NBC's hit drama This Is Us primarily follows the Pearson family, taking a look at multiple time periods to tell the story of one interconnected family. There are multiple storylines and characters to follow at any given point, and the family history alone is enough to make your head spin. This Is Us will be taking a little break from the Pearsons in order to peak into the lives of William's family. The show has cast a few members of his family, who will mostly appear in flashbacks for an upcoming episode.
Entertainment Weekly has the scoop, and they report that This Is Us will finally be looking at William's side of the family tree. The details are slim, but we know that the series has cast Amanda Warren as William's mother, Dorothy. Warren will appear in an upcoming episode of the hit drama series, likely through flashbacks to William's early life. Not much else is known about the specifics of the role or what her relationship with William was like, but all will be revealed in due time.
Amanda Warren has an extensive TV resume, having a number of credits from shows such as The Good Wife, The Leftovers, Gossip Girl, and The Closer. In addition to This Is Us, she has a recurring role on the upcoming NBC drama Taken. She'll also be appearing on Season 5 of House of Cards, which airs on Netflix on May 30.
Joining Warren on the William side, Brian Tyree Henry will be playing young William's cousin. Henry is perhaps best known for his most recent role on FX's Atlanta --which scored big at the Golden Globes -- as Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles. He's also known for his parts on Boardwalk Empire, Vice Principals, and coincidentally, The Good Wife.
Seeing William's side of the family should be interesting to watch for viewers. While fans are deeply familiar with the ins and outs of the Pearson clan, not too much is known about Randall's biological father. William is a former drug addict who had to abandon a newborn Randall at the hospital, so one would imagine that his flashbacks will show what eventually led him toward that path.
You'll be able to see William's side of things when This Is Us returns Tuesday, February 7, at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. To learn when more of your favorite shows are returning this season, head on over to our midseason premiere guide!
