If you’ve been captivated by the new Netflix series, Sweet Magnolias, you’ve likely found yourself enamored with the charismatic Justin Bruening. While Sweet Magnolias may have introduced you to this talented actor, he’s no stranger to the screen, having appeared in popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, All My Children, and Hawaii Five-O. Justin’s undeniable charm and good looks have made him a natural choice for playing irresistible love interests. Even if you don’t know him by name, his handsome face is certainly hard to forget. So, let’s dive into 10 intriguing facts about Justin Bruening you probably didn’t know.
1. From Model to Actor
Before gracing our screens, Justin’s striking looks caught the attention of the modeling world. After moving to California, he was discovered by a modeling agent at a local McDonald’s. His first modeling gig? None other than Abercrombie and Fitch.
2. A Devoted Family Man
Justin is the kind of celebrity who values his privacy, keeping his personal life away from the limelight. However, it’s known that he’s a dedicated family man, married to his former All My Children co-star, Alexa Havins. Together, they have three children.
3. Small-Town Roots
Hailing from a tiny town in Nebraska, Justin’s upbringing might not be too different from his character in Sweet Magnolias. His hometown, St. Helena, had a population of fewer than 100 people for most of his life. While he’s proud of his roots, he was eager to explore life in a big city.
4. A High School Class of Nine
For many, high school is a time to meet new people and be surrounded by fresh faces. However, Justin’s experience was quite different. Growing up in a small town meant attending a small school, and when he graduated, his class had only nine students.
5. Embracing the Nice Guy Role
Throughout his career, Justin has often been cast as the ‘good guy’ – the friendly neighbor or the perfect love interest. While many actors fear being typecast, Justin doesn’t mind, saying, “it’s not a bad thing to be the nice guy“.
6. A Surprising Twist in Sweet Magnolias
When Justin first learned about his character in Sweet Magnolias, his agent mentioned he’d only be around for 10 episodes. Naturally, he assumed his character would be killed off. However, as he read the script, he realized his character was not only alive but also a genuinely great guy.
7. Eager to Explore New Roles
While Justin doesn’t mind being typecast as the good guy, he’s excited about the possibility of playing different types of roles in the future. After all, he wouldn’t be the first handsome actor to take on a darker, more complex character.
8. A Case of Mistaken Identity
When Justin first heard about the opportunity for Sweet Magnolias, he and his wife mistakenly thought his agent was referring to Steel Magnolias. In their excitement, they purchased Steel Magnolias on iTunes and started watching, only to realize the projects were entirely different.
9. Persistence Pays Off for Grey’s Anatomy
Before landing a role on Grey’s Anatomy, Justin was a huge fan of the show. He told TV Insider, “I had auditioned 20 times for 20 different characters on that show.” The casting director, Linda Lowry, eventually suggested saving him for a more significant role, which ultimately paid off.
10. Dreaming of Ghost Rider
Justin has his sights set on a specific role he’d love to play in the future: the Daniel Ketch version of Ghost Rider. This role would undoubtedly showcase the full range of his acting abilities and allow him to explore new dimensions as an actor.
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