This Is Us: What Happened to Toby

NBC's hit drama series "This Is Us" became known for its emotional storytelling and complex character development over its six-season run. Among the many beloved characters, Toby Damon, portrayed by actor Chris Sullivan, experienced one of the most significant character arcs. Fans of the show often wonder: what happened to Toby throughout the series? This article explores Toby's journey from his introduction as Kate's funny boyfriend to his evolution through marriage, fatherhood, divorce, and beyond.

Toby's Introduction and Early Character Development

When viewers first met Toby Damon in season one, he was introduced as Kate Pearson's charming, joke-cracking love interest from a weight loss support group.

The Comedy Mask

Initially, Toby's character served as comic relief, using humor as a defense mechanism to hide his own struggles with depression and self-esteem issues. His upbeat personality and unwavering pursuit of Kate made him instantly likable to audiences.

The Health Crisis That Changed Everything

One of the first major turning points for Toby came during the first season's winter finale.

Toby's Heart Attack

In a shocking Christmas Eve scene, Toby collapsed from a heart attack after surprising Kate by flying to the Pearson family gathering. This medical emergency forced both the character and viewers to confront Toby's mortality and health issues related to his weight.

The Marriage to Kate Pearson

After his recovery, Toby's relationship with Kate deepened, eventually leading to their marriage in the season 2 finale.

Wedding Day Revelations

On their wedding day, Toby made the decision to stop taking his antidepressant medication to increase their chances of conceiving a child—a choice that would have significant consequences for his mental health.

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Toby's Battle with Depression

Following the wedding, viewers witnessed Toby's descent into clinical depression, revealing a much darker side to the previously jovial character.

The Return of Mental Illness

Season 3 showed Toby bedridden and unable to function normally due to severe depression. This storyline brought important attention to mental health issues and medication management, showing how even the seemingly happiest people can struggle with invisible illnesses.

Fatherhood and Its Challenges

One of the most significant chapters in Toby's story was his journey into fatherhood.

Baby Jack's Premature Birth

When Kate gave birth to their son Jack prematurely in season 3, Toby struggled with the reality of having a child with visual impairment. His initial difficulty bonding with baby Jack revealed his fears and insecurities about being a father to a child with special needs.

Growing into the Dad Role

Despite his initial fears, Toby eventually embraced his role as Jack's father, showing tremendous growth as he learned to navigate the challenges of raising a child with blindness.

Career Changes and Identity Shifts

As the series progressed, Toby underwent significant professional changes that affected his sense of self.

From Unemployment to Tech Success

After being laid off from his retail job, Toby eventually found success at a tech company in San Francisco. This career shift created physical distance between him and his family in Los Angeles and began the subtle unraveling of his marriage to Kate.

The Dissolution of "KaToby"

Perhaps the most painful chapter in Toby's story was the slow breakdown of his marriage to Kate.

Growing Apart

The flash-forwards in seasons 4 and 5 began hinting at trouble in their marriage, showing Kate remarrying in the future. The distance created by Toby's San Francisco job, different parenting approaches, and communication issues all contributed to their growing estrangement.

The Final Breaking Point

Season 6 showed the culmination of their marital problems, including a pivotal argument during which Toby's frustration led to damaging words that couldn't be taken back. The emotional episode "Saturday in the Park" portrayed a frightening incident where Jack wandered off and got injured while under their care—a moment that crystallized their incompatibility as parents.

Toby After the Divorce

Following his divorce from Kate, Toby's story didn't end but rather entered a new phase.

Co-Parenting Evolution

The series showed Toby and Kate learning to navigate co-parenting their children, Jack and Hailey. Their relationship gradually transformed from antagonistic to respectfully cordial, demonstrating mature growth from both characters.

Finding New Love

In the flash-forwards, viewers discovered that Toby eventually found love again with a woman named Laura. While his second relationship wasn't explored in depth, it suggested that Toby ultimately found happiness and companionship.

Toby in the Future Timeline

One of "This Is Us" signature storytelling techniques was its use of flash-forwards, revealing glimpses of characters' futures.

Rebecca's Deathbed Scenes

In the far-future timeline showing the family gathering for Rebecca's final days, Toby appeared having lost weight and seemingly at peace with his place in the extended Pearson family. Despite no longer being married to Kate, he remained an important part of the family constellation.

His Relationship with Adult Jack

Flash-forwards also revealed that Toby maintained a close relationship with his grown son Jack, who became a successful musician despite his visual impairment. This indicated that despite the divorce, Toby succeeded as a father.

Conclusion

Toby Damon's journey throughout "This Is Us" represents one of the most fully realized character arcs in recent television. From his introduction as Kate's funny boyfriend to his evolution through marriage, fatherhood, divorce, and beyond, Toby's character demonstrated the complexities of mental health, the challenges of maintaining a marriage, and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

What happened to Toby on "This Is Us" wasn't simply a linear narrative but rather a realistic portrayal of life's ups and downs. Through Chris Sullivan's nuanced performance, viewers witnessed a character who faced failure and heartbreak but ultimately found his way to a place of contentment and self-acceptance. Though his story didn't end with the fairy-tale marriage viewers initially hoped for, Toby's journey resonated because of its authenticity and emotional truth.