Ever wondered about the future of our beloved Deja on This Is Us? We all got a glimpse of her grown-up self in those flash-forwards. But who is the actress behind that older, wiser Deja?
Well, buckle up, because the answer might surprise you. It's not a digitally aged version of Lyric Ross, the amazing actress who plays teenage Deja. Nope! Instead, the role of older Deja is brought to life by someone else entirely.
The Mystery Woman Revealed!
The actress who steps into Deja's shoes in the flash-forwards is La Trice Ruffin. You might not immediately recognize her, and that's perfectly okay!
Ruffin has been working steadily in television for years, popping up in shows like Chicago Med and Grey's Anatomy. It's a testament to the show's commitment to the flash-forward storyline that they brought someone new.
Why Not Just Age Up Lyric Ross?
Great question! This is where things get interesting. Aging up an actor convincingly takes a lot of movie magic and can sometimes look…well, not quite right. This Is Us wanted the flash-forwards to feel as authentic as possible.
Also, think about it: sometimes, people just look different as they age. Features change, hairlines recede (sorry, guys!), and voices deepen. Casting La Trice Ruffin allowed the show to really sell the passage of time.
Another likely reason: Scheduling! Lyric Ross was still quite young during much of the show's run. Balancing the demanding schedule of This Is Us with school and other opportunities might have been tricky.
Deja's Future and the Magic of Casting
Ruffin's portrayal of older Deja added another layer of intrigue to the character. She captured the essence of Deja's strength and resilience, hinting at a promising future for the young woman who overcame so much.
The subtle performance gave us clues about what Deja's life might hold. Remember those hints about her romantic life with Malik Hodges? The older Deja gave us a knowing smile that spoke volumes!
It's one of those small details that contributes to the overall genius of This Is Us. The show consistently delivers emotional punches and thoughtful storytelling. The casting of older Deja is a perfect example of this!
A Little Trivia for the This Is Us Fanatic
Did you know that some fans initially speculated about who was playing older Deja? The theories ranged from other actresses to elaborate explanations about time travel (hey, you never know!).
The reveal of La Trice Ruffin was met with a mix of surprise and admiration. It showcased the show's attention to detail and willingness to take risks with casting choices. Plus, it got people talking!
So, next time you're re-watching This Is Us and those flash-forwards pop up, remember La Trice Ruffin. She's the one bringing older Deja to life, and she does a fantastic job!
It’s a fun reminder that sometimes, the most impactful stories are built on a thousand little decisions, including who gets to play a character in the future.