Happy Birthday Jensen Ackles – 2023 Edition!

It’s kind of a tradition to wish one of my favorite actors a happy birthday here. For many years, this was a good time to thank Jensen Ackles for bringing to life my favorite fictional character, Dean Winchester – and I am still and forever grateful for that and always will be. Over the past year, he’s brought to life not one but two other characters, and voiced Dean again, released his third record, and had his first live Radio Company show. Not to mention a worldwide publicity tour for ‘The Boys’ and tons of conventions. It’s been a busy year for Mr. Ackles!

I will always wish for Supernatural to still be on my TV or streaming screen, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed those other characters he’s made so memorable. So I think a little celebration of Mr. Ackles’ past (very productive) year is in order this year for his birthday post.

First up? Soldier Boy. Soldier Boy was a revelation – I had already been a big fan of ‘The Boys’, so having Jensen join a show I already loved felt almost too good to be true. To have him portray a character as nuanced and unhinged as Soldier Boy? Utopia!

Wakes from a deep slumber indeed – we were all wide awake when that happened!

We got to see a whole other side of Jensen on ‘The Boys’ (no, I’m not talking about that first very naked introduction) – Prime Video allowed Soldier Boy to curse the way Dean Winchester probably would have, and to indulge in all sorts of things we didn’t get to see Dean do either.  I will also be forever grateful for that amazing super suit and the fact that Kripke thought that long hair would help differentiate Soldier Boy from Dean. Please, universe, let the long hair stay forever!

I half fell in love with Soldier Boy despite the truly awful things he says and does thanks to Ackles showing us his vulnerability and trauma alongside his being an asshole. (So much so that my next book will be a deep dive into that show).

Soldier Boy is not dead and will be back at some point, so we all have something to look forward to when that happens!

I’ve had the privilege of talking to Jensen in depth over the past year about his experience on The Boys, and I’m thrilled that it was a challenge (which he welcomes) professionally. I’m also thrilled that it gave him exposure (no, not that scene again…) beyond what even a wildly popular show on the CW could provide. He shone on the press tours for The Boys, and I loved watching people discover him and his talent for the first time!

Photos: karlsen manuela scarpa

Then we got another intriguing character in Sheriff Beau Arlen in ‘Big Sky’ – and more of the long hair I’d like to stay around forever! (I happen to know that Danneel loves it too, so come on Jensen, listen to us!)

I’d watched a little of Big Sky in the first season and enjoyed it, but wasn’t as excited about it as The Boys. Sheriff Beau really grew on me, though – along with the fascinating character of Donno – and I found myself missing the show when it wrapped, still not knowing if it will get another season.

Beau was the character who I think was closest to Jensen himself, especially since he got to play a father (Soldier Boy’s biological son didn’t really make him a father) for the first time. It was interesting to watch him portray that, knowing what an important role that is for Jensen in real life. It brought out a softness and at the same time a fierce protectiveness in Beau that made the character so much more interesting than I expected him to be – and I feel like there was still a lot more to find out about him when the season wrapped!

Kudos on making us all fall a little in love with yet another character, Jensen!

We also get to hear Dean Winchester (and see him every now and then) on The Winchesters. It doesn’t feel like having him back in the same way as it would if Sam and Dean were truly back and it was Supernatural, but I’m interested in what that show is setting up and hoping it paves the way for just that, without changing any of the canon I so cherish. Fingers crossed.

(And it’s been a bonus to watch that show’s young stars come into their own – watching Drake Rodger and JoJo Fleites experience Jus In Bello con last weekend was joyous).

I got to chat with the cast and EPs Jensen and Danneel Ackles and showrunner Robbie Thompson at New York Comic Con last summer, which was extra wonderful because I hadn’t had a Danneel or a Robbie hug in way too long. It was wonderful to have a chance to ask some questions about the prequel, and it was lovely to meet Drake and Meg for the first time.

And that velvety suit was lovely too. And soft.

