Jensen Ackles's Real Name: Jensen Ross Ackles
Jensen Ackles → Jensen Ross Ackles
Quick answer: Jensen Ackles's full name is Jensen Ross Ackles. He was born on March 1, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, and acts under his real name. He became a soap star on Days of Our Lives and won a devoted following as Dean Winchester on Supernatural. TV Insider also lists his later roles as Soldier Boy on The Boys and Russell on Tracker (Encyclopedia.com; Library of Congress).
Real name and early life
The entry on Encyclopedia.com, drawn from Gale's Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television reference series, opens: "Full name, Jensen Ross Ackles; born March 1, 1978, in Dallas, TX; raised in Richardson, TX; son of Alan (an actor) and Donna Ackles." The Library of Congress name authority files him as "Ackles, Jensen," with the citation "Jensen Ackles, actor, b. March 1, 1978, Dallas, TX."
Encyclopedia.com says he worked as a child model and appeared in commercials for Nabisco, Radio Shack, and Wal-Mart, and that he studied acting in Dallas. TV Guide says he started modeling at four. It adds that he had planned to study physical therapy at Texas Tech University before choosing acting instead.
Career highlights
TV Insider says that after moving to Los Angeles, Ackles landed TV guest spots and then, in 1997, a role on NBC's Days of Our Lives. Encyclopedia.com records the role as Eric Roman Brady, from 1997 to 2000. It earned him the 1998 Soap Opera Digest Award for outstanding male newcomer and Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding younger actor in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
Unhappy with his character's storylines, he moved to prime time. He played Alec/X5-494 on Fox's Dark Angel (2001–02) and also appeared on Dawson's Creek. On Smallville (2004–05) he played Jason Teague. TV Guide notes he had been in contention for the role of Clark Kent on that show.
His breakthrough was the roguish Dean Winchester on Supernatural, which began on The WB in 2005 and moved to The CW. TV Insider says the show was never a ratings juggernaut, but its fiercely loyal fan base kept it on the air for many seasons. In 2011 he won the TV Guide Award for favorite actor. TV Insider's credits list his later role as Soldier Boy on The Boys and his recurring appearances as Russell on Tracker.
TV Guide says he married actress Danneel Harris in 2010. He also founded the brewery Family Business Beer Co. and started a charitable campaign supporting people with mental illness and mood disorders. He has also sung backup on recordings by Steve Carlson.
Name notes for searchers
Jensen is his given first name, not a nickname. Ross is his middle name, and Ackles is his family surname. His wife uses the name Danneel Ackles.
FAQ
What is Jensen Ackles's full name?
Jensen Ross Ackles.
Where was he born?
Dallas, Texas, on March 1, 1978. He was raised in nearby Richardson.
Who did he play on Supernatural?
Dean Winchester.
What was his first big role?
Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives (1997–2000).
Who is his wife?
Actress Danneel Harris, now Danneel Ackles, whom he married in 2010.