Okay, picture this: You’re watching This Is Us, maybe with a box of tissues nearby (because, let's be honest, you ALWAYS need tissues). Suddenly, this character pops up – Nicky Pearson. But who is he, and more importantly, who plays him?
Let's Talk About Nicky!
Nicky, as we know, is Jack Pearson's younger brother. He’s a complex character, wrestling with his demons and a past shrouded in mystery and… well, let's just say, he's a bit of a complicated dude, like that one drawer in your kitchen you never quite get organized.
Initially, we only see Nicky in flashbacks, mostly portraying him as a younger man during the Vietnam War. But then, BOOM, present-day Nicky enters the scene, and it's like a whole new set of questions (and emotions!) are unlocked.
The Younger Nicky: Michael Angarano
When we see young Nicky – think bell bottoms, serious eyes, and a whole lotta potential for trouble – that’s the amazing Michael Angarano! He perfectly embodies that youthful energy, the innocence that gets chipped away by life’s harder moments.
You might recognize Michael from movies like Almost Famous or Sky High (remember that one? Classic!). He’s been acting since he was practically a toddler, so he knows his stuff!
He brings a vulnerability to the role of young Nicky that just breaks your heart. You just want to reach through the screen and give him a hug, like you would a lost puppy!
The Older Nicky: Griffin Dunne
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Present-day Nicky is played by the incredibly talented Griffin Dunne. This man is a legend, seriously!
Griffin Dunne has been in, like, a million movies and TV shows (okay, maybe not a million, but it feels like it). He's a master of portraying characters with a little bit of an edge, a little bit of sadness, and a whole lot of hidden depth.
Think quirky, think a little bit grumpy but with a heart of gold underneath all that… that's Griffin Dunne as older Nicky! He truly nailed the nuances of a man grappling with a lifetime of regrets and trying to find his place.
I mean, just imagine trying to take on a character who's been living in a trailer park, wrestling with PTSD, and then suddenly being welcomed into the Pearson family madness. It's a lot to handle!
Why Two Nickys?
Having two different actors play Nicky at different stages of his life is pure genius! It allows us to see the full spectrum of his character, from the bright-eyed young man to the weathered, older version.
Each actor brings something unique to the role, and it all blends together to create this unforgettable character that you can't help but root for, even when he's making questionable decisions (and let's face it, Nicky makes some doozies!).
It highlights how life, and especially trauma, can drastically change a person, but that redemption and love are always possible, which is a theme This Is Us does brilliantly!
In summary, remember Michael Angarano as the young, bright-eyed Nicky and Griffin Dunne as the older, more weathered version. Both actors bring something special to the character.
So, the next time someone asks, "Who plays Nicky on This Is Us?", you can confidently say, "Well, actually, it's two amazing actors! Michael Angarano and Griffin Dunne!" And then, you can proceed to give them a detailed analysis of Nicky's character arc.
Trust me, they'll be impressed (and maybe a little overwhelmed). Happy watching!
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