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THIS IS US: Viewers Learn How Jack Died! Milo Ventimiglia On Justin’s Monologue: "There Was Such Beauty In That Scene"

Courtesy/NBC

Following Sunday’s Super Bowl, This Is Us aired it’s most highly-anticipated episode where viewers finally learn just how the best-dad-of-them-all Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) died leaving Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and the “Big Three” devastated for the last 20 years.

In story, while the crock pot that started the fire in the kitchen, eventually engulfed the Pearson’s entire home, Jack gets all the kids and Rebecca out of the house to safety, but Kate is desperate for their dog Louie who was left inside.  Heroically, Jack goes in to fetch the dog and bring the pooch to safety.  In that moment, the house goes deeper into flames.  However, in true Jack-fashion, he comes out of the burning house with the dog, and key mementos that mean so much to the family.

Now in the hospital for smoke inhalation, it looks like Jack is doing OK, when Rebecca goes to the phone to make hotel arrangements for the kids and her hubby.  Only while on the phone, Jack suffers a massive heart attack from all the inhalation in his lungs.  The doctor informs a disbelieving Rebecca what happened.

In the present day, each of Jack’s children are trying to cope with the 20-year anniversary of his death.  But perhaps the most touching moment was that of Kevin’s (Justin Hartley).  That is when Hartley delivered a hankie-inducing monologue sitting at the tree (he thinks) was Jack’s. Kevin in tears says:  “I’m sorry, Dad, that I wasn’t there that night (alluding to the fact that Kevin was out with Sophie and not home when the fire happened to the family) and I’m sorry that the last thing I ever said to you was awful.  I have had a really, a really bad year. I’ve had a bad couple of decades, actually.  And I haven’t turned out to be even close to the man that you … I just think you’d be really disappointed in me, you know? (Kevin admits he struggled with sobriety like his father did) I’m going to be a man, and I’m going to do better for you.  I’m going to make you proud of me.”

Courtesy/NBC

Milo Ventimiglia, in an new interview with Esquire, commented on Hartley’s performance in that monologue: “That was one take! He walks up and it’s just that profile shot, that was one piece. That moment speaks to how incredible Justin is, to be able to initially have a hard time walking up to that tree, and then have the presence to experience this moment with his father, and then have the levity at the end to say, ‘Oh yeah, and I worked with Rocky.’ There’s such beauty in that scene, I was blown away with Justin. Chrissy had a great moment, Sterling had one, and I tell you, next week: Mandy Moore. She really goes through it in the next episode.”

So, what did you think of how Jack ultimately died? What did you think of Justin Hartley’s monologue?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Although I am not a viewer of the show, as a long time viewer of Y&R, I loved Justin’s portrayal of Adam. From the moment I saw his first scene with Eric Braden,( I know I probably spelled his name wrong) I knew that Justin was destined for bigger and better things. He truly deserves everything he has.

First, I can’t even put into words how utterly excellent this show is. There is not one character whom I don’t love. It’s one of the most heartwarming, gut-wrenching, feel good/feel bad shows of all time.

For me there wasn’t one standout in this episode; all were fantastic. Each actor brought his/her A- game as they have done since the first episode. And, I feel the younger actors deserve all the credit as well; they’re never mentioned by anyone. The casting director couldn’t have picked better actors to portray the Big Three as both pre-teen and then as teenagers. They look like the older actors physically and their mannerisms, the way they speak (their inflection)…EVERYTHING is exactly on par to the older Kevin, Randall and Kate.

On a side note, I think it’s interesting that we got to see Miguel’s reaction to Jack’s death, too. Instead of being seen (perhaps by some) as the friend who swooped in to marry his best friend’s wife, we see the utter devastation on his face when he learns the news. One can only imagine that through their shared grief and already solidified friendship how he and Rebecca eventually became a couple.

