From Hollywood Sets to Heartfelt Conversations: How Justin Hartley Navigates Fatherhood
Justin Hartley may be known to millions for his roles on hit TV shows like This Is Us and CBS’s Tracker, but offscreen, he plays his most important role yet — being a father to his daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley. Born in July 2004, Isabella is the only child of Justin and his ex-wife, actress Lindsay Korman-Hartley. Now a young adult, she is carving her own path in life while maintaining a deeply rooted bond with her father that continues to grow stronger with time.
A Private Life with Public Love
Despite being the daughter of two actors, Isabella has opted for a life away from the spotlight. As of 2025, she is 21 years old and pursuing her college education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. While she maintains a relatively low profile, her father occasionally shares glimpses of their relationship in interviews, always speaking with heartfelt pride and admiration.
In a recent interview, Hartley said, “Watching her grow into her own person has been the greatest joy of my life. She’s smart, strong, and has a huge heart.” The actor, who now juggles a demanding schedule filming Tracker and other projects, continues to prioritize time with Isabella, even if it’s just a long phone call or a quick lunch between shoots.
A Modern Fatherhood Approach
Parenting in the public eye is no easy task, but Justin Hartley has always emphasized presence over perfection. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Hartley opened up about the emotional challenges of raising a daughter while managing a full-time acting career.
“There’s this illusion that you can perfectly balance everything, but the truth is, it’s messy,” Hartley admitted. “You just have to keep showing up. That’s what matters to your child — that you’re there.”
He described his bond with Isabella as one that has shifted naturally over the years. From childhood bedtime stories to serious conversations about college, relationships, and the future, their father-daughter connection has matured beautifully into a relationship built on mutual respect and open communication.
Blended Family, Unified Love
After divorcing Lindsay Korman-Hartley in 2012, Hartley married actress Sofia Pernas in 2021. What many fans admire is how Isabella has embraced Sofia as a supportive stepmother figure. By all accounts, the Hartley household is filled with warmth and collaboration, not conflict. Sources close to the family report that Sofia and Isabella share a great rapport, and that Lindsay and Justin maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.
This modern, blended family dynamic is something Hartley himself is incredibly proud of. “There’s no handbook for this,” he told one outlet, “but if love is your starting point, you can build something really special.”
Moments in the Spotlight
Though Isabella largely avoids the red carpet, she occasionally steps into the spotlight alongside her dad. One such moment was at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards, where the father-daughter duo stole hearts with their charming appearance. Photos of the event went viral, showcasing just how close the two really are.
Hartley also mentions that he values her perspective on his work. Whether it’s asking for feedback on a script or talking through a challenging scene, he often consults Isabella, whose grounded opinions keep him in check.
A Father First, Always
No matter how busy his professional life gets, Hartley is unwavering in his commitment to fatherhood. “Being a dad doesn’t have an off switch,” he once said. “It’s not something you clock out of. Even when she’s grown and on her own, I’ll always be her dad.”
As Isabella enters adulthood, their bond only continues to evolve — now marked by shared values, friendship, and mutual encouragement. In an industry often marked by instability, the Hartley family’s example offers a refreshing portrait of strength, loyalty, and enduring love.
Justin Hartley may be a Hollywood star, but in his daughter’s eyes, he’s simply Dad — a title he wears with pride.
