At a Glance
- Sterling K. Brown, 49, shares how he and wife Ryan Michelle Bathé keep their 20-year marriage thriving.
- The couple first met as Stanford students, married in 2006, and now have two sons.
- Brown talks about choosing each other every day during a live podcast taping.
- Why it matters: Their story offers a real-life example of commitment that echoes the themes of the show they star in.
Sterling K. Brown’s recent appearance on the rewatch podcast That Was Us gave fans a rare glimpse into the secret behind a two-decade marriage. The actor, who plays Randall on the Emmy-winning series This Is Us, discussed how he and wife Ryan Michelle Bathé keep their bond strong while reflecting on the show’s own relationship drama.
The Podcast Moment
On Jan. 17, Brown appeared at The Wiltern in Los Angeles for a live taping of That Was Us. The podcast, which revisits This Is Us episodes, featured co-hosts Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan. While talking about Kate and Toby’s marriage and eventual divorce, Brown slipped into a personal conversation about his own family.
> “My wife is the love of my life, not because it’s always easy, but because we keep choosing each other,” he said. “Even when we’re not perfect for each other, you can still choose each other and just choose to be perfect for each other.”
Brown’s comments came as he celebrated 20 years of marriage in March, a milestone he marked with a quiet ceremony in 2006 and a larger wedding a year later.
A Marriage Rooted in College
Brown and Bathé first crossed paths as students at Stanford University in the 1990s. Their early relationship was marked by on-and-off dating, a common pattern for many college sweethearts. After graduating in 1998, the couple temporarily called it quits.
They later rekindled their romance, leading to a wedding in March 2006. The couple’s early years together were characterized by shared academic interests and mutual support during a pivotal transition from student life to adulthood.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Brown and Bathé graduate from Stanford; relationship pauses |
| March 2006 | First wedding ceremony (elopement) |
| 2007 | Larger wedding celebration |
| 2011 | Birth of first son, Andrew |
| 2015 | Birth of second son, Amaré |
| 2026 | Brown speaks on That Was Us about their marriage |
The Love That Grows
Brown’s perspective on marriage centers on the idea of continuous choice. He emphasizes that love isn’t a static feeling but a decision made daily. This view aligns with the This Is Us narrative, where characters often grapple with the complexities of long-term relationships.
> “You know what I’m saying? So even when we’re not perfect for each other, you can still choose each other and just choose to be perfect for each other.”
The actor’s willingness to share these insights publicly highlights his belief that the lessons from This Is Us can be applied to real life. By discussing his own experiences, Brown offers a blueprint for couples navigating the challenges of marriage.
Family Life
Brown and Bathé’s family expanded with the births of two sons:
- Andrew (born 2011)
- Amaré (born 2015)
The couple’s children have become a central part of their shared life, providing additional reasons for the couple to stay committed. Their parenting style reflects the same principle of choosing each other, as they work together to raise their sons in a supportive environment.
Lessons Shared
The interview underscored several key takeaways that fans and viewers can apply:
- Choice over comfort: Love requires deliberate decision-making.
- Perseverance in imperfection: Accepting flaws is part of maintaining a strong bond.
- Consistent celebration: Marking milestones, like anniversaries, reinforces commitment.
These ideas mirror the emotional arcs of This Is Us, where characters often confront their own imperfections while striving to stay together.
Key Takeaways
- Sterling K. Brown illustrates how a long-term marriage can thrive through daily choices.
- The couple’s history-from Stanford to two sons-shows that commitment can endure beyond early challenges.
- Brown’s public sharing reinforces the show’s message that love is an active, ongoing process.
Fans of This Is Us and anyone interested in real-world relationship advice will find Brown’s insights both relatable and inspiring.
Final Thoughts
Sterling K. Brown’s candid discussion on That Was Us offers more than just a personal anecdote; it provides a roadmap for couples navigating the complexities of marriage. By emphasizing choice, perseverance, and celebration, Brown demonstrates that love, much like the stories on This Is Us, requires continuous effort and dedication.
Categories: Breaking News, World News