As for Jack’s death, since we have always known he was dead, it was obvious that since he came out from the fire the smoke inhalation would be the cause; once the doctor said he’d taken in a lot of smoke…and Jack looked like he was struggling a bit to me…I knew he’d be gone by the time Rebecca got back to his room. Knowing and seeing are two different things; still crushed me.

I LOVE Milo! He plays the loving husband/dad to sheer perfection. I fall in love with Jack over and over again…

Over and over again…..what’s not to love.

I just had to pull back from the program. It was too painful and real. So well done.

Hi Tani…

I agree; incredibly well done and very painful and real for those of us who have suffered loss.

Not sure if you meant that you pulled back from that particular episode or the show in general. If the show, I hope you tune in again; it’s so excellent. And, I guess you know this but just in case…”Jack” will still be on the show. Nothing changes in that sense.

Thank you Rebecca1 for your response to me, and for your well written response to all. Don’t think I would consider a pull back from such a superior program, but his loss, even though made clear earlier that he had died, felt a hard hit; perhaps a bit too hard. However, in some professions it defines success — thus a sad ending with potential for the forward moves. Those moves are what interest me, not only the conclusions.

Thank you again.

Oh, you’re welcome, Tani. The forward moves will probably be just as riveting….

Fantastic! One of the Best shows on TV!

This show is just, well, everything! The characters are perfectly cast, the writing is sensational and true to heart, and the storylines are real and human. There is nothing “fluff” about this series. It depicts so many of the real life struggles that people go through-in such a beautiful and tragic way. I haven’t watched the episode yet; but I will soon!

Incredible episode! Amazing work by Justin this season! Hoping Melissa Claire Egan finds her way on to this fabulous show, as a love interest for Kevin or as a completely separate character. Went through a whole box of tissues last night. Awesome storytelling by all!!!

I lost my dad recently, and I cannot tell you how cathartic it was watching this ep even though I knew (or should have remembered) it was coming.

Great acting, grounded story, beautiful moments along with the tragic. That’s This is Us and I love it. It has become my one go-to show every week since it has been on.

Sorry about your loss.

To be honest I don’t watch this show. But I wanted to see this epi to see epic acting on everyone’s part. I was blown away what a great job everyone did. Yes I cried thru most of it because this show was a true great piece of writing and acting by everyone. Congrat’s to everyone who worked on this episode.

I was hoping he would be saved in the end!! We have been watching most of this show knowing he is dead, it’s still sad to know he is really dead, if that makes any sense!!!

This show is just excellent. Each actor plays their part to perfection, including, yes, the wonderful younger actors who play the adults.

What wonderful writing! The writers do so wonderfully what writers are supposed to do: make you care, really care, about the character. In this show that is spot on! Wonderful actors, excellent writing. I knew Justin Hartley from watching him on The Young and the Restless, and to be honest, that is really the only reason I began to watch this show. But I stayed for many reasons, for Justin and for the entire cast. Superb!

There are not enough superlatives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok-
This is Us, is the King of soaps..
It makes the soaps look like a B movie.

I want to add..
I can’t imagine the show without Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) He will remain as always, I hope..
And, Justin he is so great on This is Us and he made the right move of getting out of a soap to explore a brighter future and he found it.
The whole cast is phenomenal, each and every one is outstanding..
BRAVO to ALL …

Well said!

He didn’t get out of soaps and find stardom (so to speak)/. He had already done primetime way before This Is Us; he was in Smallville for five years, Revenge for a year, Mistresses for two years and assorted other spots on Castle, Cold Case, CSI and assorted other primetime shows. What I DIDN’T know was that he got his start on the daytime show, Passions, which I’ve never watched.

I did Revenge; he was great in that, too.

Justin Hartley was able to do the monologue in one take because of his daytime experience. Kudos to the entire cast. They all did a great job. I was in tears when Rebecca was talking to Kevin on the phone aboute eating a candy bar. If you lost a parent at a young age as I did it brought up feelings I didn’t expect. Grief is like that.

