American actor (born 1982)
Jared Padalecki
Padalecki at
MegaCon Orlando in 2025
Born Jared Tristan Padalecki
(1982-07-19 ) July 19, 1982 (age 43) Occupation Actor Years active 1999–present Known for Sam Winchester inSupernatural Spouse Children 3
Jared Tristan Padalecki (born July 19, 1982)[ 1] is an American actor. He is best known for playing the role ofSam Winchester in the TV seriesSupernatural . He rose to fame in the early 2000s after appearing on the television seriesGilmore Girls (2000–2005) as well as the filmsFlight of the Phoenix (2004),House of Wax (2005) andFriday the 13th (2009).
Early life and education Padalecki was born inSan Antonio , Texas to Gerald and Sherri Padalecki.[ 1] [ 2] His father is ofPolish descent, while his mother hasGerman ,Scottish ,French andEnglish ancestry.[ 3]
He was a 2000 candidate for thePresidential Scholars Program .[ 1] In 1998, Padalecki and his partner Chris Cardenas won theNational Forensic League national championship inDuo Interpretation .[ 4] Although he had originally planned to attend theUniversity of Texas after graduating from high school in 2000, Padalecki decided to move toLos Angeles County, California instead to pursue an acting career.[ 1]
Career Padalecki atSan Diego Comic-Con in 2011 Padalecki wonFox Broadcasting 's 1999 "Claim to Fame Contest"; he subsequently appeared at theTeen Choice Awards , where he met an agent.[ 5] His first role was a minor role in the 1999 filmA Little Inside . In 2000, he was cast asDean Forester on the television seriesGilmore Girls , a role he played until 2005. Throughout the early 2000s, he appeared in several made-for-television films, includingSilent Witness ,Close to Home and the Disney Channel Original MovieA Ring of Endless Light .[ 6] [ 7]
Padalecki had an uncredited role as a high school bully in 2003's comedyCheaper by the Dozen , which he played after being asked by fellow actor and friendTom Welling , who played Charlie Baker, and the director of the movie, who wanted someone larger than Charlie to pick on him. Padalecki originally auditioned for Welling's role, but gave it up in order to film a pilot titledYoung MacGyver which was never picked up.[ 8]
In 2004, he appeared in theMary-Kate and Ashley Olsen comedyNew York Minute as Trey Lipton, a cute boy to whom the Olsens' characters are attracted. He also landed a short role in the thrillerFlight of the Phoenix alongsideDennis Quaid andHugh Laurie . In 2005, Padalecki starred oppositeElisha Cuthbert ,Chad Michael Murray andParis Hilton inHouse of Wax as Wade. In 2005, he appeared inCry Wolf , another horror film, as Tom.[ 9]
Padalecki and hisSupernatural costarJensen Ackles atSan Diego Comic-Con in 2016 Also in 2005, Padalecki was cast asSam Winchester on the WB series,Supernatural . The show ended in 2020, after fifteen seasons, making it the longest-running North American sci-fi series in history.[ 10]
In 2007, Jared served as the host ofMTV 's horror reality series,Room 401 , which was discontinued after only eight episodes due to poor ratings.[ 11]
He had the lead role in 2008'sChristmas Cottage asThomas Kinkade , alongside acclaimed actorPeter O'Toole .
He also had the lead role in the 2009 version ofFriday the 13th as Clay Miller, a character who heads out to Camp Crystal Lake in search of his sister who has gone missing.[ 12]
In September 2019, Padalecki was announced as the title role inWalker , a reboot series ofWalker, Texas Ranger in development atThe CW .[ 13] [ 14] The reboot was ordered to series in January 2020[ 15] and premiered in January 2021.[ 16] The series was cancelled in 2024 after four seasons.[ 17] A month later, Padalecki agreed to guest star onThe Boys , theAmazon Prime Video superhero drama helmed bySupernatural creator,Eric Kripke .[ 18] In August 2024, it was announced that Padalecki would join the cast ofFire Country for a three-episode guest stint with the possibility of headlining a spinoff.[ 19]
In September 2025, it was announced that Padalecki would star in a Netflix film adaptation ofKatherine Center 's novelThe Bodyguard , oppositeLeighton Meester .[ 20] [ 21]
Personal life Padalecki's engagement to hisSupernatural co-starGenevieve Cortese was announced in January 2010. They met when Cortese guest-starred asRuby on the show'sfourth season . Padalecki proposed to her in front of their favorite painting,Joan of Arc , by French realistJules Bastien-Lepage at New York'sMetropolitan Museum of Art in October 2009.[ 22] [ 23] [ 24] [ 25] The pair married on February 27, 2010, in Cortese's hometown ofSun Valley, Idaho . They have three children.[ 26] [ 27]
Padalecki supportedBeto O'Rourke for the2018 Senate election in Texas alongsideSupernatural co-starsJensen Ackles andMisha Collins .[ 28]
