This Is Us is a beloved American television series that aired on NBC from September 20, 2016, to May 24, 2022. The show became known for its heart-wrenching storytelling, complex characters, and its ability to deeply explore themes of family, love, loss, and identity. Created by Dan Fogelman, This Is Us captivated audiences with its nonlinear storytelling and emotionally charged plots that centered around the Pearson family. The series follows the lives of the Pearson siblings—Kevin, Kate, and Randall—while also shedding light on their parents, Jack and Rebecca, and how their relationships and experiences shaped who they are today.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the main cast of This Is Us, their ages, and some interesting trivia about the actors who brought these memorable characters to life.
Cast of This Is Us
This Is Us featured an ensemble cast of talented actors who played multiple generations of the Pearson family, offering viewers a comprehensive view of the characters’ lives from childhood to adulthood. The show’s non-linear narrative often jumps between different time periods, making the performances of these actors even more remarkable. Below are the key cast members, their ages, and the roles they portrayed.
1. Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson
- Age: Milo Ventimiglia was born on July 8, 1977, making him 47 years old as of 2024.
Milo Ventimiglia portrayed Jack Pearson, the loving, hardworking father of Kevin, Kate, and Randall. Jack’s character is widely regarded as the emotional backbone of the show, providing strength and guidance to his children and wife. Jack’s tragic death in a house fire in the second season left an indelible impact on the family, but his memory remained a key element throughout the series.
Trivia: Milo Ventimiglia, who is known for his role as Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls, was a fan of This Is Us before joining the cast. He loved the idea of portraying a father figure and was immediately drawn to the role of Jack Pearson.
2. Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson
- Age: Mandy Moore was born on April 10, 1984, making her 40 years old as of 2024.
Mandy Moore played Rebecca Pearson, the matriarch of the family and Jack’s wife. Rebecca’s journey was one of the central storylines, as viewers witnessed her struggles with raising three children, including dealing with the aftermath of Jack’s death. Rebecca’s growth as a woman, mother, and individual was a key aspect of the show, and her relationships with her children were explored in great depth.
Trivia: Mandy Moore was pregnant with her first child during the final season of This Is Us. This was reflected in her character’s storyline, where Rebecca was also dealing with her own age-related challenges.
3. Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson
- Age: Sterling K. Brown was born on April 5, 1976, making him 48 years old as of 2024.
Sterling K. Brown portrayed Randall Pearson, the adopted child of Jack and Rebecca. Randall’s storyline focused on his journey as a Black man in a predominantly white family and his ongoing quest for identity. He was also shown dealing with issues of mental health, his relationship with his biological father, and his role as a husband and father. Sterling K. Brown’s portrayal of Randall earned him widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Trivia: Sterling K. Brown became the first African American actor to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Randall Pearson.
4. Chrissy Metz as Kate Pearson
- Age: Chrissy Metz was born on September 29, 1980, making her 44 years old as of 2024.
Chrissy Metz portrayed Kate Pearson, the only daughter of Jack and Rebecca. Kate’s storyline involved her struggles with body image and self-esteem, as well as her complex relationships with her family and romantic partners. Over the course of the show, Kate grew into a more confident and self-assured individual, and her journey resonated deeply with viewers who saw aspects of themselves in her.
Trivia: Chrissy Metz initially auditioned for the role of Kate Pearson after seeing an open call for plus-size women on a casting website. Her performance received such a positive response that she was offered the role, and she went on to become one of the most recognized actresses in the series.
5. Justin Hartley as Kevin Pearson
- Age: Justin Hartley was born on January 29, 1977, making him 47 years old as of 2024.
Justin Hartley portrayed Kevin Pearson, the eldest of the three Pearson siblings. Kevin’s character went through various challenges, including his struggle with substance abuse, relationship issues, and his search for purpose in life. Kevin’s journey of self-discovery was a focal point of the show, and Justin Hartley’s portrayal of him earned praise from fans and critics alike.
Trivia: Justin Hartley is also known for his role as Oliver Queen / Green Arrow on Smallville. His role as Kevin Pearson on This Is Us marked a significant shift for the actor, as he played a more complex, emotionally vulnerable character compared to his previous roles.
6. Susan Kelechi Watson as Beth Pearson
- Age: Susan Kelechi Watson was born on November 19, 1981, making her 43 years old as of 2024.
Susan Kelechi Watson portrayed Beth Pearson, Randall’s supportive and loving wife. Beth’s character was vital to the show as she helped ground Randall through his emotional struggles and was a major influence on their children. Throughout the series, Beth navigated her own professional and personal challenges, making her a well-rounded character that viewers deeply admired.
Trivia: Susan Kelechi Watson’s performance as Beth was praised for its authenticity and depth. The character of Beth was originally supposed to be a recurring role, but her strong chemistry with Sterling K. Brown led to her becoming a series regular.
Fun Trivia About the Show
- The Time-Jumping Storytelling: This Is Us was known for its non-linear storytelling, jumping back and forth between different time periods. The show effectively utilized flashbacks and flash-forwards to explore key moments in the characters’ lives, adding to the emotional depth and richness of the story.
- Jack’s Death: One of the most emotional and pivotal moments in the series was the death of Jack Pearson. It was revealed that Jack died of a heart attack, a result of complications from a house fire. The emotional depth of this storyline earned the show widespread praise.
- The Big Three: The three Pearson children—Kevin, Kate, and Randall—are often referred to as “The Big Three” by fans. Their bond, both as siblings and as individuals, was central to the series and its exploration of family dynamics.
- Real-Life Parallels: Many fans noticed that the struggles of the characters often mirrored real-life issues, from mental health struggles and addiction to family secrets and reconciliation. This helped the series maintain its relatability and emotional authenticity.
This Is Us quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers with its compelling characters and emotional storytelling. The talented cast, including Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, and Susan Kelechi Watson, brought the Pearson family to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. The show’s ability to blend humor, tragedy, and heart made it one of the most memorable television series of its time.
With its focus on the ups and downs of family life, This Is Us left an indelible impact on viewers and continues to be celebrated for its portrayal of love, loss, and everything in between.
