Justin Hartley recently shared his thoughts on playing Kevin Pearson, the often-troubled but ultimately lovable character from This Is Us. Speaking with on Max show “Who Talking To Chris Wallace?,” Hartley admitted that his TV family became like real-life friends and family, saying, “When you take on characters, a lot of times they become your children and your friends, part of you.”
He acknowledged Kevin’s complexities, describing him as someone who “can’t get out of his own way, but he’s not a bad guy.” Hartley also expressed empathy for Kevin, adding, “He’s misunderstood, but maybe kind of an a–hole, you know.”
While Kevin’s younger self was often arrogant and selfish, particularly in his treatment of Randall, Hartley connected more with the adult Kevin, who struggled with emotional maturity.
Now starring in CBS crime drama Tracker, Hartley admitted that certain scenes involving Kevin’s children deeply affected him as a parent. He described the feeling of helplessness when “you know what it is that they need, and you can’t give it to them.” He concluded by confirming the lasting impact of the role, stating, “I do love him, and I do hold him with me every day.”
Tracker airs Sunday nights on CBS.
