This Is Us

Season 1 M-Net (*101) 19:30 Drama

Nearly 20 years ago, Milo Ventimiglia walked into Stars Hollow as troublemaker Jess in dramedy series Gilmore Girls (2000-2017). The 40-year-old has grown up but he’s still attracted to dramedies – he’s playing troubled dad Jack in This Is Us (2016-current). Milo says that he chose the role because “there was a family connection and it seemed like a really nice journey piece”.

The Californian isn’t a family man 1

yet but learnt the hard way that being the baby in the family isn’t always fun. His two older sisters – photographer Laurel (42) and fine artist Leslie (44) – showed their love by “dressing me up like a girl, says Milo. “It wasn’t fun for me but it influenced my approach towards women for the better.”

While he’s currently dating Kelly 2

Egarian, a marketing co-ordinator for fashion brand Stella McCartney, Milo has dated celebs in the past, like Gilmore Girls co-star Alexis Bledel from 2002 to 2006, and Hayden Panettiere, his co-star from sci-fi show Heroes (2006-2010) in 2008.

He’s not just an actor – Milo owns 3

production house Divide Pictures which he founded in 2003 with friend and former talent agent Russ Cundiff. He announced in March this year that “we sold a show to FOX, a law enforcement show that we will be delivering this year”. And Milo may star in it too.

When he does manage to find a 4

little downtime, the actor restores muscle cars, specifically 1964-1972 models. Like the one Jack is forced to sell in episode 11 of This Is Us (7 August).

And if you’re wondering, to pro5

nounce his name, “You just take out the G,” he laughs. NB! See p7.