Chrissy Metz Reveals Which Scenes from This Is Us She Can’t Bring Herself to Rewatch
Chrissy Metz remains a devoted fan of This Is Us years after her portrayal of Kate Pearson, though there are certain scenes she finds too painful to revisit.
“I mean, as a fan, obviously when William passed away,” Metz, 44, revealed to Us Weekly on Wednesday, April 9, while promoting her children’s book When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings. “And now with the news of Ron [Cephas Jones]’s passing, it’s just like, ‘I can’t watch that.’”
In the first season of This Is Us, Randall (Sterling K. Brown) had an emotional reunion with his biological father (portrayed by Cephas Jones) during William’s private battle with cancer. The character passed away in season one, although Cephas Jones continued to appear in flashbacks throughout the show. Sadly, Cephas Jones passed away in 2023 at the age of 66 due to heart complications.
This Is Us, NBC’s poignant drama created by Dan Fogelman, ran for six seasons from 2017 to 2022. The series followed the lives of the Pearson family—parents Jack and Rebecca and their children Kevin, Kate, and Randall—across various timelines. Metz portrayed the adult version of daughter Kate.
“When Kate and Toby faced the miscarriage, that was incredibly tough,” Metz shared with Us, referring to her on-screen husband Chris Sullivan’s character and their journey with fertility. “It’s an issue that people often discuss with me, as it’s something we rarely address.”
She continued, “We don’t tend to talk about the impact on relationships and the shame that women often feel. Oh goodness, it’s so intricate. That moment, when Rebecca [Mandy Moore] was there for Kate, showed how vulnerable she was.”
Even years after This Is Us concluded, pieces of Kate have lingered with Metz.
“I think we influenced each other significantly,” Metz reflected to Us. “They drew from my real-life experiences and relationships, which feel like remnants of who I once was. It’s quite bizarre. How do I separate us? I mean, I am her, she is me. It’s wild. I can’t explain it; it feels very strange.”
According to Metz, learning from Kate was “cathartic.”
“I think navigating the insecurities we both shared, and consistently showing up for myself, even in challenging times, enabled me to see that everyone faces struggles and it’s alright; life isn’t perfect or linear, and healing can be complex,” Metz explained. “I truly believe it was incredibly cathartic.”
Since the conclusion of This Is Us, Metz has authored two children’s books alongside co-writer Bradley Collins. Their latest, When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings, was released in bookstores earlier this month.
“During our tour for our first book [When I Talk to God, I Talk About You], the kids always wanted to discuss their feelings,” Metz said on Wednesday. “I thought, ‘Wait, OK.’ Of course, with my large family, I understand how kids think, but it’s amazing when your audience expresses what they need. I realized as an adult, I also need to discuss my feelings, so it felt right to write this next.”
Metz aims to assist children in “naming [their] feelings” to help build their confidence.
“I believe we’re still working on that as adults,” the actress elaborated. “I always say nurture young minds when they are impressionable, helping them feel cherished and confidently supported. I think that’s how we can change the world—even if it sounds cheesy.”
When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings, co-written by Metz and Collins and illustrated by Lisa Fields, is now available through Flamingo Books at all major outlets.
