Jensen Ackles, renowned as PEOPLE readers’ “Sexiest TV Star,” is not just a heartthrob on screen but also a dedicated family man off-screen. His journey with wife Danneel Harris Ackles is a heartwarming tale of love, partnership, and raising a beautiful family together.
Jensen and Danneel’s love story began in 2006 when they shared the screen in the romantic comedy Ten Inch Hero. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance, culminating in a beautiful marriage in 2010. Fans of the Supernatural star were delighted when the couple welcomed their first child into their lives in 2013, and their family expanded once more with the arrival of twins three years later.
Today, the Ackles family has firmly planted their roots in Austin, Texas, close to Jensen’s Dallas hometown. Their home is filled with the laughter and love of their three children: daughter Justice Jay, and fraternal twins Zeppelin Bram and Arrow Rhodes.
Jensen has openly shared glimpses into their family life, including their decision to settle in a home perfect for raising children. “As we drove by, Danneel and I both looked at our real estate agent and were like, ‘See, that is the kind of house we’re looking for,'” Jensen recounted to Architectural Digest, highlighting their instant connection with their current kid-friendly family home. They loved it so much that they convinced the owners to sell the unlisted property.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-2-7c69b0b0d44047a8ba87f5d558bcfab8.jpg)
Image via Danneel Ackles’ Instagram shows Jensen and Danneel Ackles with their kids, showcasing their close family bond.
Beyond their Austin home, the Ackles family enjoys adventures together. In March 2022, they celebrated Danneel’s birthday at Disneyland, creating cherished memories in front of the iconic castle and enjoying thrilling roller coaster rides. Jensen captured the joy of the day in an Instagram post, captioning a series of images with, “It was @danneelackles512 birthday yesterday and in keeping with tradition…she gave the celebration to the kids.”
April 2022 saw the Ackles clan in New Orleans, where Jensen and Danneel were filming the highly anticipated Supernatural spin-off, The Winchesters. Danneel shared a heartwarming family photo on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for family and inspiration found in the vibrant city, writing, “I am feeling blessed and grateful to be with my family and friends in this great city where I find endless inspiration and magic on every corner.”
Let’s delve deeper into getting to know each member of the Jensen Ackles Family, especially his three adorable children.
Meet Justice Jay Ackles
Justice Jay Ackles, affectionately called “JJ,” is the eldest child in the Jensen Ackles family, born on May 30, 2013. Danneel announced her arrival to the world a week later via Twitter, sharing the joyful news: “We are happy to announce the birth of our precious baby girl. She was born happy and healthy.”
JJ recently marked a special milestone by accompanying her father to her first red carpet event at the premiere of the Disney+ movie Zombies 3. Jensen, a proud dad, shared a sweet Instagram post capturing the moment: “Proud papa moment. Took JJ to her first “Hollywood Premier.” She walked the carpet like a pro (a pro that held on tight to her dad).”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-justice-1-bf2beef3804e4e14adc060e3cd76c53a.jpg)
Justice Jay Ackles joins her father Jensen Ackles on the red carpet for the first time, showcasing Jensen’s role as a supportive father in his family life.
Interestingly, Supernatural enthusiasts can thank JJ for Jensen joining Instagram. She inspired him to create an account when she was just two years old to ward off impersonators. Jensen jokingly announced on Twitter in 2015, “In an effort 2 squash some posers, my daughter is helping me start an Instagram. Chk it out. Hint: it’s just my name.” His inaugural Instagram post was a charming picture with JJ, captioned “Hello Instagram.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-justice-2-483f2a830ad64732b0928517d7de320c.jpg)
A candid shot of Jensen Ackles with daughter Justice, highlighting the personal family moments he shares on his Instagram.
Celebrating JJ’s 10th birthday in May 2023, Jensen shared a recent father-daughter selfie and a photo of his daughter growing up fast on Instagram. “10yrs old today. A whole decade. I can’t. What is happening?!” he expressed in the caption. “Welp…Happy Birthday, Birdie. I love you forever🫶🏼.”
Meet Zeppelin Bram Ackles and Arrow Rhodes Ackles
Zeppelin Bram Ackles and Arrow Rhodes Ackles, the adorable twins in the Jensen Ackles family, were born on December 2, 2016. Jensen and Danneel welcomed a son, Zeppelin Bram, and a daughter, Arrow Rhodes, adding double the joy to their family.
While Danneel announced JJ’s birth, Jensen took to Instagram to share the arrival of the twins. He posted a photo of Dr. Seuss’ Thing 1 and Thing 2 with the caption: “Danneel, JJ and I are excited to announce the birth of our twins Zeppelin Bram and Arrow Rhodes. They were born early yesterday morning. Everyone is doing great! #twinning.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-4-a501b3ba278846dc9678cdbda606805c.jpg)
Image from Danneel Ackles’ Instagram capturing Jensen Ackles lovingly holding his twins, Zeppelin and Arrow, illustrating his hands-on parenting style.
Despite the name Zeppelin potentially evoking thoughts of the iconic band Led Zeppelin, its origin is less about rock music. Jensen clarified on Live with Kelly and Ryan that their own unique names influenced their children’s names. It reportedly took Jensen and Danneel two days to decide on “Zeppelin.”
Jensen recounted the story of choosing Zeppelin’s name, explaining, “When the doctor pulled Zeppelin out, his umbilical cord was tied into a knot. Which could be very dangerous but luckily it was a very loose knot and nothing was happening, he was totally fine.” This led them to a “sailing-knot site,” where they discovered the “Zeppelin bend,” a knot used to secure Zeppelin blimps, ultimately inspiring their son’s name.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-twins-2-6dafcf40522d416089988bb54e66901c.jpg)
A father-son moment between Jensen Ackles and Zeppelin Bram, highlighting the unique bond within the Jensen Ackles family.
Danneel captured Jensen’s knack for parenting twins in a #ManCrushMonday Instagram post, showcasing him expertly bottle-feeding both twins simultaneously.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-twins-1-af5e17f380c84a459852e015c2982a0a.jpg)
Danneel Ackles’ Instagram post of Jensen feeding twins Zeppelin and Arrow showcases his dedication as a father in the Jensen Ackles family.
Jensen is a protective father, deeply affected by events like the Uvalde school shooting. Speaking to USA Today in June 2022, when the twins graduated from preschool, he shared, “I was celebrating them and excited for them, but at the same time, in the back of my head, I was like, ‘I’m glad I don’t have to put my kids back in school for the next however long.'”
Jensen and Danneel are also raising their children with a sense of social responsibility. In June 2021, Danneel posted a photo on Instagram of herself and the children wearing Pride shirts under a rainbow, writing, “Happy Pride! 🌈 Our family is celebrating the values we hold true all year. Inclusion, Diversity, and Love. We strive to always give acceptance to those around us. We honor all of those in the LGBTQIA community. To our friends, work colleagues and family members…we love you! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/jensen-ackles-kids-twins-3-d6f87ab6a63b4ff5a8fc46be2f43d888.jpg)
A family photo from Danneel Ackles’ Instagram showing her and the kids in Pride shirts, emphasizing the Jensen Ackles family’s inclusive values.
During the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset, the Ackles family also showed their support for healthcare workers by creating and sharing heartfelt messages, which Danneel posted on Instagram with the caption, “We want to take a moment to thank the Healthcare Workers and Essential Workers throughout the world. From our family to yours….We love you!”
Jensen Ackles’ journey beautifully intertwines his successful career with his devotion to family. Together with Danneel and their three children, they exemplify a loving and engaged celebrity family, admired by fans worldwide.
