Phylicia Rashad To Play Susan Kelechi Watson's No-Nonsense Black Mama On ‘This Is Us’

We’re about to find out how Beth Pearson became the headscarf-wearing, husband-checking, ‘Manny’-hating, homegirl with whom we love to spend our Tuesday nights.

Entertainment Weekly reports that the Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad will be playing Beth Pearson’s mother Carol on upcoming episodes of This Is Us. Her character has been described as “formidable,” so we’re expecting to see how Beth, played by Susan Kelechi Watson, learned the art of the classy clap back.  

Rashad reportedly will make her debut on the NBC hit series in an episode centered on who Beth was before she was one-half of our favorite TV couples.

Kelechi Watson expressed her joy about the casting choice in one word. She posted “THIS!” beside a purple heart emoji in a caption to announce the news on Instagram.

Kelechi Watson and Rashad have an offscreen connection as well. The two are both graduates of Howard University and Rashad handpicked Kelechi Watson to study Shakespeare abroad in London.

Rashad has been spending a great amount of time on the small screen lately. She has a recurring role as Empire’s Diana Dubois, the matriarch of the Lion family foes. She is also going to be starring in the new OWN series David Makes Man.

This Is Us returns on Tuesday, January 15 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.