For 15 seasons, Supernatural captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. At the center were Sam and Dean Winchester—two brothers battling demons, angels, and the apocalypse. But what became of the cast who brought the beloved characters to life? Here's a look at the Supernatural stars’ lives before the show—and how things changed after it ended in 2020.
Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester)
Before Supernatural
Jensen Ackles started out in soap operas, most notably Days of Our Lives, where he won a Soap Opera Digest Award. He also had recurring roles in Dark Angel, Smallville, and Dawson’s Creek—building a solid TV resume before landing the role of Dean.
After the Show
Post-Supernatural, Ackles joined the hit Amazon series The Boys as the dark and complex Soldier Boy. He also starred in and produced The Winchesters, a prequel to Supernatural. Offscreen, he runs the Family Business Beer Company in Texas with his wife, actress Danneel Harris Ackles, and their three children.
Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester)
Before Supernatural
Jared gained early fame playing Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls. He also appeared in horror films like House of Wax and Friday the 13th, which showcased his range.
After the Show
Padalecki transitioned immediately into another leading TV role with Walker, a reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger. He also launched a bar in Austin and continues to advocate for mental health. He’s been married to Supernatural co-star Genevieve Padalecki since 2010, and they share three children.
Misha Collins (Castiel)
Before Supernatural
Misha had guest roles in shows like ER, 24, and NCIS, but nothing matched the impact of his role as the angel Castiel, which began in Season 4.
After the Show
Collins voiced Castiel in spinoff content and later starred as Harvey Dent in Gotham Knights. He published a bestselling poetry book and remains active with his nonprofit Random Acts. Collins has two children and separated from his longtime wife, Victoria Vantoch, in 2021.
Samantha Smith (Mary Winchester)
Before Supernatural
Before becoming Mary Winchester, Smith worked in commercials and guest-starred in shows like Seinfeld and Friends.
After the Show
Smith continued acting in roles on 9-1-1 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She publicly shared her breast cancer journey in 2020 and is now an advocate for early detection and women’s health.
Mark A. Sheppard (Crowley)
Before Supernatural
Sheppard was already a sci-fi icon with parts in Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, and Warehouse 13 before he joined Supernatural as the demon-turned-King-of-Hell Crowley.
After the Show
He continued to appear in genre shows like Doom Patrol and Walker: Independence. Sheppard married Sarah Louise Fudge in 2015 and remains active in fan conventions worldwide.
Ruth Connell (Rowena MacLeod)
Before Supernatural
A Scottish theater veteran, Connell had mostly stage and indie film credits before gaining widespread attention as the stylish and cunning witch Rowena.
After the Show
Connell reprised her role in The Winchesters and appeared in Doom Patrol and Dead Boy Detectives. She and Supernatural co-star Rob Benedict welcomed a daughter in 2024 and announced their engagement.
Alexander Calvert (Jack Kline)
Before Supernatural
Calvert had roles in Arrow and Scream: The TV Series, but became a fan favorite as Nephilim Jack in the final seasons of Supernatural.
After the Show
He stars in Gen V, the Boys spinoff, and continues to build his acting career with film roles and voiceover work.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan (John Winchester)
Before Supernatural
Morgan played John Winchester in early seasons. He had already built a solid career with roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Weeds.
After the Show
He became iconic as Negan in The Walking Dead and joined the cast of The Boys for Season 4. He is married to actress Hilarie Burton, with whom he has two children.
Felicia Day (Charlie Bradbury)
Before Supernatural
Felicia Day made a name for herself in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her web series The Guild.
After the Show
Day continues to write, act, and produce. She is a mother and frequently appears in voiceover roles for games and animation.
In Summary
Supernatural wasn't just a show—it was a launchpad. Its cast continues to thrive in television, film, and beyond. Many remain close friends and often reunite at conventions, podcasts, and new projects. For fans, the show’s legacy lives on—not only through streaming but in the ongoing adventures of its beloved cast.
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