Sterling K. Brown showed remarkable progress at the 2026 Golden Globes, reuniting with This Is Us co-star Justin Hartley just five months after a devastating Achilles tendon tear. Fans got a behind-the-scenes look at their heartfelt moment that revealed how the 49-year-old actor is bouncing back from injury.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Reunion: Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley met inside The Beverly Hilton during the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11, 2026
- Injury Timeline: Brown tore his Achilles tendon in September 2025 while playing sports, underwent surgery afterward
- Recovery Gains: He can now walk, swim, and ride a bike but cannot run yet
- Paradise Success: Brown’s Hulu role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series
A Sweet Reunion That Wasn’t on TV
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Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley shared a touching behind-the-scenes moment at the Golden Globes that audiences never saw. The two former Pearson family brothers sat together at The Beverly Hilton during the ceremony. Brown rolled up his pant leg to show Hartley his recovering leg. Hartley responded with genuine concern, gently touching the area where Brown had undergone surgery. The exchange captured their enduring bond from six seasons together.
Both actors played iconic brothers on This Is Us, which concluded in 2022 after a critically acclaimed run. Hartley portrayed troubled Kevin Pearson while Brown embodied the determined Randall Pearson. Their chemistry made them beloved by millions of viewers, and this reunion proved their connection transcends the show.
From Injury to Achievement
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Brown suffered his torn Achilles tendon in September 2025 during an athletic activity. He described the injury as sudden and unexpected, saying it felt like someone stomped on his heel. Despite needing surgery, Brown bravely attended the Emmy Awards just days after the injury occurred, arriving on a medical knee scooter to support his Paradise castmates.
Remarkably, Brown kept working on Paradise throughout his recovery and continued rehabilitation. The Hulu series, which premiered in 2025, has given him one of his most acclaimed roles since This Is Us ended. His dedication paid off with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series in the drama category, making the Golden Globes celebration even more meaningful.
| Recovery Milestone | Status |
| Walking | Fully able |
| Swimming | Fully able |
| Cycling | Fully able |
| Running | Not yet |
“It’s getting better. It’s getting better everyday. Like, I can walk, I can swim, I can ride a bike. But I can’t run yet. So I’m getting there.”
— Sterling K. Brown, at the Golden Globes Red Carpet
A History of Resilience
This is not Brown’s first major injury battle. At 49 years old, he has previously overcome two ACL injuries on his left leg, making his current recovery feel even more challenging. However, Brown attributes his mindset to years of therapy and personal growth work. He views rehabilitation as part of his ongoing wellness journey rather than a setback.
Brown shared extensive details about his injury and recovery process in a recent interview with Men’s Health magazine in December 2025. He emphasized that despite previous athletic injuries, this Achilles tear presents unique demands. His commitment to physical therapy and conditioning shows his determination to return to full strength and continue his thriving career in Hollywood.
What’s Next for This Is Us Stars
The This Is Us reunion at the Golden Globes has ignited fan hopes for a larger cast gathering. Brown has publicly stated he is completely on board for a full This Is Us reunion, and in September 2025, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan announced plans for a special That Was Us live podcast event coming in 2026. Additionally, Brown’s wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, confirmed she will join the cast for season two of Paradise, making his professional life as exciting as his personal recovery journey.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.