‘This Is Us’: 3 Performances That Prove Susan Kelechi Watson Deserves All the Awards

As played by Susan Kelechi Watson, Beth is a fan-favorite on the NBC hit drama, 'This Is Us'. The actress continues to give scene-stealing performances.

by Mandi Kerr

Published on June 9, 2020

2 min read

Beth toasts William on ‘This Is Us’

Spending only a few months together before his death, William (Ron Cephas Jones) got to know his son, granddaughters, and daughter-in-law before his death.

Viewers learn in This Is Us Season 1 Episode 17: What Now? that before his passing, William left special instructions that Randall’s daughters plan his memorial. The girls oblige and fill the Pearson house with balloons and candy.

Despite the fun atmosphere, the decorations can’t cover up the grief the family feels. At the memorial or “FUN-eral” as it’s called, Beth gives a moving tribute to William. Up to that point, she hadn’t really opened up about grieving her father-in-law whom she’d become close friends with.

Using the microphone on her kids’ karaoke machine, Beth tears up talking about the way William touched the family. The moment proved to be heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time.

She gives advice to Tess and Randall

Beth gathers Randall and their oldest daughter, Tess (Eris Baker), in the kitchen for a talk about anxiety. She tells them not to get down on themselves about their experiences with anxiety and gives them a tip to help them cope. Pouring a glass of sparkling water for each of them, Beth says: “And if it ever gets to be too much just take a minute and wait for the bubbles to settle.”

Sitting in silence, Tess eventually opens up to her parents about coming out to her classmates. Randall acknowledges Tess’s feelings and says they’ll figure it all out together. It’s one of the many scenes about parenting in This Is Us that that touches viewers.

Beth tells Randall she won’t ‘bend’ for him

We got a closer look at Beth and Randall’s past in This Is Us Season 3 Episode 17: R & B. Taking viewers through major moments in their relationship, fans watched as the normally in-sync couple went through a rough patch in present day.

Beth tells Randall she’s not willing to “bend” for him when it comes to her pursuing a job in dance. She says she’s always the one making compromises to make things for them and their family work. Watson shines in the scene, giving viewers a look at a new side to Beth.