The Intellectual Behind the Leading Man
Beneath Justin Hartley’s image as a rugged and emotionally attuned actor lies a quieter truth: he is an avid reader with a deep respect for storytelling in all its forms. While many actors rely on scripts alone, Hartley has long looked to novels, nonfiction, and poetry to inspire his performances and inform his worldview.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories,” he said in a conversation with Variety. “And not just the ones I’m in—stories about people I’ll never meet, in places I’ll never go.”
Literature as a Source of Empathy
For Hartley, reading isn’t merely a hobby—it’s an emotional and intellectual training ground. Books allow him to explore psychologies different from his own, a skill he considers essential for authentic acting.
“Reading gives me a kind of emotional rehearsal,” he said. “I can experience sorrow, rage, joy, or forgiveness through someone else’s words before I ever have to act them.”
This has made him especially adept at portraying emotionally wounded or morally conflicted characters, from Oliver Queen’s inner demons to Kevin Pearson’s addiction and self-worth issues.
Literary Inspiration in His Production Work
As a producer through Change Jar Studios, Hartley often scouts literary properties for screen adaptation. He seeks out books with layered characters and morally complex worlds—stories that move beyond surface-level plot.
One of his upcoming projects is based on a novel about trauma and identity in post-war America, and another explores grief through a magical realism lens. These aren’t commercial thrillers—they’re books with heart and introspection.
“I’m interested in what the page doesn’t say,” Hartley noted. “That’s where the actor comes in.”
A Look at His Bookshelf
Some of Hartley’s favorite titles include:
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- Educated by Tara Westover
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
He also frequently reads memoirs and psychology books, often quoting authors like Brené Brown and Viktor Frankl in interviews.
Books as an Anchor to Reality
Hartley often describes reading as an antidote to Hollywood’s artificiality. “In a world where everything is filtered and curated, books give you the raw truth,” he explained. “They slow you down. They make you think.”
Whether he’s on location or at home, he carves out quiet time each day to read. It’s a practice that keeps him grounded and creatively alert.
The Actor as Lifelong Student
For Hartley, reading is not about image or obligation—it’s about curiosity. He believes that to portray a wide range of people truthfully, one must first understand them deeply. “And that understanding,” he says, “often starts with the written word.”
Books have shaped his identity, informed his performances, and inspired his productions. In doing so, they’ve also helped build the thoughtful, multidimensional man behind the spotlight.
