American actor Justin Hartley has had a successful career in television since his debut in 2002. Although he has starred in several movies, most of his work has been on the small screen. Since his TV debut, Hartley has worked every year as a series regular or in a recurring role, except in 2023.
However, it isn’t only his acting career that has been based on television. Justin Hartley has been married three times, with all three wives being co-stars in TV shows. As one of Hollywood’s most accomplished television actors, here’s a closer look at Justin Hartley’s television career through his most iconic roles.
Passions (2002-2006)
NBC’s Passions was Justin Hartley’s screen debut. Cast as Nicholas Foxworth ‘Fox’ Crane, the character quickly became a fan favorite among the show’s viewers. Although two other actors (Mark Cameron Wystrach and Nick Stabile) played the character after Hartley’s exit from Passions, Harley’s Fox character is rated the best. Justin Hartley joined the show in 2002, portraying the character from December 16, 2002, to February 10, 2006.
Much of his character’s time on the show followed his romantic relationships. First, his infatuation with Whitney Russell (Brook Kerr) caused him to try to take her from Chad. Fox was also involved with Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, Kay Bennett, and Esme Vanderheusen. Justin Hartley met his first wife, Lindsay Korman, on the show. Lindsay Korman played Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, his on-screen girlfriend on Passions.
Smallville (2006-2011)
Justin Hartley joined the cast of the superhero TV series Smallville in 2006. Hartley was cast as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, joining the show in season 6. Justin Hartley first appeared as the character in episode 2 (“Sneeze”). Hartley’s Oliver Queen was introduced in a recurring role but was upgraded to a series regular in season 8. Hartley stayed on the show until its final season (season 10). Justin Hartley’s portrayal of the superhero character received special praise from Geoff Johns, former President and CCO of DC Entertainment, and DC Comics writer Mark Waid.
Emily Owens, M.D. (2012-2013)
After playing the superhero, Justin Hartley landed a lead role on The CW’s medical drama, Emily Owens, M.D. Created by Jennie Snyder Urman, Emily Owens, M.D. cast Hartley as Will Collins. His character was introduced as a charming, young first-year surgical intern at the fictional Denver Memorial Hospital. Will Collins and Emily Owens (Mamie Gummer) attended the same High School and medical school. Hartley’s Will Collins is oblivious that Emily Owens has a crush on him. Justin Hartley remained on the show until it was canceled after season 1.
The Young and the Restless (2014-2016)
With his rising profile in television, it wasn’t a surprise that Justin Hartley was added to the cast of CBS’s long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless. Hartley was recast to play the iconic role of Adam Newman. The character, which was first introduced in 1995, was first played by infant actors. As the character grew, several child actors portrayed Adam Newman. However, by 2008, the character rapidly aged to an adult, with Chris Engen playing the first adult Adam Newman.
After a year, Michael Muhney was recast to play the character from 2009 to 2014. After his controversial exit from the show, Justin Hartley was hired and recast in the role. Hartley portrayed Adam Newman from 2014 as a series regular until 2016. Justin Hartley last appeared on The Young and the Restless on September 1, 2016. Justin Hartley received his first Emmy nomination at the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2016.
Watch The Young and the Restless on CBS
This Is Us (2016-2022)
Justin Hartley’s casting on NBC’s drama series This Is Us put his future in CBS’s The Young and the Restless on shaking grounds. Ultimately, Hartley exited The Young and the Restless for a main role as Kevin Pearson on This Is Us. Today, Justin Hartley’s career on the small screen, which most TV audiences know of, is influenced by the success and popularity of his This Is Us character. As a major character on this show, Hartley appeared in all 6 seasons of This Is Us, with his final appearance in the series finale. For his performance, Justin Hartley was nominated three times at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Tracker (2024)
With the Primetime Emmy multi-nominated This Is Us show ending in 2022, Justin Hartley did not appear in any project on television for a year. Television audiences were thrilled to have him lead the cast in the new CBS action drama series Tracker. Hartley is cast as Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist and tracker who makes a living assisting law enforcement and private citizens to track and find people and things. Tracker season 1 premiered on February 11, 2024, to generally favorable reviews. While still airing season 1, season 2 was renewed for production. If you enjoyed reading about Justin Hartley’s career, read up on Javier Bardem’s career as well.
Follow Us
