Chrissy Metz recently opened up about how her fame from This Is Us altered the way people treat her, particularly during air travel. In a candid interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Metz explained the stark contrast in reactions she experiences now compared to before her rise to stardom.
Before her role as Kate Pearson on the hit NBC family drama, Metz noticed that fellow passengers often reacted negatively to her presence on airplanes. She recalled, “Before the show, I could go on an airplane and someone could not want to sit next to me if they were too squished or they were going to be like, ‘Oh, gosh, here comes a big girl that I have to sit next to.'” However, since achieving fame, she finds that people now view her differently, often treating her with a sense of admiration. “Now because I’m on a TV show, they don’t care. Or they’re like, ‘Oh, well you’re famous,'” she noted.
Metz emphasized the importance of not letting public perception dictate her self-worth. She stated, “I can’t attach to the good or the bad” reactions stemming from her fame. This perspective helps her maintain control over how she views herself, acknowledging that while people may not genuinely care about her, they are intrigued by who they think she is based on her TV persona.
Prior to This Is Us, Metz had appeared in minor television roles and worked primarily as an agent. The casting director, Dan Fogelman, recognized her potential and cast her alongside veteran actors such as Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia. This opportunity catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations. Her portrayal of Kate has been praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of the experiences faced by plus-size women.
During the interview, Kern Lima questioned whether the judgment Metz faced before her fame had changed. Metz responded thoughtfully, acknowledging that while some may drop their prejudgments upon recognizing her fame, new judgments arise, such as assumptions about what she can offer them. “I don’t understand it, but it is very interesting to me,” she remarked, highlighting the complexities of celebrity relationships.
Metz also shared how the shift in how people treat her affects her own views on relationships. The mixed treatment from others has made it challenging for her to trust new people in her life. She reflected on the authenticity of her friendships, stating, “The friends that I have are from when I was broke, broke, broke, broke, broke.” This acknowledgment of her past makes it difficult for her to decipher the true intentions of new acquaintances.
Despite recognizing the challenges of fame, Metz appreciates the positive experiences that come with it. She expressed gratitude for the beautiful opportunities to meet new people and visit exciting places, which she never anticipated.
The cast of This Is Us continues to support each other even after the show concluded in 2022. Their bond remains strong, as evidenced by recent reunions and celebrations of their individual successes, including Justin Hartley’s and Sterling K. Brown’s recent achievements.
