Justin Hartley clears up the news about a certain member of the Big Three.
Hartley played Kevin Pearson, the “older” of the Pearson triplets, for six seasons on the hit NBC drama this is us which lasted from 2016 to 2022.
During the series’ run, Kevin was sometimes seen as selfish and immature, especially compared to some of the more gentle members of the Pearson clan.
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However, in a recent episode Who’s talking to Chris WallaceHartley, 47, explained why he has nothing but love for the character.
“When you take on characters, a lot of times they become your children and your friends, a part of you. And you kind of feel that,” Hartley told Wallace. “It was like the guy can’t get out of his own way, but he’s not a bad guy. But everybody thinks he’s some kind of asshole, you know what I mean? But he’s not.”
“It’s misunderstood, but maybe it’s some kind of loophole, you know?” he continued. “So you just sit there and go, ‘Man, I wish I could help this guy.’ But you just can’t.”
When asked if there was “some Justin Hartley in Kevin,” The Tracker the actor replied: “I think later on, when we saw him grow up and mature, I had more in common with him in that kind of repetition. But I love him. And I keep it with me every day.”
Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas relationship timeline
The actor also explored why he felt an immediate connection when he took on the role, noting in particular how the role spoke to a key aspect of parenthood.
“I’m a parent,” he said. “And when you see your kids messing around or lonely or upset or needing something, especially when you know what they need and you can’t give it to them. There’s no way to help them, except to tell them you understand what they’re going through they pass and that you can just hug them away from the pain.”
Hartley has previously spoken about how his experience playing Kevin helps inform his other performances. In an interview with S. 2023 Todaytalked about his role in the Netflix holiday movie Diary of Noel.
“You know it’s hard not to.” [draw from Kevin]because Kevin has been through so much, hasn’t he, in those six years. He has done everything you can imagine. He had addiction problems. He lost his father. In the end, he lost his mother. He nursed her through her illness. He became estranged from his brother, and then they became close again. […] A lot of things – it would be hard not to connect with Kevin – if you’re anybody.”
“It’s hard not to draw things from This is us.” he continued. “Not just Kevin, but all the characters, actually. They are all so relatable.”
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This is us is available to stream in its entirety on Netflix and Hulu.
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Source: HIS Education