characters and performers. Alongside Halliday, the series stars Chase Infiniti, Ann Dowd, Rowan Blanchard, and several other rising talents helping expand the story’s universe.

Halliday and her fellow cast members now carry the responsibility of continuing the legacy of one of television’s most acclaimed dystopian dramas. That task comes with immense pressure, but Halliday’s comments suggest Moss’s support and example helped make the transition easier.

Why Elisabeth Moss Continues to Earn Respect

Moss has long been regarded as one of television’s most respected performers, with critically acclaimed roles in Mad Men, The Handmaid’s Tale, and numerous film projects cementing her reputation as a powerhouse talent. Her portrayal of June Osborne earned her widespread praise and helped turn The Handmaid’s Tale into a cultural phenomenon when it debuted in 2017.

Her ability to balance emotional depth, intensity, and leadership has made her a standout both in front of and behind the camera. It is therefore no surprise that younger performers entering the franchise would look to her for inspiration.

Halliday’s praise only reinforces the strong reputation Moss has built within the industry.

Image Credit: Hulu

The Importance of Mentorship on Set

Halliday’s reflections also underscore the importance of mentorship in entertainment. For emerging actors, working alongside seasoned stars can provide invaluable lessons that go far beyond scripted scenes. Observing how veteran performers prepare, collaborate, and carry themselves professionally often shapes younger talent just as much as formal training.

In Halliday’s case, Moss appears to have become exactly that type of influence. Her admiration suggests the experience was about more than sharing scenes—it was about witnessing firsthand what it takes to thrive at the highest level of the industry.

Final Thoughts

Lucy Halliday’s heartfelt praise for Elisabeth Moss offers a touching glimpse into the atmosphere behind The Testaments and the kind of influence Moss continues to have within the franchise. As Halliday steps into one of the biggest roles of her career, her admiration for Moss reflects the respect many younger actors have for performers who lead with talent, professionalism, and preparation.

With The Testaments introducing a fresh generation to the world of Gilead, Moss’s presence clearly remains central—not only to the story itself, but to the performers helping carry it forward. If Halliday’s comments are any indication, Moss’s legacy may extend far beyond her on-screen role, inspiring the next wave of talent to follow in her footsteps.

FAQs

Q1: What did Lucy Halliday say about Elisabeth Moss?
Lucy Halliday said she was “in awe” of Elisabeth Moss while filming The Testaments and that she wants to be like her professionally.

Q2: What role does Lucy Halliday play in The Testaments?
Halliday stars as Daisy in the Hulu series.

Q3: Is Elisabeth Moss in The Testaments?
Yes, Moss reprises her role as June Osborne and also serves as an executive producer.

Q4: What is The Testaments about?
It is the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, focusing on a new generation navigating life in Gilead.

Q5: When did The Testaments premiere?
The series premiered on April 8, 2026.