Full Name: Justin Scott Hartley
Born: January 29, 1977
Birthplace: Knoxville, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation: Actor, Television Director
Years Active: 2002–present
Famous for: His role as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us
Early Life and Education
Justin Hartley was born in Knoxville, Illinois, and raised in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago. He is the second of four children. Hartley attended Carl Sandburg High School, where he first developed an interest in acting. Later, he studied at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he majored in history and theater.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Justin Hartley began his acting career in the early 2000s. His breakout role came in 2002 when he was cast as Fox Crane on the NBC soap opera Passions. He played the role until 2006 and quickly became a fan favorite on the show. His charm and talent soon caught the attention of casting directors in Hollywood.
Rise to Fame
Hartley gained broader recognition for portraying Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on the popular superhero TV series Smallville from 2006 to 2011. His performance made him a staple in the genre, and he continued to build his resume with roles in shows like Revenge and Mistresses.
In 2016, Justin Hartley landed the role that would define his career—Kevin Pearson on the critically acclaimed NBC series This Is Us. Playing one of the central characters, Hartley showcased his range as an actor, moving between dramatic and comedic moments effortlessly. His performance earned him widespread recognition, and This Is Us became a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple awards. Hartley’s portrayal of Kevin also earned him nominations at various award shows, including the Critics' Choice Television Awards.
Film Work and Directing
In addition to his television work, Hartley has appeared in several films, including A Bad Moms Christmas (2017), Little (2019), and The Noel Diary (2022). He has also tried his hand at directing, having directed an episode of This Is Us, further expanding his creative portfolio.
Personal Life
Justin Hartley has been married three times. He was first married to actress Lindsay Korman, his co-star from Passions, from 2004 to 2012. They have a daughter named Isabella. Hartley married actress Chrishell Stause in 2017, but the couple divorced in 2021, which became public during Stause’s appearance on the reality TV show Selling Sunset. In 2021, Hartley married actress Sofia Pernas.
Hartley is known for his charitable work and involvement in various causes, including animal rights and cancer research. He continues to stay active in both his acting and directing careers, with several projects lined up in the future.
Legacy
Justin Hartley’s versatility as an actor and his ability to connect with audiences have made him a household name in the television industry. His role in This Is Us solidified his place as one of TV’s most beloved actors, and he continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood.
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