NEW YORK — Can a cartoon character be an American role model? A new survey finds Family Guy’s Lois Griffin ranks as the nation’s favorite mom – beating Katy Perry, Beyonce, and even Michelle Obama. Ahead of this Mother’s Day, a poll of 2,000 adults voted on the top 50 moms, finding Serena Williams, Morticia Addams, and soon-to-be mom-of-two, Rihanna, also make the list. Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, and Goldie Hawn were also among the well-known names topping the list.
When asked what makes a good mom, 41 percent think it’s their ability to multitask, while 46 percent say being supportive is key to successful parenting.
Commissioned by brioche brand St Pierre and conducted by OnePoll, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, and Angelina Jolie are also featured in the top 10 when respondents were asked who they would like to be their mom. Meanwhile, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, and Carol Brady from “The Brady Bunch” made the list of the top 20 most iconic moms of all-time.
When it comes to feeling inspired by famous mothers, a sense of humor, general outlook on life, and parenting styles were cited as the top reasons for this. Marge Simpson, Cersei Lannister, and Khloe Kardashian landed in the top 20 for moms who people have based their own parenting strategies on.
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“Moms are the most important people in our lives, so ahead of Mother’s Day – which this year coincides with National Brioche Day – we thought it would be interesting to find out who the nation’s favorite moms – both fictional and real – are,” a spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre says in a statement.
In terms of what makes famous moms memorable, confidence, likeability, and career achievements were the most popular reasons. However, 43 percent even went as far to say it was their name which made them noteworthy, with 40 percent highlighting famous catch phrases or quotes from celebrity mothers.
More than four in 10 (43%) claim their own mom is one of their best friends and 42 percent label them as their role model. Encouragingly, 60 percent say their relationship with their mom improved with age, as 55 percent report some of their fondest memories from adulthood are time spent with their mother. Exactly six in 10 plan to celebrate Mother’s Day this year and 49 percent say their favorite way to do so is by cooking together.
“We know that food plays an important role in relationships but also in making memories. Food is more than a meal on a plate; it’s an experience shared, a memory created and an occasion to look forward to. Enjoying good food is an easy way to make everyday magnifique, which is why for 47 percent of Americans, food plays a large part in Mother’s Day celebrations across the country.”
When asked which foods they’re most likely to enjoy, the top 10 included cakes, French toast, apple pie, and pastries. A further 45 percent admit they have been planning what to cook for a while, however, 41 percent always end up making the same dishes – with 47 percent saying the recipes have been passed through generations.
THE LIST: AMERICA’S FAVORITE MOMS
- Lois Griffin (Family Guy)
- Michelle Obama
- Serena Williams
- Beyonce
- Jennifer Lopez
- Rihanna
- Drew Barrymore
- Goldie Hawn
- Kate Middleton
- Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
- Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)
- Katy Perry
- Kate Hudson
- Angelina Jolie
- Peggy Bundy (Married with Children)
- Madonna
- Meghan Markle
- Joyce Byers (Stranger Things)
- Sarah Connor (The Terminator)
- Cameron Diaz