The Texas Boys
Jensen Ross Ackles and Jared Tristan Padalecki both hail from Texas and they credit their similar Southern upbringings with their instant connection. “Texas is its own country,†says Ackles. “Things are just different there.â€
Jensen Ross Ackles and Jared Tristan Padalecki both hail from Texas and they credit their similar Southern upbringings with their instant connection. “Texas is its own country,†says Ackles. “Things are just different there.â€
The lighthearted banter and genuine affection that bonds the Winchester brothers also exists between their portrayers. According to Jared, “We both….have similar interests and similar hobbies and similar manners.†Which is probably why the two get along so well on the series and why we, the fans, benefit from all their on-screen chemistry.
It quickly becomes clear that they have formed a mutual admiration on the set, but that admiration does not stop when the director calls “Cut!†They really enjoy pal-ing around after work, and if there’s anything J&J have attested to in many interviews, it’s that an off-screen friendship can go a long way toward building believable on-screen chemistry. So many shows fall by the wayside because that chemistry, that connection between the main stars is just not there. These two have this unique bond/friendship ‘ease’ with each other that no one matches on any other TV show.
They have a silent language between them that definitely translates on screen. They let the bond shine in a natural way, and fans are so in awe of that. With their chemistry, they can pull of scenes without words, and with impeccable timing. They can pull off complicated and comical dialogue with resolution and make it look like we’re listening in on a non-fiction private conversation, and that’s just how it should be. No song, no dance, no histrionics, just them being together playing it out for all its worth. That’s how chemistry works.
Frequently, backstage discord on other shows hits the press, but the fact that Ackles and Padalecki actually enjoy working together is a major plus… especially since they spend about 8-9 months of the year working 16 hour days on a small soundstage.
Padalecki said, “I’ve definitely worked with my share of people who – and I know Jensen has as well – but it’s all about drama. Like, if there’s not some sort of conflict going on in their lives or on set, then they’re just not happy.â€
“We definitely know how fortunate it is – the chance to work with someone who you get along with,†admits Ackles. “We’ve both been on shows and on projects where not everyone gets along, where somebody’s got a temper or an ego, but we’ve been very lucky and appreciative of the fact that we get along very well on and off set.â€
At Creation Entertainment’s Salute to Supernatural in Los Angeles last March, Ackles said, “The most important thing I’ve learned from working with Jared is how crucial chemistry is for something to be successful in this industry.” He continued, “I think if the two lead actors — whether its brothers, or a husband and wife — if they don’t have chemistry, then it’s not going to work. Good friendship and solidarity has been a crucial aspect of our success.”
Padalecki laughingly continued, “We’ve all seen the show. Jensen’s very talented, blah, blah, blah.” More sincerely he states, “Honestly, he has a great, contagious love for the project and for the work…… you have to remember to be excited about it and to be passionate about it. Jensen has that.”
Ackles, appearing genuinely touched by the comments, replied, “Thanks, man.” Of course, the seriousness didn’t last long. A few minutes later, a fan introduced herself as a psychotherapist (who just happened to be The Winchester Family Business’ very own Jasminka at her first con). ”Good,” Ackles interrupts without missing a beat. “I need to talk to somebody about my co-star.”
The story is great, but with any other actors, it would have been lost a long time ago. Jensen and Jared’s talent and chemistry make this show what it is. The boys know how to bring their characters to life, and make the audience emotionally invested in them. What you see on TV is an exemplary connection between the actors, something that’s very rare in entertainment these days. It’s what makes the brotherly bond on the show believable; what makes the show special. It’s amazing what some great acting and some actual chemistry can do. I guess we can all agree…their mommas raised them right!
No matter what the future for the show has in store, the amazing chemistry between the actors will bring it to life, and continue to envelope their fans in the Winchester story. Here’s hoping to great episodes this season and, who knows…. maybe one with a Western theme? I guess we can always hope!
Thanks for the great article and just wanted to say that I agree completely. Their chemistry makes this show what it is. Their chemistry sucks you into the story and you can actually believe their grand performances to be real and organic. The casting department for Supernatural hit a home run on choosing these two and thank goodness that they both auditioned.
Life is good! we have Jared and Jensen!
Great article!!!
Sablegreen,
I vote for a western theme!!!!
Thanks for this article and for all the shots showing J&J as J&J. We are blessed to have hardworking guys who portray friends on-screen and off-screen. And aren’t we lucky that all the drama is portrayed on-screen!
😀
This is great, thanks for this. The chemistry between Jensen and Jared is unmatched. I cannot remember a show I have watched where the chemistry has been this palpable. From the first episode, you could really believe that these two were brothers and that they grew up together.
