Starting with Humble Roots
Justin Hartley’s journey to stardom wasn’t a meteoric rise. Like many working actors, he paid his dues through years of auditions, small roles, and daytime television. His breakthrough came in 2002 when he was cast as Fox Crane in the NBC soap opera Passions—a gig that taught him discipline, stamina, and the fundamentals of performing under pressure.
“You’re filming five episodes a week, learning pages of dialogue every night. It’s like acting boot camp,” Hartley reflected.
Though Passions was melodramatic by design, Hartley brought depth to the role. The experience also helped him develop a thick skin—crucial for surviving in Hollywood.
Superhero Spotlight: Green Arrow in Smallville
In 2006, Hartley joined Smallville as Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow—a pivotal move that introduced him to genre audiences and showcased his ability to play layered, morally complex heroes. Over the next four seasons, Hartley’s portrayal became a fan favorite, balancing charm with vulnerability.
Unlike many actors who dismiss their superhero roots, Hartley has always been proud of Smallville. “That show was ahead of its time. It gave me freedom to explore emotional storytelling inside an action framework.”
Kevin Pearson: The Role of a Lifetime
The most defining role of Hartley’s career came in 2016 when he was cast as Kevin Pearson in NBC’s This Is Us. Over six seasons, Hartley transformed a seemingly shallow TV star into one of the most emotionally intricate characters on modern television.
Kevin’s struggles with addiction, grief, and self-identity mirrored Hartley’s own reflections on fame and self-worth. The performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and proved he was far more than a soap alum or action star.
“I didn’t just play Kevin,” he said. “In a way, I became him. And he became me.”
Reinventing in Tracker
In 2024, Hartley returned to network primetime with Tracker, playing Colter Shaw—a loner with a mysterious past who solves cases across the country. The role blends Hartley’s physical presence with his emotional intelligence and has become a new career high point.
Hartley also serves as executive producer, giving him greater creative control and signaling a shift from actor-for-hire to storyteller and leader.