Daytime doesnt get enough credit for the skill that is involved, day in and day out!

Hartley was a daytime gem that came and went due to his overwhelming talent. I love good guys and he is a good guy and I wish for everything good he wants in life. What a talent! I see him doing some kind of Tom Cruise Mission Impossible type movies that becomes a franchise.

I lost my father suddenly at the tender age of sixteen. Sixty years later I still struggle. Mr. Hartley’s performance was jaw-dropping.

It all STARTS with the WRITING….then ALL these standout actors
bring/breathe them to light/life. Outstanding tearjerker of a show…

hmmm everyone comments about Justin Hartley time on Y&R… but even before that he was wonderful on Smallville as the Green Arrow…. no one ever seems to mention this…

and lets not forget his wonderful portrayal as a gay man on Revenge.

I mentioned it, Brian, in my comment above to Su000. I think some people just think he started on Y&R and then got his big break, not realizing he was on quite a bit of primetime before This Is Us.

Well, Rebecca, I didn’t think they could top the Kevin and family therapy episode–that one had the most powerful effect on me. But I’m so glad Jack didn’t burn to death…that would have been too much to take. And isn’t it nice to see a positive father image on television? On sitcoms, dads are often dummies and in drama they’re unfaithful, abusive, or just “weekend” parents by choice. Jack is a refreshing change. Now, on a non-artistic level, Milo is even hotter now than on GILMORE GIRLS, where I didn’t even like his character, Jess. His range has really increased, similar to wonderful Justin Hartley.

Hi Soaphound…

I think Justin’s been great in everything I’ve seen him in (haven’t seen all his work). The episode that absolutely broke my heart in This Is Us and had me in tears was the one on the night of his high school reunion when he realized he’d left his father’s necklace in that woman’s room…when he got down on the lawn and begged for someone to help him. That despair…uggggg..his plea for help…I just felt it to my core. Really powerful, completely devastating. I honestly think that was one of the most powerful scenes I’d ever seen on any show or film.

I’m a big Milo fan and actually liked him in Gilmore Girls. But this is obviously his “adult” role and I agree, Jack couldn’t be a more perfect father. The writers have outdone themselves in creating an earnest, truly dedicated, loving father and husband and Milo has nailed it. On a looks level, Milo and Justin couldn’t be more different…but both are extremely good-looking. Looks like we’re going to see a young Jack in the next few episodes…when he was in the war with his brother. From the coming attractions it almost looks like he hasn’t aged a year since his Gilmore Girl days! I guess shaving off his beard and stache shaved off the years!

Hey Rebecca1

yes, you did, all I can say is your comment was not there when I posted mine, have you ever noticed you can click on a story and see no comments, but then re-click the story 10 minutes later and it then has plenty of comments ? I think it is due to the comments being moderated first. so my apologies, I would not have posted mine had of yours shown when I first read the article.

Hi Brian…don’t be silly…of course you should post your comment regardless…I totally understand! And, yes, that happens all the time on this site. I’ve posted many times when there are zero comments and then suddenly mine and so many others appear…so there’s bound to be numerous times when we don’t know while we’re writing our own post that someone’s said the same thing.

Actually, I was happy to read your comment; I’ve seen several posts on different pages about Justin where some think Y&R “discovered” Justin and now he’s on to bigger/better, etc so it was nice that someone else pointed it out. Never a negative to contribute information!

Absolutely no apology necessary! 😉

I absolutely love this show ,of course it helps that Justin Hartley is on the show,This young man is such a talented actor.I don’t miss an episode.I was moved by his performance .Great show and a great casts

Reading these comments made me remember the scenes and cry.

Breaking News

Steve Kent Reportedly OUT as Sony Pictures Television VP in Charge of DAYS and Y&R

On Friday, reports surfaced that Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President of Programming at Sony Pictures Television, is no longer with the company and overseeing the Sony soap operas, Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless.

