Countdown star Jensen Ackles' life from Supernatural fame to how he met wife

Jensen Ackles, famed for his role as Dean Winchester in the long-standing CW series Supernatural, is embarking on a fresh venture.

The 47 year old Texan actor is slated to portray LAPD detective Mark Meachum in the forthcoming Prime Video series, Countdown.

The police drama springs from the creative mind of Derek Haas, renowned for co-creating the Chicago franchise, encompassing Chicago Fire and Chicago P. D.

This new project is bound to thrill Supernatural fans, but what does Jensen Ackles' life look like away from the spotlight?

We delve into his previous roles and family life ahead of Countdown's premiere later this week.

Supernatural enthusiasts recognise Jensen Ackles for his portrayal of Dean Winchester in the CW series, alongside Jared Padalecki, who plays his brother Sam Winchester. The show boasted an impressive 15-season run, premiering in 2005 and airing its final episode in 2020.

Jensen subsequently starred in another Eric Kripke production, the popular Prime Video series The Boys, joining as Soldier Boy in season 3. Soap opera aficionados may also recall one of Jensen's early roles in NBC's Days of Our Lives.

He played regular character Eric Brady from 1997 to 2000, earning several Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his performance, reports Mirror.com.

Prior to his casting in Supernatural, Jensen Ackles featured in the science fiction series Dark Angel opposite Jessica Alba between 2001 and 2002.

In 2002, he landed a recurring role in the teen drama Dawson's Creek, portraying C. J. Braxton.

Before stepping into the shoes of Dean Winchester, he played Jason Teague in 22 episodes of Smallville, making his debut in the superhero series' fourth season in 2004.

What might surprise fans is that Jensen has also used his distinctive voice to bring several animated superheroes to life, voicing Batman in 2021's Batman: The Long Halloween and in the 2023 films Legion of Super-Heroes and Justice League: Warworld.

After three years of dating, actor Jensen Ackles popped the question to fellow TV star and model Danneel Harris in 2009.

Their love story began on the set of the indie romantic comedy Ten Inch Hero, released in 2007.

The couple tied the knot in Dallas in 2010 and welcomed their first child in 2013.

Together, they have three children: 12 year old daughter Justice Jay Ackles, and eight year old twins Zeppelin Bram Ackles and Arrow Rhodes Ackles.

Danneel's most notable roles include Rachel Gatina in the teen drama One Tree Hill and Shannon McBain in the American daytime soap opera One Life to Live.

Countdown, the thrilling new action series, follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) on a perilous mission to save millions of lives.

Prime Video's gripping synopsis teases: "When an officer with the Department of Homeland Security is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum is recruited to a secret task force, alongside undercover agents from all branches of law enforcement, to investigate.

"But the hunt for the killer soon uncovers a plot far more sinister than anyone could have imagined, kicking off a race against time to save a city of millions."

Countdown will launch on Prime Video on Wednesday, June 25. The first three episodes will drop at the same time, with additional episodes dropping weekly after that.