Jensen Ackles has had many interesting roles in various TV series and films, but the greatest popularity came from the role of Dean Winchester in the WB/CW fantasy series “Supernatural”, where he played all fifteen seasons. More details about the success story and interesting facts about the actor are further in the article on dallaski.
Modeling Career
Jensen Ackles was born on March 1, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, into the family of actor Alan Ackles. His first encounter with the camera came at age two when he worked as a child model. By four, he was appearing in commercials for Nabisco, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart.
In school, he took drama classes and continued modeling—even though it made him a target for teasing. Classmates once printed dozens of his ad photos and plastered them all over the hallways. Undeterred, Jensen pressed on and, at 16, used his earnings to buy his first car.
After high school, he planned to study physical therapy at Texas Tech University. But life had other plans: he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
Early Acting Career
Jensen’s first TV appearances were guest spots on Wishbone, Mr. Rhodes, Sweet Valley High, and Sibyl. His big break came on NBC’s soap opera Days of Our Lives, where he played Eric Brady from 1997 to 2000.
He won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer and earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. Jensen then left the show to portray Eddie G. in the Marilyn Monroe miniseries Blonde.
Building a TV Resume
He went on to appear in Dark Angel (playing two characters), Dawson’s Creek, The District, Tru Calling, and Smallville, where he auditioned for Superman but was cast as Jason Teague instead. He also co-starred with his father in the horror film Devour.
Landing the Lead in Supernatural
In 2005, 27-year-old Jensen was cast as Dean Winchester on the WB/CW series Supernatural. The role brought him global fame and made it impossible to imagine anyone else hunting monsters with his signature blend of charm and wit.
He originally auditioned for Sam Winchester but, after reading the script, chose Dean’s playful, bold personality. When Jared Padalecki read for Sam, the producers knew they had the perfect Winchester duo. To focus on the show, Jensen left Dark Angel early.
Brotherly Bond On and Off Screen
Supernatural thrived on the deep bond between Sam and Dean—brothers who would sell their souls for each other. Off-screen, Jensen and Jared Padalecki forged a close friendship from day one. They travel together, share family dinners, and have even been best men at each other’s weddings.
In 2021, Padalecki was upset to learn via Twitter—rather than from Jensen—that he would not appear in the show’s prequel about John and Mary Winchester. They discussed the issue, resolved it, and Padalecki confirmed their reconciliation on Twitter.
Family Contributions to the Show
Jensen also stepped behind the camera, directing four episodes: season 6’s “Weekend at Bobby’s,” season 7’s “The Girl Next Door,” season 8’s “Heartache” (which featured his father, Alan Ackles, as a detective), and season 10’s “Soul Survivor.”
His sister, Mackenzie Ackles, guest-starred in “Bloodlust” (season 2) and “Reading Is Fundamental” (season 7). His mother even appeared as an extra in one episode.
Memorable Souvenir: The 1967 Chevrolet Impala
The black 1967 Chevrolet Impala became a co-star, appearing in all 15 seasons. Jensen fell in love with the retro car and negotiated to have it included in his final contract—foregoing extra pay or perks—so he could drive it home when filming ended.
Growing a Beard
Jensen loves a well-groomed beard, but Supernatural’s strict grooming rules forbade facial hair during filming. Fans only saw his thick, dark beard during season breaks. After the series wrapped in 2020, he finally embraced the beard in his new projects.
Joining The Boys
In season 3 of The Boys, Jensen played the villain Soldier Boy, a dark parody of Captain America. Soldier Boy wielded a shield and fought in World War II. Season 3 premiered on July 23, 2020.
Family Business Brewing Co.
In 2017, Jensen launched his own brewery, driven by his love of craft beer. The idea sparked when Smallville co-star Justin Hartley stored brewing gear at Jensen’s house during a move. Together with his wife, he opened Family Business Brewing Co. in 2018, naming it after the show’s signature phrase “Family Business.”