<P> Jack struggled with alcoholism while the children were young, but he stopped drinking to focus more on his family . However, he relapsed into alcoholism when he had a drink after a fight due to a disagreement with his wife, who wanted to go on tour with a band with a member she'd once dated . His drinking continued for some time until he decided to deal with the problem, at first by boxing, and then by attending AA meetings . His sobriety and AA work continued for at least 6 months . </P> <P> Jack died while his children were in high school, and Kate keeps his ashes with her . The exact cause of Jack's death has not yet been revealed, but the Pearson house is seen by Rebecca after being burnt in a fire . </P> <P> Rebecca Pearson née Malone (born 1950 or 1951), portrayed by Mandy Moore, is Jack's wife, and the mother of Kate, Kevin, and Randall . </P> <P> She strives to be a better mother to her children, and has issues with Jack's alcoholism . She has always known that William is Randall's father, but kept them apart as she was afraid that he would try to take Randall back . </P>

Who plays kate pearson's mom on this is us