As both an executive producer and lead actor in Hulu’s new series “Paradise,” Sterling K. Brown has leveraged his extensive viewership experience to assemble a cast of talented actors he admires.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to bring in people I truly respect,” Brown shared during a recent discussion. He recounted a moment when he felt starstruck meeting Julianne Nicholson at the Emmys, shortly after her win for “Mare of Easttown.” Now, he finds himself sharing the screen with her, which he considers a dream come true.
Brown, widely recognized for his portrayal of Randall on the series “This Is Us,” had a standout role that concluded in 2022, and he earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting part in the film “American Fiction.” In “Paradise,” he plays a Secret Service agent, protecting James Marsden’s character, the President of the United States. A shocking murder unfolds at the start of the series, leading viewers into a deeper enigma that extends beyond the initial mystery of the crime itself.
Expressing excitement about Marsden’s involvement, Brown said, “When James became available, I had to have him on board. I had just watched him in ‘Jury Duty,’ and he had me laughing hard.” He feels that “Paradise” provides Marsden with an exceptional chance to showcase his range in ways previously unseen.
Marsden, in turn, praised Brown, calling him one of the industry’s genuine talents. “He’s truly one of the most generous and humble individuals I’ve encountered in Hollywood,” he remarked. Marsden added that Brown is dedicated not only to his craft but also to uplifting those around him, making him a role model in the industry.
“Paradise” explores themes like climate change, societal privilege, and the hierarchy of survival during crises. Brown highlights the show’s relevance, which he notes is purely coincidental, given that Dan Fogelman—the creator behind “This Is Us”—conceptualized “Paradise” a decade ago. He finds it fitting that the show stimulates critical thinking about contemporary issues.
“There’s an intriguing intersection of capitalism and politics globally, especially in the U.S.,” he explained. “Our show addresses these dynamics by examining who truly holds power and questioning if that is just.”
The series has received strong backing from Disney, the parent company of Hulu, who premiered it Sunday night across both Hulu and Disney+. Subsequent episodes will be available on Tuesdays before shifting to a weekly release schedule.
In a recent Q&A session, Brown addressed various topics, including his experience with “Paradise,” podcasting endeavors, and his thoughts on the auditioning process. Responses were edited for clarity and brevity.
When asked about the well-being of friends and former co-stars like Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, both of whom were affected by the recent LA fires, Brown reassured that everyone is safe and healthy. He emphasized the emotional complexity of feeling both grateful and saddened for those who lost so much, stating his commitment to assisting them in any way possible.
Regarding his decision to accept the role in “Paradise,” Brown shared that working again with Fogelman was a significant draw. After reading the pilot script, he was captivated by how different his character was from Randall. He also appreciated the unique opportunity to serve as an executive producer alongside stepping into a leading role, which he approached with some trepidation.
Brown has also ventured into the realm of podcasts, launching two: one with his wife Ryan Michelle Bathe, and another revisiting “This Is Us” alongside Chris Sullivan and Moore. The spark for the podcast originated from friends who suggested that their dynamic was too entertaining not to share. Following a casual brunch conversation about a potential rewatch podcast with Sullivan, the project quickly came to fruition, allowing them to bond while revisiting their past work.
Finally, when queried about his preference for auditioning versus being offered roles, Brown confessed that he misses the auditioning experience. “Landing a job through an audition gives a strong sense of validation,” he reflected. He recounted auditioning for “The People v. O.J. Simpson” and noted the significance of recognizing his talent amidst a star-studded cast. Now, he feels the need to continuously demonstrate that he is worthy of the roles being offered to him.