And that’s not even all – there have been other acting projects too, and Chaos Machine has been out there pitching new deals. But it’s not just acting and producing that have made the past year stand out for Jensen.

The past year has been a pivotal one for Ackles in terms of one of his other talents (is there anything he can’t do??) – I don’t think he can really say anymore, in his self deprecating way, “Oh I’m not really a musician.”  Pretty sure that ship has sailed, Jensen! I was incredibly fortunate to be at Radio Company’s first live concert in Nashville in December and it was crystal clear that Radio Company can be stacked up against all the other successful bands out there and hold their own. Ackles was a rockstar, truly, and I don’t think I stopped grinning the entire show. Actually I’m pretty sure no one did.

Photo: Paleonut

I was at that long ago convention when Jensen sat onstage with a guitar after the ballroom had mostly emptied out and played a song for us, a little haltingly, as we sat on the floor, rapt. I was at the first little meet and greet/concert with Jensen and Steve at the Nashville convention when they played for twenty or so people – he told me how nervous he was after and asked how it had been. Seeing him blossom into a bona fide rockstar had me so emotional at the Analog show that I’m surprised I didn’t just sob my way through it.

Radio Company’s new album dropped last week and has already been at the top of the country charts. I’m not even a huge country music fan, but its smooth harmonies and catchy tunes get stuck in my head in the best of ways. And Jensen’s voice will never not be addictive. Congrats on crossing over into true musician category, Jensen.

The year has also seen tons of conventions. I wondered, when Supernatural ended (still sobbing…), if the conventions would continue for only a short time – I feel so lucky that they have kept going! Whether I’m fortunate enough to be there or watching from afar like I did with JIB last weekend, it’s wonderful to be able to ‘see’ them and hear their thoughts so frequently throughout the year.

Yes, it’s a job for them, but it’s also something they clearly enjoy and I’ve written many times about how it’s made the relationship between the actors and the fans a little bit more reciprocal in the Supernatural fandom than in others. That has carried over to Walker and The Winchesters (and soon to Gotham Knights I’m guessing), because these actors know their fans so much better than most actors do.

Photos: Alana King

Jensen and Jared and Misha and the gang were in Rome last weekend (in their coordinating jackets) and will be headed to Atlanta shortly – I won’t be able to be there to celebrate with them unfortunately, but I’m sure the fans who are there will make it a special con weekend for the birthday boy. Somebody give him a birthday hug from me!

Photo: eeecat
Photo: SomerInTheWind

Sometimes he still looks about ten years old.

Happy birthday, Mr. Ackles.

May the next year be as exciting for you as this one was – and here’s hoping for more of all three characters you brought to life this past year – and more of whatever other exciting new things you have planned!

gifs: abordelimpala, justjensenanddean, jensenandtheboys, sensitiveham

– Lynn

You can read Jensen’s personal thoughts on

fandom and Supernatural in his chapters in

Family Don’t End With Blood and There’ll

Be Peace When You Are Done – info and links at:

23 thoughts on “Happy Birthday Jensen Ackles – 2023 Edition!

  • When I think of Jensen I remember the scene where Dean is trying to get a location on Meg possessed Sam. Using the lie that Sammy is diabetic and is at a Beiber concert he reacts to the person on the other end of the lines comment that “Yes, he is quite the triple threat”. A perfect description of Jensen. And then some.

    Have thoroughly enjoyed watching the new characters he has brought to life Soldier Boy and Sheriff Beau Arlen. Fingers crossed we get to see them again. How many fans get to claim their favorite actor broke the internet. And having Dean return to us – more or less – with TWs has been a welcomed yet confusing pleasure. And just as Jensen’s roles are disappearing as the seasons end he gives us the cherry on top with Ramblin. Damn boy. Congrats to you and Steve. I so wish I could have seen that concert live but thank them for the live stream.

    So happiest of birthdays for our guy.
    We look forward to whatever is next. And I am eagerly awaiting his return to the big screen with Rust.

