Overview of Justin Hartley’s Career in Film and Television
Justin Hartley is an American actor best known for portraying Kevin Pearson in the NBC drama This Is Us (2016–2022) and for leading roles in the television series Smallville (as Oliver Queen) and Revenge (as Patrick Osbourne). He has also appeared in feature films such as Savages (2012), The Choice (2016), and AM1200 (2008). This guide provides an evergreen reference to his key movie and television credits, role details, and production timelines for quick lookup and deeper context.
Notable Television Roles and Series Arc Details
Hartley’s television work spans genre drama, family drama, and prime-time soap arcs. His breakout ongoing role was as Oliver Queen in The WB’s Smallville (2006–2011), appearing first as a recurring character and later as a series regular. This was followed by Patrick Osbourne in the ABC primetime soap Revenge (2012–2013). He gained widespread recognition as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us (2016–2022), a role that anchored a high-profile network drama across multiple seasons. More recently, he starred as Joe in the Netflix series The Girl from Plainville (2022) and appeared in limited and anthology formats, demonstrating range across serialized and event television.
Television Appearances at a Glance
| Title | Role | Years Active | Network/Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smallville | Oliver Queen | 2006–2011 | The WB |
| Revenge | Patrick Osbourne | 2012–2013 | ABC |
| This Is Us | Kevin Pearson | 2016–2022 | NBC |
| The Girl from Plainville | Joe Conrad | 2022 | Netflix |
| Animal Kingdom | Craig Cody | 2021 | Max |
Key Feature Film Credits and Role Notes
In features, Hartley has balanced mid-budget and wide releases, often taking character-driven parts in ensemble casts. Notable films include the crime drama Savages (2012), where he played Dennis, and the romantic drama The Choice (2016) as Travis Shaw. Earlier work includes the thriller AM1200 (2008) and supporting turns in studio and indie projects. His movie roles tend to emphasize dramatic tension and romantic leads, complementing his television background. The following table summarizes select film appearances with release years and character details for quick reference.
Selected Film Appearances
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM1200 | 2008 | Sam Larson | Thriller, direct-to-video premiere |
| Savages | 2012 | Dennis | Crime drama, ensemble cast |
| The Choice | 2016 | Travis Shaw | Romantic drama, lead role |
| According to Greta | 2009 | Dylan | Drama |
| Little Fockers | 2010 | Delivery Guy | Comedy, minor role |
Television and Film Comparison by Format and Genre
Hartley’s work can be compared across format and genre to understand his range. On television, he frequently takes central roles in family-oriented drama and high-stakes soap arcs, while in film he opts more toward character-driven stories and romantic leads. The table below contrasts format, typical role depth, and example projects to highlight how his screen presence differs by medium.
- Television — Long-form drama: Extended character arcs, multi-season narratives (examples: This Is Us, Smallville).
- Television — Event series: Limited runs with heightened stakes (example: The Girl from Plainville).
- Film — Ensemble drama: Supporting roles within larger casts (example: Savages).
- Film — Romantic lead: Central love-story driver in mid-budget features (example: The Choice).
- Film — Thriller/horror: Occasional genre forays for varied exposure (example: AM1200).
Career Trajectory and Consistent Themes
Across both film and television, Hartley has maintained a focus on emotionally driven storytelling, often playing characters defined by relationships, responsibility, and moral conflict. His portrayal of Kevin Pearson stands as the career’s centerpiece, offering sustained dramatic depth across multiple seasons. Meanwhile, his film work fills out his résumé with varied genres, ensuring ongoing relevance and versatility. Industry observers note a pattern of choosing projects that emphasize personal stakes and family dynamics, whether in a long-running series or a compact feature film.
Summary and Quick Lookup
Justin Hartory’s career combines long-form family drama with selective film work, anchored by the ongoing role of Kevin Pearson in This Is Us. His feature credits include notable turns in Savages, The Choice, and earlier genre pieces, while his television work spans soaps, event series, and streaming originals. This reference is designed to remain useful as a durable guide to his movies and television appearances, including verified timelines and role context.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which role is Justin Hartley most recognized for?
He is most recognized for playing Kevin Pearson in the NBC series This Is Us , a role that defined much of his mainstream profile and delivered multi-season narrative depth.
Did Justin Hartley play Oliver Queen on Smallville?
Yes. He originated the role of Oliver Queen in season six of Smallville and was promoted to series regular in season seven, appearing through the series finale.
Has Justin Hartley worked in genre film roles?
Yes. Beyond dramatic and romantic roles, he has appeared in thriller/horror-adjacent projects like AM1200 and high-stakes crime drama in Savages , showing willingness to experiment within genre frameworks.
What is Justin Hartley’s most recent notable screen credit?
As of the latest widely reported credits, his high-profile work includes This Is Us through its conclusion in 2022 and the Netflix series The Girl from Plainville (2022). Always verify against current entertainment news for projects beyond this point.