Why Jensen Ackles of SUPERNATURAL is TV’s Hottest Star

Ladies. Stand up and cheer. There are some hot young actors on television today. Like Jensen Ackles, breakout star of the WB’s (soon to CW’s) hit sci-fi thriller, “Supernatural“. Nominated for Breakout Male Star of 2006” at the Teen Choice Awards, many feel as if Jensen was the hottest of the bunch, in both talent and looks despite being passed over for the win in favor of Zac Efron, (High School Musical). Aside from looks that are almost too alarming, Ackles brings gravitas to his acting and is able to convey a depth of emotion far exceeding the brooding melodrama that passes for most acting on television today. Little wonder that his favorite show, according to TV.com, is “The West Wing” with a cast of actors well-versed in the art of nuance.

Although new to many prime-time viewers, Ackles has been actively employed in Hollywood since he moved to California from Dallas, Texas in 1996. Much of his early acclaim followed his three consecutive (1998-2000) Emmy nominated performances on the daytime soap, “Days of Our Lives” playing the role of Eric. Jensen’s rich baritone voice is reminiscent of his favorite actor, Johnny Depp, and his hazel eyes, as most of his fans can attest, are unique, allowing him to translate a full range of emotion with but a glance, much like Depp. Whether Ackles will follow the intrepid, original path of Depp is too soon to tell, but as Dean Winchester in “Supernatural” he has already shown his ability to breathe life into a quirky character. Just as we believed Johnny Depp had scissors for hands, we believe that Dean Winchester is in tune with all things that go bump in the night. Underneath those luminescent eyes to the soul lurks a complex man, indeed.

Born into an acting family, Ackles comes by his craft with natural talent and an ample dose of family influence. His father, Alan Ackles, has had a long career as a Texas actor, having appeared in episodes of “Walker Texas Ranger” as well as “Dallas.” His son, Jensen, now 6.0 feet tall, was born in 1978 and appeared in his first commercial at age two. Reportedly he was teased relentlessly in Middle School after appearing in an ad featuring the young cutie decked out in Superman jammies.

Although Jared Padalecki is also excellent in his role as Dean’s brother, Sam, it is Ackles who is the real star of the show. Perhaps he drew the long straw in casting, because his Dean character is multi-layered with a great sense of humor and cocky attitude, whereas younger brother Sam tends toward more traditional traits such as earnestness and occasional depression. As the show develops over the years (it is a respectable hit), one expects Ackles to reveal even greater depth to his character. No doubt he will be up to the challenge.

With entire entertainment shows dedicated to the failure of most TV actors to become bona fide movie stars, it is interesting to speculate on a hot, up and coming TV star like Jensen Ackles. That his looks will translate to the big screen there is little doubt. The close-ups alone would be worth the price of admission. But what of the acting chops? As evidenced by his acclaimed work on soaps and on “Supernatural,” it appears that the skill and work ethic are there. Now the question becomes whether the material will be there. And more importantly, will Jensen make wise choices about the scripts he chooses? Reportedly his favorite novel is FOUNTAINHEAD by Ayn Rand; one guesses he’s at least gotten a bead on what makes a great story with unforgettable characters. Johnny Depp stuck to his guns after bolting “21 Jump Street.” Let’s hope Ackles does the same. But first of all, let’s hope he sticks around on the small screen long enough to give his fans a stack full of “Supernatural” DVDs to add to their collections.