The Big 5: Where Is The 'This Is Us' Cast Now? Shocking New Projects & Casting Secrets Revealed

The casting of NBC's generational drama, This Is Us, was a masterclass in ensemble building, creating a Pearson family dynamic that felt instantly authentic and deeply relatable. The show's six-season run, which concluded in 2022, was a cultural phenomenon, largely due to the impeccable chemistry between the main actors who portrayed Jack, Rebecca, and The Big 3. Today, in late 2025, the cast continues to make major headlines, with several stars reuniting for exciting new projects and others landing high-profile roles that prove their post-Pearson careers are just beginning.

The enduring legacy of the series is evident in the continued collaborations of its stars. Fans were recently "elated" by the news of a major on-screen reunion between a key cast member and the show's creator, Dan Fogelman, for a new series. Meanwhile, a trio of beloved actors has launched a highly-anticipated project that is taking fans back into the world of the Pearsons. This deep dive into the This Is Us casting process and the current lives of the main ensemble reveals the secrets behind its success and confirms that the Pearson family bond is far from broken.

The Core Pearson Family: Complete Cast Biography & Profiles

The heart of This Is Us lay with the five main actors, often referred to as "The Big Five." Their casting was pivotal, requiring actors who could convincingly portray characters across decades of emotional storytelling. Here is a look at the core ensemble and their essential biographical details:

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• Milo Ventimiglia (Jack Pearson)
  • Birth Name: Milo Anthony Ventimiglia
  • Born: July 8, 1977, in Anaheim, California.
  • Career Highlights: Before becoming the beloved patriarch Jack Pearson, Ventimiglia was widely known for his roles as Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls and Peter Petrelli on Heroes.
  • Post-This Is Us: He has continued to work in production and acting, maintaining a high profile with appearances at major industry events in 2025.
• Mandy Moore (Rebecca Pearson)
  • Birth Name: Amanda Leigh Moore
  • Born: April 10, 1984, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
  • Career Highlights: Moore rose to fame as a pop singer with her 1999 debut single "Candy" and later earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Grammy nomination for her acting and music career.
  • Post-This Is Us: She is reuniting with creator Dan Fogelman for an untitled Hulu football drama series, starring alongside Christopher Meloni.
• Sterling K. Brown (Randall Pearson)
  • Birth Name: Sterling Kelby Brown
  • Born: April 5, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Career Highlights: A highly decorated actor, Brown has won three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. He was known for his role as Christopher Darden in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story before This Is Us.
  • Post-This Is Us: He co-hosts the new rewatch podcast That Was Us and continues to take on major film roles.
• Chrissy Metz (Kate Pearson)
  • Birth Name: Christine Michelle Metz
  • Born: September 29, 1980, in Homestead, Florida.
  • Career Highlights: Metz's breakthrough came with This Is Us, following a smaller role in *American Horror Story: Freak Show*. She is also an accomplished singer and writer.
  • Post-This Is Us: She has focused on her music career and other acting projects, notably lending her voice to animated films.
• Justin Hartley (Kevin Pearson)
  • Birth Name: Justin Scott Hartley
  • Born: January 29, 1977, in Knoxville, Illinois.
  • Career Highlights: Hartley was a staple in daytime soap operas like Passions and The Young and the Restless, and played Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on *Smallville* before his role as Kevin Pearson.
  • Post-This Is Us: He has starred in and directed new television projects, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

The Untold Secrets of the 'This Is Us' Casting Process

The authenticity of the Pearson family was not accidental; it was the result of a deliberate and often intense casting process overseen by creator Dan Fogelman. The show’s casting director, who worked closely with Fogelman, had the monumental task of finding actors who could portray the same characters across multiple timelines, a challenge that required finding three different actors for each of The Big 3 (Kevin, Kate, and Randall).

One of the most crucial elements of the casting was ensuring the chemistry was palpable. The actors themselves have shared that the audition process was a unique bonding experience. For instance, Sterling K. Brown, who played Randall, had to perform one of the show's most emotional scenes: the first meeting with his biological father, William (played by Ron Cephas Jones). His audition also included the now-famous soccer scene between Randall and his wife, Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson), highlighting the depth required for the role.

The casting of the younger versions of the Big 3—specifically the actors playing the 10-year-old and teenage Pearsons—was also critical. The success of actors like Parker Bates (Young Kevin) and Hannah Zeile (Teen Kate) in capturing the mannerisms of their adult counterparts helped make the show’s time jumps seamless and believable. This intricate casting strategy, which also included key recurring roles like Jon Huertas as Miguel Rivas and Chris Sullivan as Toby Damon, ensured that every character felt fully realized, regardless of the timeline.

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A little-known fact is that the cast was so tight-knit that they collectively worked together to negotiate raises during the show's run, demonstrating their real-life "family" dynamic and commitment to the series. This behind-the-scenes unity translated directly into the powerful, emotional performances that earned the show numerous accolades, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe wins.

Fresh Updates: The Pearson Family's New Projects in 2025 and Beyond

Even after the emotional finale, the This Is Us cast members are not only continuing their careers but are actively reuniting for new ventures, keeping the Pearson spirit alive for fans in late 2025.

The "That Was Us" Podcast: A Big 3 Reunion

The biggest and most recent news is the launch of the rewatch podcast, "That Was Us," hosted by three of the show's main stars: Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Sterling K. Brown (Randall), and Chris Sullivan (Toby). The podcast, which was teased in late 2024 and officially launched with new episodes in January 2025, sees the trio dive back into the world of the Pearson family, offering behind-the-scenes secrets, personal reflections, and interviews with other cast and crew members. This project is a direct answer to fan curiosity and a testament to the actors' lasting bond, providing fresh, current content for the dedicated fanbase.

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Mandy Moore and Dan Fogelman's Hulu Reunion

Mandy Moore is the latest This Is Us star to officially reunite with creator Dan Fogelman for a new, untitled drama series at Hulu. The new show is set in the world of the NFL and centers on a family football drama, with Moore set to star alongside Christopher Meloni. This reunion is significant, as Fogelman has a history of bringing back his favorite actors, a move that delighted fans who were "elated" by the news. It promises the same blend of family focus and emotional depth that made This Is Us a massive hit.

Other Major Cast Endeavors

The other core cast members are also busy with high-profile projects, further expanding the topical authority of the ensemble:

• Sterling K. Brown continues his ascent in film, following his recent Oscar nomination for *American Fiction*. He is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
• Justin Hartley has moved into the lead role in the CBS drama *Tracker*, where he also serves as an executive producer, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and a director.
• Susan Kelechi Watson (Beth Pearson) has taken on new roles in film and television, maintaining her status as a respected dramatic actress.
• The late Ron Cephas Jones (William Hill) continues to be honored for his exceptional contributions to the series and the acting world.

The seamless casting of This Is Us—from the main ensemble to the younger Pearsons and key guest stars—was the foundation of its success. The fact that the 'Big Five' and other key players like Susan Kelechi Watson, Jon Huertas, and Chris Sullivan remain active and connected in 2025, through projects like That Was Us and the new Fogelman/Moore Hulu series, ensures that the Pearson family's influence on television drama continues long after the final episode aired.