According to Soap Opera Digest, a set side source reported that Kent’s last day was last Friday, April 12th, which was one day after what would have been his final appearance in his Sony VP role at the Days of our Lives 15,000th episode on set celebration.

During that ceremony, Kent gave a brief speech giving kudos to DAYS for its incredible milestone. Days is a co-production of Sony Pictures Television and Corday Productions, while Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Photo: JPI

Kent started his soap opera career as a producer for CBS’ defunct Capitol and then as the supervising producer of NBC’s Santa Barbara from1984 to 1993.

Photo: JPI

At Sony, before his role overseeing the soaps, Kent was Senior Executive Vice President of International Productions for Sony Pictures Television International department.

If reports are true, the question becomes who has taken over his position, and would oversee DAYS and Y&R from the Sony side? Share your thoughts on this developing story via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!

After exciting morning for your favorite daytime stars when they were revealed to be nominees for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards comes tonight 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special.

Beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, several of the nominees will talk with Michael Fairman on their reactions to the news they have been nominated for a Daytime Emmy, share what scenes they submitted that landed in the top five or six in their respective performer acting categories and much more.

Scheduled to appear are: Days of our Lives nominees, Tamara Braun (Ava), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), The Young and the Restless nominees: Allison Lanier (Summer), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), The Bold and the Beautiful’s John McCook (Eric), General Hospital nominees, Finola Hughes (Anna) and Alley Mills (Heather), and The Bay’s Mike Manning (Caleb).

Photo: JPI

The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th and emanating, once again this year from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Photo: JPI

For a full list of this year’s nominations click here.

Now, watch below as the stars chat it up as we celebrate their Daytime Emmy Nominations. If you have a potential question you might want posed to any of our guests, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on air.

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Breaking News

51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have officially announced on Friday, the full list of nominees for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

While Thursday brought with it four reveals of the nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama, Talk Show Host, Lead Actor and Actress categories (as presented by various entertainment news programs), today’s nominations include all the other categories not previously announced.

The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast is set to be presented live on Friday night, June 7, at 8 PM EDT /delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. This will mark the 18th time that CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmys.

Photo: JPI

In addition, The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmy Awards will be presented on Saturday, June 8 at t9 PM ET/6 PM PT and streamed on The Emmys apps and at watch.TheEmmys.tv. The ceremonies will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.

Television icon, Dick Van Dyke has received his first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Guest Performer category for his touching portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of our Lives. The nomination makes Van Dyke the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history at 98-years-old.  In addition, motion picture and TV star, Guy Pearce, is also nominated as Guest Performer for his longtime role as Mike Young in the reboot of Neighbours.

Speaking of Neighbours, the Australian soap opera also received its first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Daytime Drama Series now that its a revival can be streamed on Amazon Freevee. In addition, The Young and the Restless iconic, Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) received his first Daytime Emmy nomination in more than 20 years in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.

Photo: AmazonFreevee

In the Daytime Drama series categories, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless each scored 12 nominations more than any other show. Leading the acting nominations was B&B, who landed 7 performers in the various categories, a first in its 37-year history.

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS expressed, “We are happy to once again honor the creative talent both in front of and behind the camera of America’s favorite Daytime programs. We look forward to celebrating the icons who enliven the days of audiences across the country.”

Photo: JPI

Brent Stanton, Head of Daytime, NATAS added, “Producing the Daytime Emmys is a labor of love for all of us at NATAS. The huge popularity of these shows continues to be must-see viewing for their fans.” NATAS also revealed that Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Hosts, Presenters, and Silver and Gold Circle honorees will be revealed at a later date.

The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in television programming honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be produced once again by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI). Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie executive produces from ATI.

Congratulations to all the men and women in front of the camera and behind the scenes for their recognition as we take a look at who will be going for gold come June. Here are the nominees below starting with the Daytime Drama Categories.

