Full Name and Birth Details
Jared Padalecki is known for playing Sam Winchester on Supernatural and Jensen Ackles on Walker. His complete, verified legal name includes a middle name that is not ornamental but part of his official identity. He was born in 1982 in San Antonio, Texas. The following table summarizes core, verifiable attributes of his public profile.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jared Padalecki | Public biographies, official credits |
| Middle Name | Arthur | Interviews and official sources |
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1982 | Public records, biographies |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas, USA | Interviews, press materials |
| Known For | Supernatural, Walker | Credits, industry databases |
Why the Full Name Matters
Using a complete, accurate name supports clarity in credits, legal documents, and reliable reporting. For fans and researchers, confirming that his middle name is Arthur reduces ambiguity in biographical records and distinguishes him from similarly named public figures.
Career Trajectory and Major Roles
Padalecki began working in commercials and regional theater before transitioning to television. His breakout role on a long-running fantasy drama established his career, while later work in a contemporary drama expanded his range. The following table contextualizes key professional milestones.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Early television appearances | Built foundational experience |
| 2005–2020 | Supernatural (as Sam Winchester) | Established broad recognition |
| 2021–present | Walker (as Jared Burns) | Demonstrated range in modern drama |
| Multiple years | Independent film work | Explored varied genres |
Biographic and Personal Background
Raised in Texas and later moving to Vancouver for work, Padalecki adjusted to a new environment while pursuing acting professionally. His adaptability contributed to longevity in a competitive industry. Verified details about upbringing and training are limited in public sources, but available records indicate a steady commitment to craft rather than rapid fame.
Public Persona and Privacy
He generally maintains a low personal profile but has spoken thoughtfully in interviews about mental health and industry pressures. This measured openness has shaped a resilient public persona, balancing accessibility with boundaries. Accurate reporting on his life respects both his public role and private boundaries.
Contextualizing Professional Influence
Recognition for Padalecki centers on sustained performances rather than a single viral moment. His ability to inhabit a character across many episodes created familiarity for audiences. The combination of mainstream visibility and niche fan engagement illustrates durable career practices in serialized television.
Comparative Recognition
In long-running genre dramas, actors often become synonymous with a single role. Padalecki’s association with Sam Winchester remains his most prominent identifier, though roles like Jared Burns show range. Recognition patterns in this sector typically prioritize continuity and audience connection.
- Sustained role in a long-running series
- Transition to contemporary drama on another major network
- Consistent audience metrics over two decades
- Limited tabloid speculation, focused on work
Verification and Source Transparency
Because the question of his middle name appears in casual searches and formal credits, clarifying it with sourced information is valuable. Professional databases, press kits, and select interviews confirm the full name Jared Arthur Padalecki. Where information is inferential or unclear, this article defers to documented evidence rather than speculation.
Limitations of Available Public Data
Not every aspect of personal history is detailed in public sources. This article focuses on verifiable details and clearly distinguishes between confirmed information and reasonable contextual observations. Avoiding uncited claims supports accuracy and long-term usefulness.