A Private Father in the Public Eye
Though Justin Hartley is no stranger to fame—with roles in This Is Us, Smallville, and most recently Tracker—he has consistently kept one part of his life largely out of the spotlight: his relationship with his daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley. Born in 2004 during his first marriage to soap star Lindsay Korman, Isabella has grown up with a famous father who has done his best to shield her from the pressures of Hollywood while still celebrating her milestones in his own subtle ways.
A Dad First, Always
While Justin’s professional achievements have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, he frequently emphasizes that his most meaningful role is being a father. In rare interviews and social media posts, he’s made it clear that Isabella is the center of his world. “Being a dad is my favorite thing in the world,” he once said. “It gives everything else perspective.”
Though he seldom shares public photos of Isabella, Justin is said to be actively involved in her life—attending school events, helping her navigate teenage challenges, and keeping communication open and honest. Even when filming across the country, he reportedly keeps in close touch with her.
Teenage Years, Growing Independence
Now a young adult, Isabella is becoming more independent, exploring her interests and shaping her own identity. In recent years, fans have noticed she’s become more visible at red carpet events, like accompanying Justin to the Critics’ Choice Awards in 2020. At that time, many were struck not just by her poise and elegance, but also by the visible bond between the two.
Despite her father’s fame, Isabella has kept a relatively low profile. She has not expressed interest in acting—at least not publicly—but her intelligence and confidence in public appearances suggest she’s been raised with grounding and care.
The Missed Birthday Incident: A Moment of Distance?
One headline-making incident occurred when Justin was reportedly not invited to Isabella’s birthday celebration during his contentious divorce from second wife Chrishell Stause. Tabloids spun it as a sign of strained relations between father and daughter, but those close to the actor maintained that any emotional distance was short-lived.
Rather than engage in public rebuttals, Justin stayed silent, letting time and private conversations heal any misunderstandings. In the years since, their bond appears to have been repaired, with public interactions and appearances confirming they remain close.
Co-Parenting and Navigating Change
Justin shares custody of Isabella with ex-wife Lindsay Korman, and by all accounts, the two have managed to maintain a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Lindsay herself has spoken publicly about their efforts to raise Isabella in a healthy, loving environment.
Co-parenting in the spotlight isn’t easy, especially with Justin’s busy schedule and the media’s constant curiosity. Yet both parents seem to prioritize Isabella’s well-being above all else.
How Isabella Influences Justin’s Career Choices
In various interviews, Justin has mentioned that being a father informs the types of roles he chooses and how he manages his time. While he gravitates toward emotionally rich roles—such as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us—he’s also been careful not to take on projects that would pull him away for too long. “You start thinking about your legacy differently when you have a child,” he’s said.
Fatherhood also seems to have shaped his performances. Many fans believe that Justin’s nuanced portrayal of Kevin Pearson’s journey toward maturity, fatherhood, and self-understanding was drawn from his own life experiences with Isabella.
A Supportive Daughter and a Grounded Star
Isabella may not be in the limelight, but her quiet strength and close relationship with her dad reveal a side of Justin that fans admire most: his heart. Behind the TV star, the red carpet smiles, and the romantic headlines, there’s a devoted father who treasures his child above all else.
Their story isn’t perfect—what family’s is? But it’s authentic, resilient, and filled with love. As Isabella continues to grow into her own, and Justin takes on new projects and chapters in life, one thing remains certain: the bond between father and daughter runs deep, rooted in love, and unwavering even in the face of fame.
