Jared Padalecki

Jared Tristan Padalecki was born on July 19, 1982. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he began taking acting lessons at age twelve. When his mother, Sharon, and father, Gerald, first heard him act they knew he was destined to be a star. During his years at the James Madison High School in San Antonio, Jared won FOX's 1999 "Claim to Fame Contest" which landed him a spot at the 1999 Teen Choice Awards where he met his manager. Before graduating from high school in 2000, he moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue an acting career. He originally planned to attend the University of Texas.

Jared as Sam Winchester on the Supernatural season four finale.

Padalecki's first role was minor in the 1999 film, A Little Inside. Luckily, his luck changed when he landed the role of Dean Forester on the successful series "Gilmore Girls", a role he portrayed until 2005. But what really made his first major gig so memorable was the crew. "I started when I was 17 and finished when I was 22, and they nurtured me. If I ever had any free time, which I don't, I would feel comfortable popping in to say hi to everybody." Not only that but he was also one of the guys on the set! He towered over T.V love interest, Alexis Bledel by nine inches and was 1-2 inches shorter than Edward Herrmann. Now he can't seem to get away from the name Dean. "Every now and then someone will say, 'OK, Dean is over there,' and I'll take a little stutter step, then think, 'Oh, wait, I'm not Dean anymore.’"

Jared on the set of Supernatural with co-star Jensen Ackles.

Throughout the early 2000s, he also appeared in several TV series, including Silent Witness (2000), Close To Home (2001) and "Young MacGyver" (2003). He also had an uncredited part as a high school bully in the 2003's comedy, Cheaper By The Dozen. The same year Jared was cast as Tom in Cry Wolf and Wade in House of Wax alongside Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray and Paris Hilton. Jared even freaked out when they told him they were going to cover him in wax! Soon after, he changed his mind and admitted the experience wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He also joined the cast of the WB series "Supernatural" as the leading role, Sam Winchester. The show was so popular it was renewed for a second, third and fourth season. After disappointing low ratings, the season three finale wrapped up on May 15, 2008 bringing in three million viewers and is currently being listed as the 2nd most popular script drama on the CW.

Just imagine... Jared the next Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars! Unfortunately, after auditioning for the role he lost to Hayden Christensen. He was even considered for Superman/Clark Kent in the proposed re launch of the Superman film franchise and "Smallville"!

Other than Jared's obvious talent for acting, he loves playing poker! On December 2nd, 2006, Jared won a poker tournament in Canada winning himself a Giantto Watch and an entry into the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event. But as for being a partying type, he likes to keep things low-key. "I usually invite friends over, order some Papa John's pizzas and Coors Light, play poker and ping-pong and chill."

"A girl I'm attracted to, but there has to be more than just a physical attraction. I want a girl I can talk to and have fun doing random things with. Someone who I enjoy and who enjoys me. She has to have a good sense of humor and be willing to kid around." His dream girl came true when he met his two year girlfriend, Sandra McCoy on the set of Cry Wolf. Months after they started dating, Jared reported that people often came up to him to tell him how 'obvious' their relationship was. "We make each other laugh, which is important. Looks only last so long and passion is fleeting."

Jared and Sandra McCoy at the Never Back Down premiere

And for the future? Jared isn't going anywhere anytime soon! "I can rest when I'm older. Now's the time to work hard and try to make a name for myself." But what does he like to do when he's not working? "I love baking cookies. During the winter, they have these candles that smell like cookies, and I always buy like a hundred of them." He also has another guilty pleasure, Cold Stone Creamery's ice cream! "I could eat it all day, every day." Sounds good to me!

There's no doubt that Jared is a star. With his charm, good looks and fantastic acting there's no doubt about it that you won't fall for Jared. Or have you already?

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