Early Life and Education
Justin Scott Hartley was born on January 29, 1977, in Knoxville, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park. The second of four siblings, Hartley discovered an interest in performing during his teenage years. After graduating from Carl Sandburg High School, he pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and later at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he majored in history and theater. His passion for storytelling and the stage set the foundation for what would become a remarkable acting career.
Breaking into the Industry
Hartley’s first big break came in the world of daytime television. In 2002, he joined the NBC soap opera Passions as Fox Crane, instantly making him a recognizable face among daytime audiences. His charisma and charm quickly made him a fan favorite, and it was clear that Hartley had the potential for bigger roles beyond the soap opera stage.
By the mid-2000s, he had already started transitioning into primetime television, landing parts in various shows, but it was one role in particular that changed his trajectory.
Green Arrow and Smallville Fame
From 2006 to 2011, Hartley starred as Oliver Queen / Green Arrow on The CW’s Smallville. Originally introduced as a recurring character, Hartley’s portrayal of the billionaire-turned-superhero was so popular that he became a series regular. His Green Arrow became a fan-favorite, and Hartley even stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of the show.
This role gave him not only recognition among mainstream audiences but also credibility in genre television, proving that he could anchor both action and drama.
Transitioning to Primetime Drama
After Smallville, Hartley continued to find success with recurring and guest roles in shows like Revenge and Mistresses. He also took on the role of Adam Newman in the long-running CBS soap The Young and the Restless, where his performance earned him critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling complex storylines.
This Is Us: A Career-Defining Role
Hartley’s biggest breakthrough came in 2016 when he was cast as Kevin Pearson in NBC’s award-winning drama This Is Us. The series became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its emotional storytelling and diverse characters.
As Kevin, Hartley portrayed a struggling actor navigating fame, family dynamics, and personal demons. His performance was heartfelt and nuanced, showing vulnerability while also delivering moments of charm and humor. The role earned him widespread acclaim, multiple award nominations, and a new level of stardom. For many fans, This Is Us proved that Hartley was more than just a handsome face—he was a deeply talented actor capable of carrying weighty material.
From Actor to Producer: Tracker
In 2024, Hartley took on a new challenge by not only starring in but also executive producing CBS’s hit series Tracker. The show, based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel The Never Game, follows Colter Shaw, a survivalist who uses his unique skills to solve mysteries and track down missing people, all while dealing with the trauma of his fractured family.
The series debuted to strong ratings, quickly becoming CBS’s #1 show. Its blend of mystery, action, and character-driven storytelling resonated with audiences, who were captivated by both the weekly cases and the deeper family drama at its core. Hartley’s dual role as star and producer highlights his growing influence in Hollywood and his determination to shape the stories he tells.
By early 2025, CBS renewed Tracker for a third season, set to premiere in October 2025. Hartley teased that the new season would delve deeper into Colter’s past, explore shocking family secrets, and push the character to his emotional limits.
Film Work and Other Ventures
While television remains his primary platform, Hartley has also ventured into films. He appeared in A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) and more recently starred in Netflix’s The Noel Diary (2022), a romantic drama that showcased his softer side. His production company, ChangeUp Productions, signed a deal with 20th Television, further expanding his creative footprint.
Personal Life
Off-screen, Hartley is known for being down-to-earth and family-oriented. He shares a close relationship with his daughter, Isabella, from his first marriage to Lindsay Korman. After a highly publicized marriage and divorce from actress Chrishell Stause, Hartley found love again with actress Sofia Pernas, whom he married in 2021. The couple often appears together at events and on red carpets, exuding charm and playfulness.
Why Fans Love Justin Hartley
There are several reasons why Hartley continues to capture the admiration of audiences worldwide:
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Versatility: From soap operas to superhero dramas to heartfelt family stories, Hartley adapts to any role.
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Relatability: His performances often reflect real human struggles, making characters feel authentic.
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Leadership: As a producer, he’s shaping the kinds of shows he wants to see on television.
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Charisma: Both on and off screen, Hartley has a natural charm that resonates with fans.
With Tracker continuing to grow and his production company expanding, Justin Hartley’s future looks brighter than ever. He has proven himself to be a rare talent who can thrive across genres and platforms, and as he steps further into producing, his impact on the television industry will only deepen.
From his early days on Passions to his star-making turn on This Is Us and his current success with Tracker, Justin Hartley’s career has been a story of resilience, growth, and evolution. He has become one of television’s most respected actors, and with new projects on the horizon, he shows no signs of slowing down.
For fans who have followed his journey, Hartley represents the perfect blend of talent, heart, and determination—a true modern leading man.
