Behind the Success, the Struggle
To the outside world, Justin Hartley seems like a man who’s always been winning—steady roles, critical acclaim, and a solid personal brand. But like most long-term actors, his career path has been anything but smooth. Behind every triumph is a series of rejections, detours, and personal disappointments that have shaped who he is today.
“You don’t get to where I am without a few bruises,” Hartley once said. “But the bruises are what teach you.”
Early Career Rejections
After graduating college with a degree in theater, Hartley moved to Los Angeles full of ambition. But landing a first role took time—and lots of rejection. He auditioned for dozens of parts and was passed over repeatedly, often with no explanation.
Even after his breakout in Passions, he struggled to find serious roles. Casting directors often saw him as “too pretty,” lacking the grit they wanted for drama roles. Ironically, this perception would follow him for years.
He later revealed that he auditioned for several major shows—including roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Friday Night Lights—but never made the final cut.
The Green Arrow That Almost Didn’t Happen
His role as Oliver Queen in Smallville was a breakthrough, but even that came with risks. Hartley originally auditioned for the role of Clark Kent on a different Superman show (Aquaman pilot), which was not picked up. The rejection stung, but it led to Smallville casting directors noticing him—proof that sometimes a “no” leads to a better “yes.”
“If I had gotten the other role, I wouldn’t have had Smallville. And without Smallville, maybe no This Is Us. It all connects.”
Personal Setbacks in the Public Eye
Hartley’s divorce from Chrishell Stause was a media circus. What should have been a private matter became gossip fodder. While both parties kept public comments to a minimum, the pain was visible—and Hartley quietly stepped away from social media to process in peace.
Rather than lash out or respond through tabloids, Hartley chose dignity. He focused on work, fatherhood, and healing. “You can’t control the storm,” he said, “but you can control how you walk through it.”
Lessons in Resilience
Every setback taught Hartley something. He learned how to choose roles based on passion, not popularity. He learned how to listen better, how to ask for help, and how to say no.
Today, he passes those lessons on to young creatives. “You’re not failing if you’re still trying,” he tells them. “Failure is just feedback.”
Hartley’s success now feels earned—not gifted. It’s layered with scars, effort, and years of silent perseverance.
