Born in Dallas, Tex. in 1978, Jensen launched a career in the entertainment industry before graduating from the LV Berkner High School in 1996. The son of Walker, Texas Ranger actor Alan Ackles and Donna Joan Shaffer-Ackles, Jensen likely got a taste for showbiz while growing up in Richardson, Tex.

His first career breakthrough came about in 1995, with a guest appearance in Wishbone. Bigger opportunities soon followed. In 1996, Jensen landed an episodic role on Mr. Rhodes. By 1997, he was a regular on Days of Our Lives.

It perhaps can be said that he entered the mainstream with the role of C.J. in the classic teen drama, Dawson's Creek. Much like Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek, and his other Dawson's Creek co-stars, Jensen went on to build a successful career as an actor.

He landed the role of Jason Teague in Smallville in 2004, and he's equally well-known for portraying Dean Winchester in Supernatural. Jensen also has considerable experience as an executive producer, having worked on The Plight of Clownana and The Winchesters.

He also directed select episodes of Supernatural and Walker, the latter of which must have made his old man, a Walker, Texas Ranger alum, mighty proud.

Catch Jensen's debut as sheriff Beau Arlen in the Season 2 finale of Big Sky on Thursday, May 19, at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.