Always Keep Fighting In March 2015, Padalecki launched his Always Keep Fighting campaign throughRepresent.com . His first campaign raised funds forTo Write Love on Her Arms , which supports people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. The cause is particularly close to Padalecki, who has been candid about his own struggles with depression.[ 29] For the second campaign in the Always Keep Fighting series in April 2015, Padalecki partnered with co-starJensen Ackles to release a shirt featuring both of their faces, to benefit their newly formed joint charitable fund. Over 70,000 shirts were sold.[ 30] [ 31] Later, Padalecki launched a third campaign selling a further 40,000 shirts.[ 32]
DuringSan Diego Comic-Con 2015, more than 6,000 fans surprised Padalecki at theSupernatural panel by holding up candles for him, after having revealed his battle with depression earlier in the year.[ 33]
Filmography
Film
Television
Awards and nominations
References ^a b c d "Jared Padalecki biography" .TV Guide . Archived fromthe original on November 27, 2013. RetrievedDecember 24, 2013 .^ "Jared Padalecki Biography" . FilmReference.com.Archived from the original on August 19, 2007.^ "Jared Padalecki interview".The Bonnie Hunt Show . February 10, 2009. ^ "Schwan Duo Interpretation" (PDF) .The H.B. Mitchell Trophy . National Forensic League. p. 5. Archived fromthe original (PDF) on September 10, 2008. RetrievedMarch 31, 2007 .^ "Teen Choice Awards" .supernaturalwiki.com .Archived from the original on August 31, 2014.^ "Jared Padalecki" .IMDb . RetrievedOctober 30, 2018 .^ "Jared Padalecki biography and filmography | Jared Padalecki movies" .Tribute.ca . RetrievedOctober 30, 2018 .^a b "Interview with Bonnie Hunt" . Archived fromthe original on November 7, 2015.^ Keith, Amy Elisa (November 29, 2005)."Celebrity Q&A: Jared Padalecki" .People Magazine . Time-Warner. Archived fromthe original on November 25, 2020. RetrievedNovember 29, 2006 . ^ " 'Supernatural' now longest running sci-fi show in U.S." discoversd.com . Archived fromthe original on September 25, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 24, 2016 .^ "Room 401: Cast Bios" .MTV . Archived fromthe original on May 3, 2008.^ "Friday the 13th: Jared Padalecki" . SuicideGirls.com. January 9, 2009.Archived from the original on January 24, 2009. RetrievedJanuary 9, 2009 .^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 23, 2019)." 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki in the Works" .Deadline Hollywood . RetrievedSeptember 24, 2019 . ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 11, 2019)." 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki Lands at the CW" . Deadline. RetrievedOctober 12, 2019 . ^ Swift, Andy (January 14, 2020)."Jared Padalecki's Walker, Texas Ranger Reboot Ordered to Series at The CW" . TV Line. RetrievedJanuary 15, 2020 . ^ Haring, Bruce (January 30, 2021)." 'Walker' Debut Grows More Than 50% In Live+7 To Log the CW's Largest Viewership In More Than 2 Years" .Deadline . RetrievedMarch 24, 2022 . ^ Porter, Rick (May 21, 2024)." 'Walker' Canceled at The CW After Four Seasons" .The Hollywood Reporter .Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. RetrievedJune 26, 2024 . ^ Campione, Katie (June 26, 2024)."Jared Padalecki On Reteaming With Eric Kripke For 'The Boys': "The Answer Is Yes" " .Deadline Hollywood .Penske Media Corporation . RetrievedAugust 12, 2024 . ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 12, 2024)."Jared Padalecki Joins 'Fire Country' For Guest Arc That Could Lead To New Franchise Offshoot" .Deadline Hollywood .Penske Media Corporation . RetrievedAugust 12, 2024 . ^ Dutta, Shubhabrata (September 18, 2025)."Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester To Star in Netflix Feature 'The Bodyguard' " .The Cinemaholic . RetrievedSeptember 20, 2025 . ^a b O'Rourke, Ryan."After 10 Years Away From Movies, Jared Padalecki Is Reportedly Starring in Netflix's New Romantic Comedy Adaptation" .Collider.com .Collider . RetrievedNovember 7, 2025 . ^ Cortese, Genevieve; Padalecki, Jared."The Perfect Winter Wedding" .Sun Valley Magazine . Archived fromthe original on June 5, 2014. RetrievedJune 1, 2014 . ^ Godwin, Jennifer,Jared Padalecki and Genevieve Cortese Are Engaged Archived February 25, 2010, at theWayback Machine , EOnline.com, January 6, 2010; accessed February 14, 2009. ^ Kubicek, John,Notes from theSupernatural 100th episode party Archived February 9, 2010, at theWayback Machine , BuddyTV.com; February 2, 2010. Quote: "Jared Padalecki talking sweetly about his recent engagement to former co-star Genevieve Cortese"; accessed February 14, 2010. ^ Jakle, Jeanne (August 5, 2014)."Hollywood Stars Love the Spurs Too" .Mysa .Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. RetrievedSeptember 9, 2014 . ^ Bacardi, Francesca (November 8, 2016)."Jared Padalecki and Wife Genevieve Cortese Expecting Baby No. 3" .E! Online .Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. RetrievedSeptember 13, 2025 . ^ Fisher, Kendall (March 28, 2017)."Jared Padalecki & Wife Genevieve Cortese Welcome Baby No. 3" .E! Online .Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. RetrievedSeptember 13, 2025 . ^ Collins, Misha [@mishacollins] (November 3, 2018)."@jarpad, @JensenAckles, & I want YOU to vote this Tuesday!" (Tweet ) – viaTwitter .^ "How Jared Padalecki's 'Always Keep Fighting' Helped This Fan Battle Depression" .MTV News . Archived fromthe original on October 17, 2015.^ "Jared & Jensen Always Keep Fighting - Represent" .represent.com .Archived from the original on September 7, 2015.^ "Supernatural: Jensen Ackles on the Finale and His Charity with Jared Padalecki : People.com" .PEOPLE.com .Archived from the original on April 15, 2016.^ "Jared Padelecki's Love Yourself First Hoodie - Represent" .represent.com .Archived from the original on October 8, 2015.^ "Fans Support Jared Padalecki's Fight Against Depression With Incredibly Moving Comic-Con Tribute" .Entertainment Tonight . July 13, 2015.Archived from the original on September 17, 2015.^ Behnke, Megan (February 27, 2023)."Walker's Jared Padalecki Discusses His Independence Cameo And Whether More Easter Eggs Are On The Way" .Cinema Blend . RetrievedMarch 25, 2023 . ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (February 26, 2025)." 'The Boys' Final Season Casts Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins in 'Supernatural' Reunion With Jensen Ackles" .Variety . RetrievedJuly 6, 2025 . ^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2002" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ "2002 TEEN CHOICE AWARDS" ,The Oklahoman , August 18, 2002, retrievedNovember 8, 2025 ^a b Knight, Nicholas (2008).Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 2 . Titan Books. p. 126.ISBN 9781845766573 . RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 . ^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2005" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television . 2011. p. 233. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ "The Constellation Awards - A Canadian Award for Excellence in Film & Television Science Fiction" .The Constellation Awards . Archived fromthe original on May 14, 2007. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2007" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ "The Constellation Awards - A Canadian Award for Excellence in Film & Television Science Fiction" .The Constellation Awards . Archived fromthe original on May 2, 2008. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "SFX Awards, UK (2008)" .IMDb . RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2011" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2012" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^ "The Constellation Awards - A Canadian Award for Excellence in Film & Television Science Fiction" .The Constellation Awards . Archived fromthe original on March 19, 2013. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "People's Choice Awards: Fan Favorites in Movies, Music & TV" .www.peopleschoice.com . Archived fromthe original on July 27, 2014. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^a b "SFX Awards, UK (2013)" .IMDb . RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "Teen Choice Awards - 2013" . Awards and Winners. RetrievedNovember 8, 2025 .^a b "People's Choice Awards 2014" . People's Choice Awards. Archived fromthe original on November 5, 2013. RetrievedJanuary 8, 2014 .^a b Toomey, Alyssa (November 5, 2013)."Glee, Katy Perry Lead People's Choice Award Nominations, 2 Broke Girls' Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs to Host" .E! News . RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 . ^a b "People's Choice Awards: Fan Favorites in Movies, Music & TV - Nominees & Winners" .www.peopleschoice.com . Archived fromthe original on June 30, 2015. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ "2015 Teen Choice Award Winners - Full List" .Variety . August 16, 2015. Archived fromthe original on August 17, 2015. RetrievedNovember 9, 2025 .^ Moreau, Jordan (June 19, 2019)." 'Avengers: Endgame,' 'Riverdale,' 'Aladdin' Top 2019 Teen Choice Award Nominations" .Variety . Archived fromthe original on June 26, 2019. RetrievedJuly 19, 2019 . ^ "Jared Padalecki Wins Teen Choice Award for 'Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor' " .nerdsandbeyond.com . August 11, 2019. Archived fromthe original on November 22, 2019.^ Hammond, Pete (November 19, 2020)." 'Palm Springs', 'Lovecraft Country' Top Movie And Series Nominations For Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards; Netflix Lands 35 Nods" .Deadline Hollywood . Archived fromthe original on August 15, 2025. RetrievedDecember 23, 2020 .
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