  • Happy Birthday Jensen.
    You’ve had an amazing few years and somehow remained the same, kind, grounded and generous man. Never change.
    Looking forward to seeing your future projects, where ever they take you, we’ll be sure to follow.

    To us, you’ll always be Dean Winchester, but seeing you be really challenged with Beau and with Ben has been spectacular, the world now knows who you are and what they’ve been missing. Enjoy the success you’ve worked hard for.

    Thanks to you Lynn, for the continuous tradition of the Birthday post!

  • Just want to tell you happy birthday. I hope yours is great one of these days. I’d like to get to see you. I know a lot of people would that really wish to continue with the supernatural. I watched everyone and I have them all recorded and re-watching rewatch I really enjoy you and Sam’s acting.

  • Hi @Fangasm & all within our #SPNFamily & Beyond

    I’m reaching out as I’d like to share here a little, obviously, without giving away too much information on an idea I’d like to be able to brief you on via either TwitterDM or email please?

    It would create a completely different viewpoint regarding characters, etc.

    I WILL respond as OMChuck, keeping secrets is hard!!

  • Well said my dear 👏. I agree 100%. This past year has been a full one, and in the best ways possible. I got to see him at the Vegas convention and yes I’m soooo jealous of his beautiful long hair. I’m going to NOLA in April for a wedding just after the convention and hoping that I get some good ideas of places to visit. If Jensen does read these, Happy Birthday sir, and let’s pray 🙏 that this year is even more exciting and blessed with your talents. Ooh, like a duet with Brandi Carlile! Yes please 🙏 !

  • Happy Birthday Jensen! Love all the many characters you have played! And yes you got a great voice as well! Looking forward to whatever is next…hopefully the soldier boy!!!♡♡♡

  • Wow! You covered it all! My comment as soon as I saw his face on my phone was, ” Happy Birthday Baby Boy!” LOL. That just came out. I’ve known them since they were just baby boys.

  • My name is Jess I am a huge fan of yours wishing you a happy birthday 🎉🎂

  • Happy Birthday Jensen from your friend and Fan “Trouble” from Dripping Springs lol

  • Happy Birthday Jensen Ackles Luv U & Wishin U A Fabulous BD🗣💞🥰💞🎈🥳🎂🍨🥂🎁🥳🎈

  • Yea , I just hope he continues to act.. on top of that I would really love to act with him someday..

  • Happy birthday Jensen love every show you have done and watched every one of them you are an amazing actor and my favorite is supernatural of course thanks for being Amazing your fan Carolyn kinzie

  • Happy Birthday to my favorate Man. Jensen you are the best. Keep being you and bring your unique angle to every character you play. Have an amazing music career as well. You rock!

  • I am SO with you on the “Don’t cut your hair Jensen!” If I thought he was lovely before (I did) his long hair just pushed me over the edge lol!
    Bur seriously, what can’t this man do? I love and admire him so much, not only for his many talents, but the way he seems to be such an unfailingly kind and upstanding guy. I know that no one is perfect, but he seems to come close! I am going to NJCon next month and I would love to tell him that we see him as a wonderful guy, but since no one can be perfect, what would Daneel say he does that gets on her nerves? 🙂 There must be some tiny flaw, but I have never noticed one!!!

  • I am SO with you on the “Don’t cut your hair Jensen!” If I thought he was beautiful before (I did!) his long hair has pushed me over the edge lol!
    But seriously, he is so talented. What CAN’T this man do? And on top of everything else, he sees to be an unfailingly kind and upstanding person. I was thinking if I get to ask Jensen a question at NJCon next month, I would love to tell him that, but then ask him, because we know that nobody is perfect, if Daneel would say he has any bad habits that drive her crazy?!

  • We all love you from our families from South New Jersey to South Florida! Wishing all the very best in all your endeavors, Happy Birthday! Admire your character roles and how you are able to stay true with your personality and tenacity.😊

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