Justin Hartley: From Lone Wolf Tracker to Family Man
Justin Hartley, the charismatic star of CBS’s hit action drama "Tracker," reveals a life far removed from his on-screen persona as Colter Shaw, a solitary survivalist and reward seeker. While Shaw navigates dangerous landscapes and perilous situations alone, Hartley finds his greatest joy in the company of his wife, actress Sofia Pernas. The pair, who first connected on the set of "Young and the Restless," have built a strong bond since their marriage in March 2021.
Hartley’s third marriage, following his separation from Chrishell Stause, appears to be a recipe for happiness. Despite their busy schedules, with Pernas filming her recurring role in "Suits LA" near their Los Angeles home and Hartley tackling the demanding "Tracker" set in Vancouver, the couple prioritizes spending quality time together. Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer on "Tracker," enthusiastically embraces Pernas’ involvement in the show. She portrays Billie Matalon, a rival rewardist and former flame of Shaw, adding an intriguing dynamic to the series.
"I don’t know if I’d call it a love story, but there’s a romantic spark and chemistry between the two," Hartley admits, highlighting the on-screen connection between their characters. He emphasizes the joy of sharing his professional success with his loved ones, stating, "I enjoy being around her. I’m having the time of my life with this show. I love it. To be able to share it with the people you love makes it even better."
Hartley provided insights into his personal "Tracker" essentials, offering a glimpse into the routines and passions that shape his life off-screen.
The Ultimate Viewing Experience
For Hartley and Pernas, the ideal way to unwind involves immersing themselves in the world of television within the comfort of their home theater. Hartley emphasizes the importance of creating a cinematic experience, explaining, "I figure, turn on all the sound in the dark room and get the whole immersive experience. That’s how these shows were designed to be watched."
The couple enjoys a diverse range of content, including supporting their friends’ projects like "Paradise," featuring "This Is Us" alums Sterling K. Brown and Dan Fogelman. They also appreciate popular series like Netflix’s "Night Agent" and, of course, "Tracker" itself. When watching "Tracker," Hartley focuses on experiencing the show as an audience member, appreciating the work of his colleagues and the overall storytelling.
Understanding the demands of their respective careers, the couple maintains a flexible approach to binge-watching. Hartley doesn’t mind if Pernas watches ahead when they are apart, stating, "I don’t have a problem if my wife tells me, ‘I watched six episodes of whatever we’re watching.’ It doesn’t bother me." This relaxed attitude reflects their mutual understanding and respect for each other’s individual preferences.
Road Tripping with Paisley
Colter Shaw’s open-road lifestyle in "Tracker" is epitomized by his customized Airstream trailer. While Hartley is tempted to replicate this experience in his personal life, he has yet to purchase his own Airstream. Instead, he, Pernas, and their beloved golden doodle Paisley embark on frequent road trips in a more conventional SUV.
"It is tempting, though," Hartley says about the Airstream. However, practicality and the needs of their furry companion take precedence. "We have this really high-maintenance dog that doesn’t fly. So we put the dog in the back and drive, and then we stay at hotels."
Their preferred destination? Major League Baseball parks across the country. Hartley’s love for the game provides the perfect excuse to explore the nation and appreciate its diversity. "I love the game of baseball, and this gives me an excuse to go around the country and realize how big it is and see the different walks of life." The simplicity of their travel arrangements, "nothing extravagant, just four tires," underscores their focus on the experience itself.
Streamlined Style, Shattered Reality
Despite Colter Shaw’s rugged lifestyle, he maintains a surprisingly pristine iPhone without a protective case. This detail is a deliberate choice on Hartley’s part, reflecting his desire for authenticity and streamlined aesthetics. "I was like, ‘I’m not putting a case on the iPhone, because I don’t have a case on my phone.’ And if I’m holding a phone with a case on it, it doesn’t feel right," he explains.
Hartley believes that the phone’s design should be appreciated as intended. "They built the phone in a certain way that it’s supposed to look. I want Colter streamlined. No extra stuff."
However, the actor’s personal phone tells a different story. "I tend to drop my phone a lot. My phone is cracked all the time. There’s a big crack in the back right now." This contrast highlights the distinction between Hartley’s carefully crafted on-screen image and his more accident-prone reality.
Maglite Mania
Colter Shaw’s reliance on flashlights in "Tracker" has sparked considerable discussion among viewers, with many curious about the specific models he uses. Hartley, a Maglite enthusiast, reveals that he keeps them readily available throughout his home. "I have them stashed throughout the house," he says.
For Hartley, Maglites serve a dual purpose: providing illumination and offering a potential means of self-defense. "They are not just a source of light, they can also be used as a weapon if you need it. They’re basically a big metal wand with a light at the end, which is wonderful."
Watchful Choices
Initially, Colter Shaw sported a luxurious Omega Seamaster, a watch that Hartley himself might wear. However, the showrunners later opted for a more practical and durable G-Shock. "His watch is going to get broken all the time, there’s no sense in wearing a really expensive one. And the G-Shock is a solid utility watch that if it gets broken, no big deal. It’s a couple hundred bucks."
Hartley’s personal watch collection includes the Omega Speedmaster, the coveted Rolex Daytona, and even Timex models. "I’m a Timex guy, actually," he reveals, demonstrating his appreciation for both high-end and affordable timepieces. "I always wear a watch," Hartley says. "I don’t have many, but I love them all."
Through these glimpses into his personal life, Justin Hartley emerges as a multifaceted individual who values connection, experiences, and authenticity. He is a devoted husband, a supportive colleague, and a passionate enthusiast who finds joy in both the grand gestures and the simple pleasures of life. While Colter Shaw may be a lone wolf on screen, Justin Hartley is clearly surrounded by love and driven by a desire to share his journey with those he cares about most.