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

Neighbours

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

Tamara Braun, Days of our Lives

Finola Hughes, General Hospital

Katherine Kelly Lang, The Bold and the Beautiful

Annika Noelle, The Bold and the Beautiful

Michelle Stafford,  The Young and the Restless

Cynthia Watros, General Hospital

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

Eric Braeden, The Young and the Restless

Scott Clifton, The Bold and the Beautiful

Thorsten Kaye, The Bold and the Beautiful

Eric Martsolf, Days of our Lives

John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTRESS

Jennifer Gareis, The Bold and the Beautiful

Linsey Godfrey, Days of our Lives

Courtney Hope, The Young and the Restless

Allison Lanier, The Young and the Restless

Emily O’Brien, Days of our Lives

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES: ACTOR

Robert Gossett, General Hospital

Bryton James, The Young and the Restless

Wally Kurth, Days of our Lives

A Martinez, The Bay

Mike Manning, The Bay

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

Linden Ashby, The Young and the Restless

Ashley Jones, The Bold and the Beautiful

Alley Mills, General Hospital

Guy Pearce, Neighbours

Dick Van Dyke, Days of our Lives

OUTSTANDING WRITING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

Photo: JPI

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING TEAM FOR A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

The Bay

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION

General Hospital

The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Kelly Clarkson Show

The View

Photo: ABC

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO

The Bold and the Beautiful

Days of our Lives

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

The Kelly Clarkson Show

OUTSTANDING CASTING

African Queens: Njinga

Days of our Lives

General Hospital

Start Up

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN

African Queens: Njinga

The Drew Barrymore Show

General Hospital

The Kelly Clarkson Show

The View

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING

African Queens: Njinga

The Bold and the Beautiful

The Jennifer Hudson Show

Sherri

Photo: WarnerBros

OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING AND MAKEUP

African Queens: Njinga

The Drew Barrymore Show

Sherri

The View

The Young and the Restless

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG

“Shine” General Hospital

“Unexpected Truth”Unexpected

“We’re Home” Reconnecting Roots

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME TALK SERIES

The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Tamron Hall

Turning The Tables with Robin Roberts

The View

Photo: ABC

OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS SERIES

Access Hollywood

Entertainment Tonight

Extra

OUTSTANDING CULINARY SERIES

Be My Guest with Ina Garten

Family Dinner

Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays

Valerie’s Home Cooking

What Am I Eating? with Zooey Deschanel

OUTSTANDING LEGAL/COURTROOM PROGRAM

Hot Bench

Judy Justice

Justice For The People with Judge Milian

The People’s Court

We The People with Judge Lauren Lake

Photo: Disney/ABC

DAYTIME TALK SERIES HOST

Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View

Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show

Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa, Live with Kelly and Mark

Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk

Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall

OUTSTANDING CULINARY HOST

Lidia Bastianich, 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee

Valerie Bertinelli, Valerie’s Home Cooking

Eduardo Garcia, Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia

Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks

Sophia Roe, Counter Space

Buddy Valastro, Legends of the Fork

OUTSTANDING DAYTIME PERSONALITY – DAILY

Frank Caprio, Caught in Providence

Kevin Frazier, Nischelle Turner , Matt Cohen, Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Will Marfuggi, Rachel Smith, Entertainment Tonight

Deborah Norville, Steven Fabian, Lisa Guerrero, Ann Mercogliano, Jim Moret, Les Trent. Inside Edition

Robert Hernandez, Star Jones, Divorce Court

Judge Judy Sheindlin, Whitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose, Judy Justice

What do you think about the nominations for the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Who do you think deserved to get in that did? Who do you think got snubbed? Who are you happiest to see receive a nomination? Let us know via the comment section below.

Make sure to be with us live starting tonight Friday, April 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th anniversary edition of its Daytime Emmy Nomination Special 2024, featuring some of the just announced daytime drama nominees. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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