Justin Hartley Says This Is What Spoke To Him The Most About This Is Us

"This Is Us" will finally wrap up the story of the Pearson family when the sixth and final season hits the small screen in January 2022. It will be the last time we'll have to finish one roll of tissues per episode as we witness the developments in the lives of the Pearson siblings. According to Justin Hartley, who plays Kevin Pearson, the series finale will satisfy the fans' expectations, or perhaps even surpass them. "We kind of have the whole thing figured out," he told TV Insider. "And it's good."

But the actor can't hide the fact that he will miss the show and his co-stars terribly. "This is obviously something that I will miss forever. It's the greatest job I've ever had, with just a wonderful group, this wonderful family," he added. "These are terrific people that I will forever be friends with, that I will forever do anything for."

Hartley also added how much he's going to miss playing Kevin Pearson. "I love the character. I enjoy playing him so much," he gushed. "Whoever would've thought in a million years that I would get a chance to play a character and be on a show that impacted people in such a positive way for so long? It's beyond anything I ever thought I would be able to do... I'm very, very grateful."

In a recent interview, he revealed that he liked the character from the get-go — and didn't think twice about taking on the role.

It's easy to dismiss Justin Hartley's Kevin Pearson character as one-dimensional. After all, he's conventionally attractive, rich, and works as a famous actor. But what drew Hartley to the role is how Kevin is more nuanced than what people think.

"I loved the idea of this guy who, on the outside, looks a certain way, and people might just by looking at him and being around him, assume a certain thing about him," he said in an interview with Sharp Magazine. He revealed that it's exactly how people used to perceive him, too. "I almost immediately fell in love with him. Everything about him that people perceive is not at all who or what he is or what he stands for, and there was an opportunity to take this character on such a massive journey to try to figure out who he is."

Hartley went on to say that he also loved how "This Is Us" took its time to show Kevin's character development and that they didn't stick to a linear storyline. "So I love the way that they took years to tell that story the way that it should be told, the way the struggle sort of really happens with people."

And now that the show is ending, Hartley said that instead of sulking, he just wants to cherish all the memories. "The great memories that I have and will continue to make this year will last a lifetime," he told TV Insider. "So what a treat."

Fans of "This Is Us" can attest to the fact that Milo Ventimiglia's Jack Pearson will go down in history as one of TV's greatest dads. Apparently, the show also altered Justin Hartley's approach to fatherhood. In an essay published on Glamour in 2018, he said that being involved in how the Pearson siblings navigated the early death of their father made him reassess his relationship with his daughter, Isabella.

"The Pearson kids lose their father at that age when they need him. How do you make up for that absence?" he wrote. "In a weird way, 'This Is Us' makes you want to stay alive as long as you can. Life is delicate. My daughter is 13 — so I slow everything down." The show also made him realize just how much he wants to be a big part of his daughter's life. 

"I think about how much I've taught her and what a sliver it has been so far. I think of all the things I want to teach her and see her go through. I want to walk her down the aisle," he added. "I want to be there when her kids are born... All this stuff."