In the hit NBC drama 'This Is Us,' Sterling K. Brown captivated audiences with his emotional portrayal of Randall Pearson, a character known for his serious and responsible nature. However, in his latest project 'American Fiction,' Brown gets the opportunity to break free from that role and showcase his comedic side. Playing the character of Cliff, a recently outed gay man navigating grief through drugs, sex, and humor, Brown effortlessly steals every scene he's in.
While Jeffrey Wright takes on the lead role as Monk Ellison, Cliff's older brother, Brown's portrayal of the carefree and flamboyant Cliff adds a refreshing dynamic to the film. In contrast to his more buttoned-up characters in the past, Brown embraces the chance to embrace the Kevin-like character of Cliff, going against the grain and delighting the audience with his antics.
Based on the 2001 novel 'Erasure' by Percival Everett, 'American Fiction' is a satire adapted by writer-director Cord Jefferson. The story revolves around Monk, a disgruntled writer who writes a satirical novel under the pen name Stagg R. Lee, in an effort to challenge the prevalence of Black stereotypes in literature. Cliff, on the other hand, represents the wild and impulsive side of life, as his world unravels after his wife discovers his affair with another man.
Cliff's presence in the film brings both tragedy and comedy. While his actions may stem from grief and a sense of not being accepted for who he truly is, they also serve as a source of humor and entertainment. Brown effortlessly balances the delicate line between poignancy and laughter.
Although primarily known for his dramatic roles, Brown is no stranger to comedy. He has recently appeared in the mockumentary 'Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.' and garnered Emmy nominations for his work in comedies such as 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.' However, his breakthrough into the acting scene came with back-to-back Emmy-winning performances in dramas like 'American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson' and 'This Is Us.'
Even though it's been nearly two years since 'This Is Us' ended, Brown still receives overwhelming reactions from fans who express how much his performances have moved them emotionally. While he appreciates the impact he has had on viewers, Brown also relishes the opportunity to bring joy and laughter into their lives.
Director Cord Jefferson recognized the goodwill audiences have toward Brown and sought to enhance the lovable qualities of his other characters, such as Monk in 'American Fiction.' By surrounding Monk with actors who exude joy and affection, the film strikes a balance, showcasing the endearing side of the grumpy and complex protagonist.
Brown has always been aware of the perceptions of being cast in serious, heavy roles. As a Black actor with a sense of humor, he knew he might not immediately land those 'quirky-comedian' characters. However, he cultivated his own comedic sensibility, always ready to embrace those roles when they came along. Playing Cliff in 'American Fiction' allowed him to tap into his comedic side while delivering a poignant and nuanced performance.
Indeed, Brown's portrayal of Cliff is both humorous and heartbreaking. Cliff embodies the struggle of finding oneself amidst adversity, yet refusing to conform to societal standards. Returning to the environment where he never felt appreciated, Cliff vents his frustrations and takes charge of his life in a bold and unapologetic way.
Looking forward, Sterling K. Brown has an array of exciting projects on the horizon. From starring in the upcoming sci-fi thriller 'Atlas' alongside Jennifer Lopez, narrating the documentary 'The Psalm of Howard Thurman,' to reuniting with 'This Is Us' creator Dan Fogelman for an untitled Hulu series, Brown's career continues to thrive.
In addition to his acting endeavors, Brown is also venturing into the podcast realm with his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe. Their podcast, 'We Don't Always Agree With Sterling & Ryan,' is a twelve-episode series where they discuss various topics ranging from religion to child-rearing. Brown happily embraces the supporting role, describing himself as his wife's sidekick and enjoying the fun dynamic they bring to the show.
While comedy may also have its challenges, Brown knows how to balance the line between making people laugh and respecting others' sensibilities. A comical encounter with rapper Common on 'Saturday Night Live' left Brown momentarily panicked until he discovered it was all in good fun.
Sterling K. Brown is a versatile actor who continually pushes himself to grow and experiment. He cherishes the impact he has on audiences through his dramatic performances, but he also relishes the opportunity to bring laughter and merriment into their lives. With his ability to seamlessly transition between genres, it is evident that Brown's talent knows no bounds.
