Image Source: Getty / Ron Batzdorff / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal
There's a long list of reasons why "This Is Us" is so great at captivating viewers each week. In a special way, the show manages to dive deeply into each character's history and personal struggles and give us a true understanding of why they are the way they are. For instance, Rebecca's (Mandy Moore) backstory is something we have slowly gotten to explore over the course of the show's six seasons. Several episodes include her parents, who both do a great job depicting how imperfect parent-child relationships can be. It also gives us a glimpse into how their parenting style shaped her into the strong, caring mother we know and love.
So, who are the talented actors that portray Rebecca's parents? Here's a rundown on each of their backgrounds and what else you might have seen them acting in.
Elizabeth Perkins as Janet Malone
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There have been some seriously tense moments between Rebecca and her mother, Janet Malone, like in season two when Rebecca confronts Janet about her racist behaviour. There's more tension in episode seven of season six when Rebecca endures endless comments about gaining weight before her wedding, cooking skills, and more that drive her mad.
Janet is played by Hollywood vet Elizabeth Perkins, who has a storied career in movies and television. Beyond "This Is Us," you may also recognise Perkins from her work in HBO's miniseries "Sharp Objects," "Truth Be Told" on Apple TV+, "The Moodys" on Fox, and the 1994 classic movies "The Flintstones" and "Miracle on 34th Street." She was nominated for three Primetime Emmy awards for playing Celia Hodes in the series "Weeds."
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Tim Matheson as Dave Malone
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Rebecca's dad, Dave Malone, is someone we love to hate when he's first introduced. To the dismay of viewers everywhere, the high-society and brooding father is not a fan of Jack when he starts dating Rebecca. Even Miguel feels the need to defend Jack in one episode because of how tough Dave has been on him. But as time goes on, we eventually get to see Dave and Jack on good terms in season six, which further proves just how much relationships on the show can evolve (just like they do in real life).
Dave is played by Tim Matheson, who also has an impressive onscreen résumé beyond "This Is Us" dating all the way back to the '60s. He's a two-time Primetime Emmy award nominee for his work in the drama series "The West Wing." He's also a regular cast member on the hit Netflix show "Virgin River." Some other noteworthy titles Matheson has worked on include "National Lampoon's Animal House," "Hart of Dixie," "Van Wilder," and more.
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Danielle Langlois as Young Janet Malone
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Something to love about "This Is Us" is how the show depicts people's relationships at different stages of life. In season six, we get a brief look at Rebecca's dynamic with her mother during childhood. The two are shown on Thanksgiving preparing a sugar pie, but Janet tells Rebecca she won't be eating it because they need to watch themselves. Comments like that had a negative impact on Rebecca all the way into adulthood.
Playing a younger Janet Malone is an actress named Danielle Langlois. She has acting credits in various television shows such as the "Bold and the Beautiful," "S.W.A.T," and "Criminal Minds."
