Before starring on Tracker, Hartley was a main character in NBC’s hit drama This Is Us, which ran for six seasons from 2016 to 2022. The show followed the Pearson family, showcasing their lives through different timelines from the moment Jack and Rebecca Pearson met. Hartley played Kevin Pearson, Jack and Rebecca’s son, an actor dealing with family and relationship struggles. In the show, Kevin struggles to be taken seriously in his craft, which allows him to become more evolved as a character by the end of the series.
This Is Us really helped Hartley’s fame skyrocket from his original days as a soap star, appearing in The Young and the Restless and Passions. While the series had a strong ensemble, including Sterling K. Brown and Mandy Moore, Hartley’s emotional range made Kevin one of the show’s most captivating characters. If you enjoy Hartley in the role of Colter Shaw on Tracker, his work in This Is Us is definitely worth the watch.
A Character We Can’t Forget
If you’ve ever shed a tear while watching This Is Us, chances are Kevin Pearson played a big part in that emotional rollercoaster. With his Hollywood charm, complicated past, and quest for meaning, Kevin wasn’t just another pretty face on TV—he was the heartbeat of the Pearson family. But who brought Kevin Pearson to life? And what happened after the credits rolled on this emotional drama? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Justin Hartley, the man behind Kevin Pearson.
Who Played Kevin Pearson in This Is Us?
Justin Hartley was the actor who played the adult version of Kevin Pearson throughout all six seasons of This Is Us. His performance brought depth, humor, and vulnerability to a character that could’ve easily been written off as just “the hot actor brother.”
Meet Justin Hartley: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Justin Hartley isn’t new to Hollywood. Before This Is Us, he was already making waves in television, but Kevin Pearson catapulted him into a new level of fame.
Early Roles and Soap Opera Stardom
Before joining This Is Us, Hartley played:
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Fox Crane on Passions
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Green Arrow on Smallville
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Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless
These roles gave him a loyal fanbase and prepped him for the emotional complexity of Kevin Pearson.
How This Is Us Changed Everything
A Role That Redefined His Career
When Hartley landed the role of Kevin Pearson, everything changed. He wasn’t just another actor on a primetime show—he became one of TV’s most emotionally layered leading men.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Hartley received multiple award nominations and praise for his performance. Kevin’s storyline—battling addiction, chasing love, healing childhood wounds—hit hard because Hartley made it real.
Kevin Pearson: More Than the “Pretty Brother”
Kevin’s character was complex. He was famous, successful, but also deeply insecure. He was searching for something bigger than fame.
H2: Struggles with Identity
Kevin often felt like the outsider in the Pearson family, especially when compared to Randall or Kate. That emotional tension became the soul of many plotlines.
H3: Addiction and Recovery
Kevin’s addiction battle wasn’t sugarcoated. The writing was raw, and Hartley’s performance was painfully honest. It resonated with so many viewers who saw their own stories reflected.
Behind the Scenes: Justin Hartley’s Personal Life
Relationships and Marriage
Off-screen, Justin Hartley made headlines with his high-profile relationships. He was previously married to Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, and is now married to actress Sofia Pernas.
Balancing Fame and Family
Despite being a household name, Hartley keeps his personal life relatively private. He’s known for being grounded, humble, and fiercely protective of his daughter.
What Is Justin Hartley Doing Now?
Post-This Is Us, Hartley didn’t disappear. In fact, he’s busier than ever.
Starring in NBC’s Tracker
In 2024, Hartley took on a new lead role in the NBC series Tracker, where he plays a survivalist with a knack for finding missing people. It’s a grittier, more action-driven role—but with the same emotional core.
Producing and Writing
Hartley is also stepping behind the camera. He’s producing, writing, and even directing. His creative talents aren’t limited to acting.
Why Fans Still Love Kevin Pearson
Even though This Is Us has ended, Kevin Pearson lives on in fan edits, TikTok tributes, and endless Reddit threads. Why? Because Kevin’s journey was ours—messy, imperfect, and beautifully human.
Kevin Pearson’s Most Iconic Moments
Let’s rewind to a few unforgettable scenes that proved Kevin was more than just a pretty face:
1. The Hospital Breakdown
Kevin confessing he didn’t love himself? Brutal and brilliant.
2. The Vietnam Trip
Following in Jack’s footsteps to find answers about his father? Emotional gold.
3. The Wedding Speech
That heartfelt speech to Kate? Instant tearjerker.
The Evolution of Kevin Pearson
Over six seasons, Kevin grew more than almost any character on the show. He went from self-absorbed to self-aware. He found purpose beyond fame. He chose love, fatherhood, and family.
What Kevin Pearson Taught Us About Life
1. You’re Allowed to Fall Apart
Kevin was messy. And it was okay. So are we.
2. Healing Takes Time
There’s no quick fix for emotional wounds.
3. Family Is Complicated, But Worth It
Through all the drama, Kevin never gave up on the Pearsons.
Why Justin Hartley Was the Perfect Kevin
Casting Hartley wasn’t just about looks (though let’s be honest, it didn’t hurt). It was about someone who could carry the emotional weight of the character. Hartley’s mix of vulnerability, humor, and depth made Kevin unforgettable.
Will We See Kevin Pearson Again?
There’s always speculation about a This Is Us spin-off or reunion special. Would Hartley return? In interviews, he’s never ruled it out.
Conclusion: Kevin Pearson Lives On
Kevin Pearson may have been a character, but the emotions he evoked were real. Through Justin Hartley’s performance, we connected with someone who was flawed, funny, broken, and healing. In a world of perfect TV heroes, Kevin stood out by being authentically human. Whether or not we see him again, his story will always hit home.