Because of this chemistry they have been able to infuse little nuances into their scenes that you don’t get elsewhere. These nuances, the glances, the looks at each other portraying unspoken dialogue, the feelings of love and respect on their faces for each other, the ease of their body language when they are in close proximity, or just the ease in which they work together – all these and so much more are what put the icing on this proverbial cake we call Supernatural.
Had this show had different actors, I’m not sure it would have lasted as long, it might have, I guess it would have depended upon if these actors had the same chemistry, but with Jensen and Jared it is natural, unforced, which is what makes them so special. I concur with Darun Zahn, the casting department did indeed hit a home run when they cast these two.
Wanted to start by saying thanks Sablegreen, loved the article. Can never see too many pictures of Jared and Jensen. 😉
God bless Texas, they gave us Jensen and Jared.
I have watched numerous tv shows over the years and none has ever captivated me like Supernatural. I love the premise of the show, but what keeps me coming back is the chemistry, love and joy that is portrayed on screen as well as off. And the love of the show, along with the love of Jared, Jensen, and the entire cast and crew, seems to be infectious. I have never read a published article from any of the guest stars that hasn’t had high praise for all. And as far as I know that never happens now days in showbiz. A home run indeed….
I too am not sure if I would still be watching if different actors had been cast. I may, but I am pretty sure, ok 90 percent sure :lol:, that I would not be as invested. The boys are the ones that keep me coming back. Jim and Misha can also be added to my list of reasons to watch. So as long as they keep doing what they do so well, I will be waiting, not so patiently, to see what they bring us next….
I loved this article Sablegreen. Thanks so much!
The 2 Js have so much chemistry they make Dean and Sam REAL to me. I feel all the emotions. I’m happy when they are happy, sad when they are sad, angry, despondent whatever, it all comes through in their portrayals and they keep me captive in my love and fascination for these two wonderful brothers.
And to read what they say about each other is icing on the cake. It must be great to be a member of the Supernatural crew and love to get up in the morning and go to work.
Love these two Texas boys!
This is a lovely tribute to those two guys from Texas…. put together with care and fun. Great idea, sweetie!
lots of love Jas
Wonderful. I concur wholeheartedly. I have always felt that this show was special and rare. That I was so lucky to be watching it, because when you look at all the things that had to happen, how the stars had to align (pun intended), stastically the odds were not in their favor.
We are very lucky that the odds were defied. And this weekend I’ll get to see the Texas boys, live and in person in Vancouver. Yee Haw!!!!
I want a silent movie episode.
Let’s see those talented, emotional faces strut their stuff!
Haha, imagine the script.
INT. MOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
DEAN is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and a magazine when SAM walks in, covered in blood. Dean gives Sam a ‘what happened?’ look. Sam gives Dean a ‘I was attacked by a vampire with a Led Zeppelin t-shirt’ look. Dean rolls his eyes in a ‘damn, I can’t kill a vamp with good taste’ sort of way. Sam shoots Dean a ‘no worries, I already did’ stare. Dean raises his eyebrows in a ‘did you at least take its shirt?’ expression.
I loved this article, btdubs.
The chemistry between the guys had me hooked from the 1st episode!
I vote yay for a western episode too!
Tigershire, I’ll be in Vancouver too! I can’t wait!
What a fun article! Thanks!
As an aside, I lost $4 at the horsetrack a couple weeks ago because of these two. I mean, how could I resist betting on a horse named Tall Texan. 🙂
RedBird, I would have bet on the same pony. A western epi with horses (both ride), campfires, singing cowboys (JA has an excellent voice), guitars (both play), and a old western ghost town complete with very angry ghosts. That would be fun.
Glad you all liked the article. It was fun to write.
Thanks Sablegreen! This was a great nod to the relationship between the boys. Plus I love the pictures you chose. It’s nice to see stars who genuinely get along and have it translate into their work. I often wonder on shows – do the stars hang around outside of work? Do they stay in touch after the projects? With these guys I feel confident the answer to both is/will be a resounding yes.
Elle, I totally agree. As each was at the other’s wedding, I think they are life-long friends, which is so cool!
Hi Sablegreen
This is awesome, I couldn’t agree more.
The chemistry between these two, truly resonates through to their characters.
I just love these guys.
I honestly believe that these two will remain close friends through out their lives.
Thanks, Sablegreen. We viewers sure did luck out with the casting on this show. It just wouldn’t be the same without them, I think.
Wonderful article Sable Green. Agree with you completely. Really hope for a Western episode too.
Karen, Ardeospine, Cassie: Thanks for reading. The show wouldn’t be the same with out these too. Can’t wait to meet them in person some day!