The Knockturnal was lucky enough to secure interviews with the cast of the hit NBC show “This Is Us.”
This is an emotional series that you’re involved in. How did you prepare for the role?
Milo Ventimiglia—This was one of those roles I didn’t have to prepare as much as those other roles. We have these beautiful scripts that we’re so fortunate to have. Playing a father is different than playing a superhero. There’s not a lot of excessive working out or training, it’s just show up, and be open to the experience of being a father.
What’s the biggest takeaway from the new season?
Milo Ventimiglia—I think it’s more the same in a different arena of stories that we’re telling. I think that’s the great thing, tackling these issues that we are all confronted with, but switch the dial a little like 15 degrees to the left so that we’re approaching it form a different way. It’s a display of life that we all live.
How did you get involved with this project?
Justin Hartley—I auditioned. The script got sent to me and I was lucky enough to have them notice me.
You’re dealing with this emotionally palpable series. How did you prepare for the role?
Justin Hartley—Every role you prepare for, the specifics of it are always different, but the preparation, like the work ethic, and the time you put in is always the same. For me, I just have to sit with things for a while. The more I sit with it, the more I figure things out. I find a voice for the character and hope that it’s something other people want to listen to.
Did you have to channel your own inner feelings for some of the more emotional moments?
Justin Hartley—I do that all the time anyway. I don’t think my mind can meddle, so I pull from things in my personal life all the time. I can also make things up and pull from that, you can use your imagination. You always want to relate to the character you’re playing and be honest and true, so that’s how I do it.
What’s your biggest takeaway for this new season for your character?
Justin Hartley—He’s growing up. I think it was tough going for a while. He made this commitment to himself to be a better person and it was tough going for a while, but I think it’s working out.
How did you get involved with the project?
Susan Kelechi Watson—I auditioned. It was like any other audition. I went in and they said they were interested. So I came back for another callback. I eventually flew to LA to audition with Dan and the executive producers and casting. Then, a couple of weeks later, I learned I got the part. It was a process. It was at least a month and a half. There was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I love your work on Louie. Do you see yourself returning to that?
Susan Kelechi Watson— Thank you. I don’t even know what’s happening with the show at this moment. I know that Louie himself is good about doing his thing. When he feels the energy it’s up and it’s going, and maybe he feels he wants to focus on another area. If I was ever invited back, I would be there in a heartbeat.
