Like most of America, I am obsessed with the show, “This Is Us.” Their ability to capture the uplifting and raw moments of everyday life is truly inspiring. Through the variety of struggles and successes they touch on in this show, they have been able to connect and relate to so many people from around the world.
The “This Is Us” panel included cast, Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Justin Hartley (Kevin), and Milo Ventimiglia (Jack), as well as the creator of the show, Dan Fogelman. During the session, they shared some of their favorite moments on the show, how the show has affected them personally, and what it was like filming some of the more intense and personal scenes.
Fogelman started off the session by describing how proud he is of his cast and crew for the work they have produced. From the “raw, visceral grief” Moore portrayed after Jack’s death to the uplifting moments Ventimiglia has had between the three children on the show. The gratitude and respect for each other’s work throughout the panel was inspiring.
The cast also reflects on the utter brilliance of the show’s writer and creator. Hartley describes the writing as a “safety net” that he has never felt before on another show. Their trust in the writing provides them with a comfort that whatever happens during the next chapter of the show will be just as exceptional, which is something that is rare in Hollywood.
Moore discussed how grateful and touched the cast was to have won “Best Ensemble in a Drama Series” at this year’s SAG Awards because it was an award bestowed upon them by their peers. Fogelman revealed that for award shows many times the young actors aren’t invited to attend and don’t get their own award, however, actress Chrissy Metz and Justin Hartley selflessly gave their plus one to the actors that play the younger versions of themselves on the show so they could attend. As if that wasn’t already the cutest story, Moore and Ventimiglia had replicas of the SAG award made by a local 3D print shop.
Ventimiglia touches on his relationship with the younger cast by saying, “seeing a young artist who doesn’t have the life experience to process what is happening and being able to shift the focus for them is nice.” He also admitted to warning them that “this is the job that everything else in your career will be compared to” and to take advantage of it.
During the panel, Hartley also reveals that he and Mandy were almost love interest on another pilot years prior to “This Is Us.” He quickly jokes that he is glad it didn’t work out because if it had, he probably wouldn’t have been cast as Moore’s TV son.
When asked what this show has done for them personally Fogelman answered, “I am constantly watching CNN and how everyone is divided, then I look at the show and how popular it has become gives me hope that the other stuff will fade away and bring hope.” Ventimiglia added that he has learned “if you lead with love, you’re inspired and you’re communicative then you will have a good life.”
In addition, Moore explained how important it has been to her to “be a part of something that is so inclusive and diverse during such a divisive time.”