Susan Kelechi Watson is widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Beth Pearson in NBC's hit show "This Is Us." However, her journey extends far beyond this role. From her early days in New York City to her current success in Hollywood, Watson's story is one of perseverance, balance, and embracing life's multifaceted experiences.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raised in New York City by Jamaican immigrant parents, Susan Kelechi Watson pursued her passion for acting, culminating in graduate studies at New York University. There, she crossed paths with Sterling K. Brown, her future onscreen husband in "This Is Us." Watson's talent and dedication earned her a scholarship to study Shakespeare at the University of Oxford, supported by Denzel Washington and Phylicia Rashad.
Before landing her role in "This Is Us", she appeared in Louie (as Louis C.K.’s ex-wife, Janet), The Blacklist, or Divorce.
Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle
Watson's approach to health and well-being revolves around balance and moderation. While residing in Los Angeles for "This Is Us," she explored the local culinary scene, from healthy options like M Cafe to indulging in In-N-Out burgers.
A Glimpse into a Week of Eating
In January 2017, Watson shared a week of her food diary, providing insights into her eating habits:
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- Thursday: Started with a homemade pumpkin-spice muffins and fruit plate, ordered a tuna burger with sweet-potato fries from M Cafe, and picked up juices and a kale, sweet potato, and apple salad from Erewhon.
- Friday: Began with instant oatmeal and finished the kale salad. For lunch on set, she had a chicken bánh mì sandwich. Dinner was at Figaro Bistro, where she enjoyed mussels in cream-and-wine sauce.
- Saturday: Celebrated a day off with organic oats and flax, followed by a sushi order for lunch. Dinner consisted of Amy’s Organic canned lentil soup.
- Sunday: Started with flax oatmeal, then met a friend at Harvest Moon for eggs, butternut squash, chicken sausage, and a biscuit.
- Monday: Had an early call to set and ordered an egg-white omelet with vegetables and cheddar cheese. Later, she satisfied an In-N-Out burger craving.
- Tuesday: Enjoyed flax oatmeal, followed by an albacore-tuna-salad sandwich from Comoncy. She ended the day with another In-N-Out cheeseburger.
This snapshot reveals Watson's commitment to healthy choices while allowing for occasional indulgences.
Beth Pearson: A Character of Strength and Depth
Beth Pearson, Watson's character in "This Is Us," has resonated with audiences for her strength, wit, and unwavering support of her family. She is often seen as the "best Pearson," offering powerful pep talks and grounding wisdom.
Exploring Beth's Backstory
Season 3 and 4 of "This Is Us" delved deeper into Beth's background, revealing her dreams and aspirations. An entire episode was dedicated to her past, showcasing her passion for dance and her journey to becoming the woman she is today.
Beth's Evolving Role
As the series progressed, Beth's character evolved, facing challenges in her marriage and career. These struggles highlighted the importance of a woman knowing who she is beyond her roles as a wife and mother.
"Our Little Island Girl"
In Season 6, Watson co-wrote an episode titled "Our Little Island Girl: Part 2," which she considered the culmination of Beth's storyline. This episode showcased Beth's transformative moment, where she embraces her purpose and sheds past guilt and shame.
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Lessons from Susan Kelechi Watson
Watson's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring artists and anyone seeking a fulfilling life:
- Practice the Life You Want: Regardless of current circumstances, strive to embody the person you want to become.
- Value Yourself: Your worth remains constant, irrespective of your situation. Don't let external factors dictate your self-esteem.
- Let Your Dreams Chase You: Focus on personal growth and allow opportunities to come to you.
- Direct Your Day: Start each day with stillness, reflection, and a positive mindset.
- Find Personal Mottoes: Adopt guiding principles that provide motivation and peace.
- Embrace Aging: Stay active, engaged, and surround yourself with positive influences.
Weight Loss Journey
While information about Susan Kelechi Watson's specific weight loss journey is limited, her commitment to a balanced lifestyle suggests a mindful approach to health and well-being. Her diet, as revealed in her food diary, includes a mix of healthy choices and occasional indulgences, reflecting a sustainable and realistic approach to maintaining a healthy weight.
Beyond "This Is Us": Future Endeavors
Susan Kelechi Watson's career continues to flourish beyond her role in "This Is Us." In January 2019, she executive-produced her first film, "Premature," which debuted at Sundance. She also appeared in the Fred Rogers biopic "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" alongside Tom Hanks.
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