In the world of entertainment, it is often easy to confuse the personas that actors portray with their real-life identities. However, for stars Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles, the roles they take on in the CBS action drama “Tracker” could not be further removed from their true selves as devoted fathers.
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Hartley plays the lead role of Colter Shaw, a professional bounty hunter wrestling with complicated family dynamics, including the challenge of reconnecting with his estranged brother Russell Shaw, a role portrayed by Ackles. As the fourth season of “Tracker” gears up for its premiere on 4 October 2026, the complexities faced by their characters starkly contrast with their off-screen lives, where both actors nurture their status as loving fathers.
In an interview prior to the launch of “Tracker,” Hartley emphasised the importance of prioritising family over a turbulent personal life. The former star of “This Is Us” expressed to PEOPLE magazine in February 2024 that it would be selfish for a character like Colter to juggle multiple relationships while engaging in perilous pursuits. Hartley’s own journey as a father to his daughter, Isabella Justice, has been one of fulfillment. The actor, who shares Isabella with ex-wife Lindsay Korman, reflected fondly on their relationship, calling fatherhood “the best” and noting that their bond has only grown stronger as she matures.
Hartley, who married actress Sofia Pernas in 2021, enjoys a quieter family life. He revealed that they cherish their time at home, especially now that Isabella is away at college. Having seen his daughter transition into adulthood, he finds joy in their evolving relationship, describing it as akin to having a close friend. “Being a dad never really goes away,” he remarked, affirming that the paternal instincts remain strong regardless of her age.
In contrast, Ackles navigates a bustling household as the father of three young children. He and his wife, Danneel Ackles, celebrated their marriage in 2010 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Justice Jay, in 2013. The couple later had twins, a son named Zeppelin Bram and a daughter, Arrow Rhodes, in December 2016. Ackles, who embodies the rebellious and charismatic Russell Shaw in “Tracker,” expressed that his home life provides a grounding effect, allowing him to step away from the glitz of Hollywood and embrace his roles as husband and father.
“Once I come home, I’m not just Jensen the actor. I’m Jensen the husband, the dad,” he told PEOPLE in July 2025. The actor acknowledged the unique position he holds in his daughter JJ’s eyes, appreciating the “cool cred” that comes with his profession, even as he sets boundaries regarding the content of his shows, particularly the series “The Boys,” which he firmly believes is not suitable for her viewing.
Other cast members of “Tracker” also share in the joys of parenthood. Chris Lee, who plays tech expert Randy, welcomed his first child, Bryce Alexander, in 2016, and has since celebrated the births of two daughters, Blaire and Beautiful Love, completing their family in 2022. Lee, who married Gabby Lee in December 2021, expressed the fulfilment he finds in raising his children amidst the demands of his career.
Similarly, Wendy Crewson, who portrays the mother of Hartley and Ackles’ characters, has experienced the complexities of motherhood in her own life. Having two children from a previous marriage, Crewson publicly came out in 2014, later sharing the emotional journey of disclosing her identity to her children. Their understanding reactions provided her with profound relief and acceptance.
Michael Rady, noted for his role as lawyer Elliott Rusch, is another member of the “Tracker” cast with a burgeoning family. Married to actress Rachael Kemery since 2010, Rady is a father of four, celebrating the joy his children bring into his life. Reflecting on his experience at Christmas Con in 2024, he noted that real success lies in the love and connection he shares with his family, rather than his career accomplishments.
As “Tracker” prepares to delve deeper into its intricate narratives, its stars remind audiences that, while the threats faced by their characters may be intense, the love and commitment they demonstrate as fathers at home are a compelling counterbalance. With a shared dedication to family life, Hartley, Ackles, and their co-stars prove that, regardless of their on-screen identities, their true roles as loving parents resonate deeply in their lives.