Actor Justin Hartley, known for his role as Kevin Pearson on “This Is Us,” has taken on a radically different character in the new action-packed CBS drama series “Tracker.” Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a rugged survivor who travels the country finding missing people and collecting rewards.
Hartley said he had to move away from Pearson completely to avoid any overlap between the characters.
“I didn’t want Kevin to divulge what I was doing for Colter. So I made a list of the two. And it turns out they have nothing in common,” he told “CBS Mornings.”
Hartley found that the physical demands of Colter’s role contrasted with the emotional demands of his previous stint on the network.
“I like the physical side of it. It’s fun. It’s something different,” he said of his new role, noting that “his tear ducts were put to the test on ‘This Is Us’.
The series also stars Hartley’s real-life wife, Sofia Pernas, adding a personal touch to their on-screen interactions.
Hartley discussed the dynamic of working closely with someone he loves, describing it as both a professional benefit and a personal joy.
“It makes it so easy. She’s so good and she’s fun to watch and she’s so good. She’s so talented and every time you get a chance to work with a talented actor, they just make your performance better. C “It’s amazing. You’re basically just along for the ride,” Hartley said.
Reflecting on his dual roles as actor and executive producer, Hartley said working with Ken Olin, whom he previously worked on on “This Is Us,” made the transition easier.
“It’s a wonderful partnership,” he said. And it’s a partnership that has allowed Tracker to become the number one new series on CBS.
“Tracker” delves into Colter Shaw’s history and family near the end of the season. Hartley alluded to the richness of the unfolding narrative.
“The truth is coming out,” he said.
Watch “Tracker” on CBS Sunday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific and streaming on Paramount Plus.
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