Sterling K. Brown Reflects on the Impact of This Is Us on Fans

Sterling K. Brown, best known for his role as Randall Pearson in the hit NBC drama This Is Us, recently appeared on The Graham Norton Show on BBC. During the interview, Brown shared his thoughts on the show’s impact on fans and the life-altering decisions it inspired.

As fans approached Brown, he mentioned that they usually requested a hug and shared how the show had changed their lives or provided them with catharsis during challenging times. The actor expressed his surprise at the unexpected impact the show had on viewers’ lives, stating, ‘I never knew that it was going to have the impact that it did.’

Brown discussed some of the remarkable encounters he had with fans. He recounted instances where women shared their stories of adopting children because of the show, attributing their decisions to his character, Randall Pearson. He also mentioned a fan who quit their job because Randall had the courage to do it, inspiring them to do the same.

Reflecting on the show’s success during its six-season run from 2016 to 2022, Brown emphasized its ability to bring people together. He noted, ‘At a time in the U.S., where things are so divided, it felt like people were able to come together and be like, “You know what? I love my family.”‘ Brown credited the show’s focus on family for uniting viewers, even if only temporarily.

Since the conclusion of This Is Us, Brown has been actively involved in various projects, including his current role in the film Oppenheimer, for which he received his first Academy Award nomination. Following the announcement, his former co-stars, such as Chrissy Metz and Mandy Moore, expressed their excitement and support for his achievement on social media.

This Is Us can be streamed in its entirety on Hulu, while The Graham Norton Show continues to air on BBC every Friday.