Justin Hartley Says He Has Finally Found ‘Peace’ and Wants to Leave On-Screen ‘Drama’ Behind in ‘Tracker’
Justin Hartley has been a staple in the entertainment world for years, from his breakthrough role in This Is Us to his current role in the hit CBS crime drama Tracker. Known for his powerful performances and emotional depth, Hartley has captivated audiences with his portrayal of complex characters. But in a recent interview, the actor revealed a more personal side to his journey: after years of navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, he has finally found “peace” in his life—and he’s ready to leave the on-screen “drama” behind.
In this exclusive interview, Hartley opened up about his decision to focus on a more balanced life, his experience with Tracker, and how he plans to move forward both professionally and personally.
From On-Screen Drama to Real-Life Peace: A Personal Transformation
For years, Hartley was known for playing characters embroiled in high-stakes, emotionally charged situations, such as his role in This Is Us as Kevin Pearson. But now, as the lead of Tracker, Hartley has entered a new phase of his career—one where he’s focusing more on inner peace than on the chaos of fictional lives.
Leaving the Intensity Behind
When asked about his evolving approach to acting and life, Hartley explained that he is intentionally moving away from roles that are heavily centered on dramatic conflict and personal turmoil. “For so long, my roles were filled with intense personal drama, and while that’s great for storytelling, I’ve realized it’s not the kind of energy I want to carry around anymore,” he shared. “I’ve found peace in my life now, and I want my work to reflect that shift.”
While his character in Tracker still faces plenty of challenges and intense moments, the show’s more grounded, action-driven focus has allowed Hartley to embrace a different kind of role—one that aligns with his current state of mind.
Personal Peace: What It Means for Hartley
For Hartley, finding peace doesn’t just refer to his career—it’s a holistic sense of well-being. In recent years, he has taken steps to prioritize his mental and emotional health, focusing on what truly brings him joy and fulfillment. This includes spending quality time with loved ones, nurturing personal relationships, and taking time for himself.
“Peace isn’t just a feeling I have when I’m not working. It’s something I actively create in my life by taking care of my well-being and staying grounded,” Hartley explained. “I’ve learned that it’s okay to step back from the drama and focus on what matters most.”
‘Tracker’: A Shift in Narrative and Energy
While Tracker still features high-stakes criminal investigations, it’s also a platform for Hartley to showcase a more balanced approach to storytelling. His character, a lead investigator, faces complex cases but also maintains a sense of stability and control—a reflection of Hartley’s own life changes.
A More Grounded Role
In contrast to his past roles, Hartley’s portrayal of the lead investigator in Tracker is marked by a calm demeanor and a focus on solving cases with precision and clarity. There’s still drama in the show, but Hartley’s character operates from a place of strength rather than being swept up in turmoil. This shift in energy is something that Hartley has found incredibly fulfilling, both as an actor and as a person.
“I think the way the character is written in Tracker has really allowed me to showcase a different side of myself,” Hartley said. “While the investigations are intense, my character is more steady and grounded. That reflects where I am in my life right now. It’s a nice change of pace.”
A Desire for Balance in Life and Career
Hartley has always been drawn to roles that push him creatively, but now he is also searching for balance. After years of playing characters mired in emotional chaos, he’s craving roles that allow him to explore more balanced, stable personalities. “I think I’m at a point where I want to focus on the work that brings me peace and makes me feel good,” Hartley explained. “I want to move away from the kind of on-screen drama that leaves me drained. I’m embracing a new chapter in my career, one where I’m more selective and intentional about the roles I take on.”
The Impact of ‘This Is Us’ on Hartley’s Personal Growth
Hartley’s time on This Is Us was transformative, both professionally and personally. Playing Kevin Pearson, a character navigating complex family dynamics and personal struggles, allowed Hartley to grow emotionally as an actor. But it also gave him insight into the impact of constant on-screen drama.
Reflecting on His Time in This Is Us
Looking back on his years playing Kevin Pearson, Hartley expressed gratitude for the opportunity but also noted the emotional toll such a demanding role can take. “Kevin was such a rich character, and I loved playing him. But I also learned that constantly playing characters who are going through deep emotional turmoil can be exhausting. There’s only so much you can give before you need to take a step back and recharge,” Hartley shared.
This awareness led him to seek out roles that offer more balance and peace—both for himself and for the audience. It’s part of his evolution as an actor and a person.
Focusing on What Brings Him Joy
As Hartley navigates this new phase of his career, he is committed to finding more roles that align with his personal values and bring him joy. Whether it’s in his career or personal life, Hartley believes that finding peace is the key to long-term happiness and success.
Acting with Purpose
Hartley’s new approach to acting is about purpose over pressure. “I don’t want to be caught up in roles just because they seem like a good opportunity. I want to choose projects that resonate with me on a deeper level and allow me to contribute to a positive, meaningful experience for the audience,” he explained.
This mindset has led him to embrace roles like the one in Tracker, where his character’s strength and stability complement his real-life goals of peace and balance.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Justin Hartley
Justin Hartley’s decision to leave on-screen drama behind and embrace a more peaceful, balanced lifestyle is an inspiring example of personal growth. By shifting the focus of his career to roles that reflect his current mindset, Hartley is showing that it’s possible to evolve both as an actor and as a person.
Tracker is just the beginning of this new chapter for Hartley, and fans can expect to see more of his grounded, centered approach in his future work. With his focus on peace, purpose, and joy, it’s clear that Hartley is on the path to even greater success—both on and off the screen.
FAQs
1. What does Justin Hartley mean by finding ‘peace’?
Hartley refers to finding emotional balance and well-being in his life by stepping away from constant drama and focusing on what brings him joy and fulfillment.
2. Why did Justin Hartley want to leave on-screen drama behind?
Hartley realized that playing characters with intense personal turmoil took a toll on his emotional health, and he now seeks roles that reflect a more balanced and grounded approach.
3. How does Tracker reflect Hartley’s new approach to acting?
In Tracker, Hartley’s character remains steady and focused, solving complex cases without being caught up in emotional chaos, reflecting his own personal growth and desire for balance.
4. Has This Is Us played a role in Hartley’s personal growth?
Yes, Hartley’s experience playing Kevin Pearson on This Is Us allowed him to explore complex emotional depth but also made him aware of the impact of constant on-screen drama, leading him to seek roles with more peace.
5. What can fans expect from Hartley’s future roles?
Fans can expect Hartley to take on more balanced, purposeful roles that focus on emotional well-being and provide a positive, fulfilling experience both for him and his audience.
