Justin Hartley's Journey As A Father: Balancing Love, Life, And Coparenting

When you think of Justin Hartley, the name might immediately bring to mind his iconic role as Kevin Pearson on NBC’s breakout hit, "This Is Us." But beyond the bright lights of Hollywood, there's another side to Justin—a devoted father to his daughter, Isabella. Let’s dive into the personal life of this heartthrob and the journey of fatherhood that has shaped him both on and off the screen.

Welcoming Isabella: The Beginning of a Beautiful Chapter

Before Justin became a household name, he was already stepping into the role that would define him most profoundly: fatherhood. On July 3, 2004, Justin and his then-wife, Lindsay Korman, welcomed their precious bundle of joy, Isabella. The couple had tied the knot just a year earlier, marking the start of what seemed like a promising life together. However, as life often does, things took a turn, and the couple parted ways in 2012, citing irreconcilable differences. But here's the thing: Justin didn't let the end of their marriage overshadow their shared responsibility. He and Lindsay have made a conscious effort to co-parent Isabella with love, respect, and understanding.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Justin opened up about the importance of communication in co-parenting. He emphasized the need to truly understand where each person is coming from, even if it's not always easy. "It's hard," he admitted. "As much as you try to put yourself in someone else's shoes, you can never fully do it, but you should make the effort." Justin went on to praise Lindsay, crediting her resourcefulness and the support she provides in raising their daughter. "I get a lot of help from my ex-wife, and I'm grateful for that," he said. "But let's be real—Isabella is the one who makes everything go around. She deserves all the credit."

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A Bond Like No Other: Justin and Isabella's Special Connection

Life has taken Justin on quite the ride. After his first marriage, he remarried actress Chrishell Stause in October 2017, only to part ways again in November 2019. Then, in 2021, he tied the knot with Sofia Pernas, marking yet another chapter in his life. Through it all, one constant remains: his love for Isabella. As she grew older, Isabella began navigating the world of dating, a phase that brought both pride and a touch of heartache for Justin.

"She's dating a little bit, and I just want to crawl into a hole and die," Justin joked during an appearance on The Tonight Show. "I know it's natural, it's healthy, and she's wonderful, sweet, responsible, and great. She's earned my trust, but I hate it." He added with a chuckle, "I loved her first, man." It's clear that no matter what, Justin will always hold a special place in his daughter's life.

Of course, Isabella is busy enjoying her life, balancing school and friendships. But she always finds time for her dad. "We do everything from reading to surfing Instagram," Justin once told Us Weekly. "We'll go for walks, play basketball, swim, drive around... we do it all." The bond they share is truly special. "It's nice," he continued. "I feel lucky to have a daughter who tells me—or can tell me—everything. She probably doesn't tell me everything, but I think she feels like she can. That was always the goal. She's my best friend."

Growing Up: Navigating the Transition to College

In November 2022, Justin reflected on Isabella leaving for college at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "It's tough when they leave," he admitted during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. "You think you're ready for it because as they get older, they gain independence and are gone a lot anyway. They have their own friends and interests, and you can go see them." But when they're really gone, it changes everything. "It's a text or a phone call now," he said with a laugh. "And let's be honest, it's mostly texts. I'm not getting phone calls, which is normal, but I hate it."

He also shared a hilarious story about teaching Isabella to drive on Late Night with Seth Meyers in February 2021. "I was in the car, she was driving, doing great, and I was feeling pretty relaxed," he recalled. "I opened up a bag of gummy bears and started eating them like a kid. Suddenly, I looked up, and we were cruising through a red light at a four-way stop! It was reckless!"