Emmys 2019: 'This is Us' star Sterling K Brown deserves to win the Lead Actor in a Drama Series again
Sterling K. Brown has snuck into many hearts with his portrayal of Randall Pearson in 'This is Us'. The role not only brought him widespread recognition but also helped him earn an Emmy Award in 2017 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Television Series Drama and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.
'This is Us' celebrates the ordinary tempo of life in the Pearson family and addresses the pitfalls and roadblocks that come their way. The way Sterling K. Brown's Randall fits into the pulse of the show is a tad bit special. In many ways, the 43-year-old has added an endearing extension of himself to the role.
Painting a picture of his similarities with Randall, he told The Hollywood Reporter, "The character lost his dad as an infant and is hoping for some connection as an adult; and my father passed away (of a heart attack) when I was 10." Randall is married with two young daughters. "I’m currently married with two young boys," Brown says. "I point to the things within myself that help me into Randall."
Not only the sweet side, the actor also embraces his character's grey shades with utmost perfection as the series headed into season three.
Even as he continues his Emmy streak this year, bringing his total nominations to five, his third in a row for playing Randall Pearson, it is only fair that the actor clinches the trophy for his performance yet again.
One of the major reasons is how he adds a dash of humanity and dollops of sentiments. Out of all the other nominees this year, Brown certainly stands a good chance at winning the award.
Here is the list of nominations for the Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Jason Bateman ('Ozark')
Sterling K. Brown ('This Is Us')
Kit Harington ('Game of Thrones')
Bob Odenkirk ('Better Call Saul')
Billy Porter ('Pose')
Milo Ventimiglia ('This Is Us')
From the actors selected for the award, Kit Harington certainly should be struck off. Not that we don't love him as Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones' but the actor did not bring anything new to the table apart from repetitive dialogues and his somber expression. Bob Odenkirk, Jason Bateman, and Billy Porter essay their role with power and conviction but don't stand as strong a chance as Brown.
In 'This is Us', Brown gets to show off a wide range of emotions—right from dramatic monologues to comical moments. From Randall’s goofy side in the past to his failed marriage proposals and tender heart-to-heart talks, the actor adds a gamut of feelings into his performance. Moreover, his popularity as an actor certainly helps his chances greatly.
And when it comes down to pitting two lead actors from the same show against one another, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack melts hearts with his performance too but Brown gets an upper hand as he brings a certain finesse by striking a balance in the racial dynamics of the show.
Last year, Brown lost to Matthew Rhys for the final season of 'The Americans', but this year, he could easily be the defending champion among this year’s nominees.
Brown says 'This Is Us' will “continue to expand” in season four as Randall and his family move to Philadelphia, a decision he and Beth made at the end of season three to support both of their dreams. "We do something not quite the same but the world continues to get bigger."
As the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on September 23, it will be interesting to see if Brown once again manages to take the trophy home. Until then, let's keep our fingers crossed.
