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After the convention, Joy—still adjusting to being Justice—felt a shift. Performing on stage with Jensen wasn’t just a fun moment; it was a turning point. She had felt alive under those lights, with the crowd cheering her on and her dad playing beside her.
But with that realization came a new weight: the legacy of being Jensen Ackles’ daughter.
Everywhere she went, people recognized her as “Jensen’s oldest.” They’d gush about Supernatural, comment on how much she looked like her mom, or ask if she planned to follow in her dad’s footsteps. Joy always smiled and answered politely, but inside, she couldn’t shake the pressure.
She wanted to act and sing—not because of Jensen, but because she genuinely loved it. The challenge was proving she was more than just “the Ackles kid.”
Over the next few weeks, she began to drop hints in Jensen's direction about her desire to try acting. She would ask him about what got him into acting and how he started. He always answered her questions honestly and gave her his undivided attention.
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One day, Jensen came home with exciting news.
“Justice,” he called from the kitchen, a stack of scripts in his hand. “Come here for a second.”
Joy joined him, her curiosity piqued.
“There’s a casting call for a new show,” Jensen said, spreading the papers out on the counter. “It’s a teen drama, but it’s got a supernatural twist. The director’s a friend of mine, and he’s looking for fresh talent.”
Joy’s heart skipped a beat. “Are you saying I should audition?”
Jensen smiled. “I’m saying you’d be perfect for it. If you want to try, I’ll help you prepare.”
She hesitated the familiar mix of excitement and fear bubbling up inside her. “What if they only want me because I’m your daughter?” Jensen’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Then it’s up to you to prove you’re more than that. Talent speaks louder than any name.”
Joy took a deep breath, nodding. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
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The audition was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Joy had spent days practicing with Jensen, running lines and perfecting her delivery. But when she walked into the casting room, faced with a panel of stone-faced producers, her confidence wavered.
Still, she pushed through, channeling everything she’d learned into her performance. By the time she finished, her palms were sweaty, but the small nods from the producers gave her hope.
Two weeks later, she got the call: she’d landed the role.
Jensen and Danneel were over the moon, and the rest of the family celebrated with ice cream and a movie night.
“You did this,” Jensen told her as they sat on the couch, Zeppelin and Arrow climbing over him. “Not me. Not my name. You.”
Joy felt a lump in her throat, but she managed a smile. “Thanks, Dad.”
Filming the show was everything Joy had dreamed of. She loved the camaraderie with her castmates, the thrill of bringing her character to life, and the challenge of balancing school with her newfound career.
But it wasn’t always easy.
There were long hours on set, moments of self-doubt, and the constant buzz of social media. Fans of Supernatural quickly caught wind of her role, and while many were supportive, others weren’t shy about voicing their opinions.
“Must be nice having a famous dad,” one comment read.
“She wouldn’t have this job if she wasn’t an Ackles,” said another.
Joy tried to brush it off, but the words stung. She confided in Jared one evening when he and Genevieve came over for dinner.
“You know,” Jared said, leaning back in his chair, “people said the same thing about me and Jensen when we started Supernatural. They thought we were just two pretty faces.”
“Yeah,” Joy said, poking at her food. “But you proved them wrong.”
“And so will you,” Jared said, his tone firm. “The best revenge is success, kiddo. Remember that.”
As the first season of her show aired, Joy’s hard work began to pay off. Fans loved her character, and critics praised her performance, calling her “a rising star with undeniable talent.”
For the first time, Joy felt like she was stepping out of her dad’s shadow.
She even got the chance to sing for the show’s soundtrack, recording a haunting acoustic version of a classic rock song—something that felt like a nod to her Supernatural roots.
At the wrap party for the season finale, Jensen pulled her aside.
“I’m proud of you, Justice,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
“Thanks, Dad,” Joy said, hugging him tightly. “But, you know, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Jensen chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Maybe not. But you’re the one who made it happen.”
As Joy’s career continued to grow, so did her confidence. She balanced acting and singing, always keeping her family close and her roots grounded.
And while she still felt the occasional pang of imposter syndrome, she reminded herself of something Jensen had once told her: Talent speaks louder than any name.
Joy didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she wasn’t afraid. She had a family who believed in her, a career she loved, and a chance to inspire others—just like her dad had inspired her.
And for that, she was endlessly grateful.