Before Justin Hartley became known as Colter Shaw in CBS’s hit drama Tracker, and before he fully embraced his role as one of network television’s most bankable leading men, he had another major primetime milestone—his acclaimed turn as Kevin Pearson on NBC’s This Is Us. But as Hartley recently revealed, his entry into that award-winning ensemble came with an interesting twist: he initially thought he was auditioning for the role that would go to Milo Ventimiglia, Jack Pearson.
A Surprising Misunderstanding in the Audition Process
When This Is Us was first casting, Hartley’s agent sent him the pilot script without clear context about which role he was being considered for. At the time, NBC had been protective of the show’s premise and characters, keeping casting sides deliberately vague. Hartley says he read the part of Jack Pearson—a charming, devoted family man in the 1970s—and felt an instant connection.
“I read the script and I thought, Oh yeah, this is me. I can do this. I am Jack Pearson,” Hartley told reporters with a laugh. “He was this strong, emotional, complex guy. I thought—this is the role.”
When Hartley went into the audition, however, it became clear the producers had another character in mind for him—Kevin Pearson, Jack’s son in the present-day timeline.
From Jack to Kevin — Finding the Right Fit
Though the shift was unexpected, Hartley quickly realized Kevin Pearson was a deeply layered role in his own right. A successful but unfulfilled actor struggling with identity, family pressure, and his own insecurities, Kevin became one of the most emotionally dynamic characters in the series.
The casting decision proved perfect: Milo Ventimiglia’s Jack and Hartley’s Kevin became two of the show’s most beloved figures, their father-son bond anchoring many of the series’ most emotional storylines.
Hartley later admitted that, looking back, he couldn’t imagine himself playing Jack—not because he couldn’t have done it, but because the connection between Ventimiglia and the role was so undeniable.
“When I saw Milo’s performance, I thought, Oh yeah, that’s Jack. He brought something magical to it,” Hartley said. “And then I thought, okay, Kevin is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Building a Career Beyond This Is Us
Hartley’s work as Kevin earned him critical praise and a devoted fan following. Over six seasons, he transformed Kevin from a self-centered sitcom star into a deeply empathetic man willing to confront his flaws. That arc not only showcased Hartley’s range but also helped set up his current success as the star and executive producer of Tracker.
In Tracker, Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist and reward seeker who travels the country solving mysteries and finding missing persons. The role is vastly different from Kevin Pearson—but Hartley says the emotional grounding he learned on This Is Us helps him even in an action-heavy procedural.
“Even in a show like Tracker, where there’s more suspense and physicality, the human element is everything. That’s something This Is Us taught me—you can have all the plot twists you want, but the audience cares because they care about the people.”
A Chance to Reunite with Old Co-Stars
Hartley’s producing role on Tracker also means he has more say in the creative process—and that includes inviting some of his This Is Us family into the new series. Season 2 of Tracker featured guest appearances from former castmates, a decision Hartley says felt like “bringing the band back together.”
“We went through something special together on This Is Us. If I can bring those people into my world on Tracker, it’s a win for me and for the fans,” Hartley said.
As Tracker heads into its third season, Hartley continues to expand his career in television and film, balancing leading roles with behind-the-scenes work. And though he once thought he’d be playing Jack Pearson, he’s grateful for the way things worked out.
“Life doesn’t always give you the role you think you want,” Hartley reflected. “Sometimes it gives you the role you’re meant to have. Kevin Pearson was that for me—and Colter Shaw is that now.”
From a near-mix-up at the audition stage to becoming the face of two hit network dramas, Justin Hartley’s path proves that in Hollywood, the right part finds you—even if it’s not the one you first pictured.
