Justin Hartley Reflects on Misunderstood Role as Kevin Pearson on 'This Is Us'
Justin HartleyJustin Hartley, known for his role as Kevin Pearson on the NBC series 'This Is Us', has opened up about his deep connection to the character, whom he describes as misunderstood yet often deemed an "a--hole" by viewers.
In a recent appearance on the show 'Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?' on Max, Hartley recounted his experiences playing the "eldest" Pearson sibling over the show's six-season run from 2016 to 2022. He expressed empathy for Kevin, a character who struggled with personal issues, including selfishness and immaturity, yet displayed significant growth and depth over time.
Hartley explained, "It was just like, the guy can't get out of his own way, but he's not a bad guy, but everyone thinks he's kind of an a--hole, you know? But he's really not". This sense of being misunderstood resonated with Hartley, who noted that Kevin's journey mirrored some aspects of his own life.
While discussing his portrayal, Hartley highlighted the challenges and rewards of embodying a character like Kevin. "You sit there and you go, 'Man, I wish I could help this guy', but you just can't", he lamented, relating it to the struggles of parenthood where one often feels helpless yet filled with understanding and compassion.
Beyond 'This Is Us', Hartley has continued to draw from his experiences with Kevin in his current role on the CBS drama 'Tracker', where he not only stars but also serves as an executive producer. This new endeavor has allowed him to maintain connections with his former co-stars, an experience he cherishes deeply.
Hartley's reflection on Kevin Pearson underscores the complexities of a character many viewers found both frustrating and endearing, highlighting his growth from a troubled teen to a mature adult grappling with life's challenges.
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