Justin Hartley

Justin Hartley – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

: Discover the life and career of Justin Hartley — from his early years in Illinois to standout roles in Smallville, This Is Us, and Tracker. Explore his journey, insights, and some of his most quoted reflections.

Introduction

Justin Hartley (born January 29, 1977) is an American actor, producer, and director best known for his television roles in series like Smallville, The Young and the Restless, and This Is Us. Over his career, Hartley has navigated daytime soaps, prime-time dramas, and action roles, building a reputation for versatility, dedication, and an earnest, grounded public persona.

Early Life and Family

Justin Scott Hartley was born on January 29, 1977, in Knoxville, Illinois.

Hartley attended Carl Sandburg High School before pursuing higher studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he majored in history and theater. His early interest in theatre and performance laid the foundation for what would become his central professional calling.

Career and Achievements

Soap Operas and Early Television

Hartley’s acting career began in earnest in the early 2000s. His first major role was Fox Crane on the NBC daytime soap Passions (2002–2006). This role introduced him to television audiences and gave him early experience in a demanding production environment.

He then transitioned to roles on primetime TV, landing a recurring spot in Smallville as Oliver Queen (a version of Green Arrow) from about 2006 onward. Smallville, he also credited in a co-writing role (episode “Sacrifice”) and directed an episode (“Dominion”) in 2011.

After Smallville, Hartley continued with various recurring roles — on Revenge, Mistresses, and others. The Young and the Restless as Adam Newman, a role that earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Breakthrough: This Is Us and Beyond

Hartley’s highest-profile role came when he began portraying Kevin Pearson on NBC’s This Is Us from 2016 to 2022. Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

In 2024, Hartley took on a leading role in Tracker, a CBS action-drama series, playing Colter Shaw. Tracker, he also serves as an executive producer.

On the film front, he has appeared in A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) and starred in The Noel Diary (2022).

Historical Milestones & Context

• 2002–2006: Establishing himself in daytime television with Passions.

• 2006–2011: Joining Smallville, a popular superhero-adjacent show during a period when comic properties were increasingly prominent on TV.

• 2014–2016: Transitioning back into daytime drama with The Young and the Restless, earning critical recognition.

• 2016–2022: Portraying Kevin Pearson during the peak of This Is Us’ cultural impact.

• 2024 onward: Leading Tracker, pushing into action and procedural territory, and expanding his creative influence as producer.

Hartley’s career reflects broader trends in television — actors moving fluidly between genres (soap, drama, action), taking on multi-faceted roles (actor + producer/director), and participating in character-driven ensemble programming.

Legacy and Influence

While still actively working, Hartley’s legacy is already forming in a few key areas:

1. Versatility across formats: From soaps to prime-time, action shows, and ensemble dramas.

2. Steady professionalism: He has maintained a steady presence rather than an overnight sensation arc, which underscores longevity.

3. Creative expansion: His roles behind the camera (writing, directing, producing) set an example for actors to cultivate agency over their projects.

4. Relatability and humility: His demeanor in interviews — focusing on work, family, growth — resonates with many fans who value groundedness in public figures.

Personality and Talents

Hartley is often described as earnest, reflective, and hardworking.

• He has spoken candidly about turning down roles for meaningful content, even when that comes at a financial cost.

• He emphasizes the importance of knowing everyone’s role on set, implying that respect for collaborators improves one’s own performance.

• His personal interests include gardening (he once said he enjoys pulling weeds himself) — a metaphor he uses about having hands in things rather than outsourcing everything.

• As a father, he values open communication, seeing his daughter as a confidant and friend.

Hartley brings both emotional depth and physical commitment to roles — as in Tracker, where he has sustained falls and stunts in filming.

Famous Quotes of Justin Hartley

Below are some of his more memorable, reflective quotes:

“I don’t have a twin, but I do have a brother and sisters, and I do know that there is a special bond there … You feel a little piece of yourself in them.”

“If you sit and feel sorry for yourself, you’re wasting your time. You should be in acting class, instead of feeling sorry for yourself. You should be working.”

“Any father can relate to feeling like a superhero when you put a Band-Aid on your kid.”

“I don’t have a gardener, because I enjoy pulling weeds. It’s hard to explain, but there is something fulfilling about pulling out a weed and knowing that you got all the roots.”

“I’ve taken a lot of risks as far as turning down money to do something I guess I thought was more meaningful. But … I’ve also struggled with money, when I could have had a little more if I’d just taken the damn job.”

“I have great respect for daytime drama. I love the branding. I love the style. What can I say? I love good soap!”

These quotes reflect Hartley’s work ethic, family values, and his balance between ambition and humility.

Lessons from Justin Hartley

1. Meaning matters more than money
   His choices suggest that working on meaningful projects brings deeper fulfillment, even at financial cost.

2. Be hands-on and involved
   He metaphorically (and literally) values getting one’s hands dirty — whether in roles, direction, or “pulling weeds.”

3. Take ownership of your path
   Transitioning into directing and producing shows the value of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

4. Resilience in craft
   Hartley’s journey from soap operas to prestige dramas shows growth often comes gradually, built on persistence.

5. Relationships and grounding
   He emphasizes family, collaboration, and authenticity — not just ambition.

Conclusion

Justin Hartley is more than the characters he has portrayed. His steady rise, creative ambition, and genuine public persona offer a portrait of an artist growing in craft, integrity, and heart. As he continues to act, produce, and direct, his influence and legacy will deepen.

If you’d like, I can also prepare a full quote anthology, break down one of his key roles, or analyze his performance style.