Known best as Kate Pearson from the hit NBC show “This Is Us,” actress Chrissy Metz is now a New York Times best-selling author. To promote her new book “This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today,” Metz is on tour around the United States. Anderson’s Bookshop hosted her stop in Naperville on April 5.
Photo by Gabby Boyle
Metz co-hosted the evening’s talk with her best friend and manager Donnie Berry, who she said has been with her from her days of eating ramen and struggling to pay her bills all the way to her newfound fame. Through effortless, comedic banter, the occasional duets and genuine laughs, Metz and Berry charmed the packed audience.
However, it was not all fun and games. Metz touched on the pros and cons of fame, emphasizing that while she is grateful to be doing what she loves, people don’t always realize that it is still work.
She also stressed the importance of setting healthy boundaries, including letting go of the idea that you need to reach certain milestones by a certain age. “Everything happens exactly as it should when it should,” said Metz.
She went on to explain that her journey to becoming Kate Pearson was like jumping through hoops. After four auditions filled with kindhearted competition, Metz received a nerve-wracking call from executive producer Dan Fogelman where he said: “you’re our girl.”
Moving into audience questions, Metz covered topics ranging from her favorite episode of “This Is Us” (“The Wedding,” because it was her first time working with Milo Ventimiglia) to having lunch with Oprah Winfrey (giving the advice “clean your car before you go to O’s”), all the way to how she has learned to let go of the past.
Photo by Gabby Boyle
The latter is covered in her book, where she opens up about her tumultuous childhood and growing up with an abusive stepfather. Over the years, Metz has found solace in spiritual practice and meditation, and continues learning from her past through forgiveness.
Through “This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today,” Metz hopes to inspire anyone facing hardship in life, whether it be for what they wear, how much they weigh or how much money they have — things she has dealt with herself.
“Who I am and what I am dealing with is helping other people and that’s what we’re here for,” said Metz.
Contributed reporting by Gabby Boyle
