Inside the Personal Life of One of Television’s Most Private Leading Men
For all his fame and acclaim, Justin Hartley remains, at heart, a man deeply grounded in his personal values—especially when it comes to family. While his on-screen characters often face emotional chaos and romantic turbulence, Hartley’s real life tells a story of growth, resilience, and a steady commitment to the people closest to him. From his roots in the Midwest to his second marriage to fellow actress Sofia Pernas, Hartley has built a life that prioritizes connection, loyalty, and personal growth.
This article offers a detailed look at the man behind the camera: his upbringing, fatherhood, marriages, and the quiet strength of the family that supports one of TV’s most beloved stars.
A Midwestern Beginning: Humble Roots and Early Influence
Justin Scott Hartley was born on January 29, 1977, in Galesburg, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park. He is the son of Mark and Jackie Hartley and grew up alongside three siblings: Nathan, Megan, and Gabriela. His upbringing in the Midwest was described by Hartley as “traditional, disciplined, and full of love.” He credits his parents, both of whom worked outside the entertainment industry, with instilling a strong work ethic and the importance of family from an early age.
“Where I come from, you show up for people. That’s what matters,” Hartley said in an interview with Parade. “Fame fades, but family is forever.”
That ethos would carry him through both the highs and lows of his Hollywood journey, keeping him grounded through life’s inevitable storms.
Fatherhood: A Role He Cherishes Most
Perhaps the most significant role in Hartley’s life is one that happens far from the spotlight: being a father. In 2004, he welcomed a daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley, with then-wife Lindsay Korman, his co-star from Passions. Though the marriage ended in 2012, Hartley has remained a devoted, hands-on father throughout Isabella’s life.
“Being her dad is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Hartley often says. “Everything else comes second.”
Now in her twenties, Isabella has occasionally joined her father at red carpet events and has even shown interest in creative work herself. Hartley’s Instagram posts over the years have revealed their close bond—full of humor, affection, and mutual respect.
He has openly discussed the challenges of co-parenting, especially during demanding production schedules, but emphasizes that staying connected and present has always been his priority.
Love After Divorce: A Second Chance With Sofia Pernas
Hartley’s romantic life became the subject of public fascination during his marriage to Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause. The couple married in 2017 but went through a highly publicized and somewhat contentious divorce in 2019. The fallout played out, in part, on reality television, bringing unwanted scrutiny into Hartley’s typically private world.
In 2020, life surprised him once again—this time in the best way—when he reconnected with The Young and the Restless co-star Sofia Pernas. The two had worked together years prior but only began dating after Hartley’s divorce. Their chemistry was immediate, and in May 2021, the couple revealed they had quietly married.
Pernas, of Moroccan-Spanish descent and fluent in four languages, is also a working actor and shares Hartley’s passion for travel, fitness, and philanthropy. Friends of the couple describe them as “deeply supportive of each other’s careers,” with Hartley calling her “the most amazing partner in every way.”
He’s also shared that Sofia and Isabella get along extremely well, creating a modern blended family dynamic built on mutual respect and warmth.
Private by Design: Protecting What Matters Most
While many celebrities share every detail of their personal lives online, Hartley is more guarded. He believes that privacy is key to preserving the intimacy and authenticity of family relationships. This has sometimes led to frustration from fans or tabloids eager for details, but Hartley remains consistent: he shares on his own terms.
“I just think there are things that are mine,” he told Haute Living in a rare personal interview. “I don’t need to prove anything or perform for anyone when it comes to my wife or my daughter.”
That restraint has only added to his appeal for many fans, who respect his commitment to authenticity over spectacle.
Family as Foundation for Professional Success
Hartley has often stated that his personal life is what allows him to thrive professionally. Whether it’s drawing on his experiences as a father to inform a role like Kevin Pearson’s emotional journey in This Is Us, or leaning on Sofia’s insight during stressful production weeks, his family offers both inspiration and emotional ballast.
“You can’t fake depth,” Hartley once said. “The only reason I can go deep with a character is because I’ve been through things. I’ve loved, I’ve lost, I’ve grown. Family is the source of that.”
This balance between public life and personal grounding is increasingly rare in Hollywood—and part of what makes Hartley not just relatable, but quietly admirable.
Looking Ahead: A Family Man in the Next Chapter
As Hartley’s career evolves—taking on more producing roles, exploring true crime documentaries, and stepping into serious dramatic territory—his personal life remains his anchor. He has spoken about wanting to direct again, potentially with Sofia involved, and possibly explore themes of fatherhood and generational legacy on screen.
There is also quiet speculation that Isabella may follow in his footsteps, either behind the scenes or in front of the camera. If she does, Hartley has made it clear he’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.
“She’s already more talented and emotionally intelligent than I was at her age,” he said proudly. “Whatever she chooses, I’ll be there.”
Conclusion: The Man Beyond the Spotlight
Justin Hartley is more than a Hollywood heartthrob or a successful actor. He’s a devoted father, a loyal husband, a caring son, and a man who’s managed to stay true to himself in an industry that often rewards the opposite.
In an age where personal drama often overshadows professional accomplishments, Hartley stands out as someone who draws strength not from fame, but from family.
And that—more than any role, red carpet, or award—is what defines his greatest success.
