Mothers Know Best: Advice from Boston Celebrities’ Moms

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Nancy Carlsson-Paige
Mother of Matt Damon, Actor

“I think the best advice I gave to Matt was that he, more than anyone else, knew what was best for him. Listen to others’ advice and suggestions along the way, I would tell him, but ultimately, your own inner wisdom and integrity are your best guides through life.”

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John Lam
Boston Ballet Soloist, Son of Mai Truong

“The best advice my mother gave to me was to be honest with myself, to live a good life, and to generally be a good person to everyone I meet.”

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Tom Ashbrook
Host of WBUR’s On Point, son of Norma Jean Ashbrook

“My wise, warm mother always said, ‘Every man’s your brother.” And she said, “Listen close, you’ll learn a lot.’ She wrote my rules. I never forget.”

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Meredith Goldstein
Globe advice columnist, daughter of Leslie Goldstein

“My mom was a Juilliard-trained pianist. She taught me that music was a necessity. Sometimes, after Sting shows, we’d wait in the back to get an autograph. Mom taught me it was okay to be a fangirl.”

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Cheryl Treworgy
Mother of Shalane Flanagan, record-holding long-distance runner

“I told her to learn how to think on her feet: If the race doesn’t go as her coach or even she had previously thought, it’s important to use her instincts to react to situations.”

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Joanne Chang
Chef, restaurateur, and author, Daughter of Sue Chang

“I remember how my mom would say, ‘Always try your best—as long as you try your best, there’s nothing more you can do.’ That helped me get over the mistakes I’ve made, big and small.”