Justin Hartley’s ‘CSI: NY’ Days: From Small Roles to ‘Tracker’ Stardom

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Demonstrating the potency of persistence and the notion that every role matters significantly in Hollywood, Tracker actor Justin Hartley kicked off his career much like many others on television. Just as Law & Order has served as a training ground for numerous talents over the years, Hartley seized the opportunity to shine during his brief stint in the crime drama series CSI: NY. Following his debut on the soap opera Passions and his portrayal of Oliver Queen in Smallville, he made the best use of this initial appearance.

Fast forward approximately 20 years, Hartley has become one of television’s most renowned actors due to his work on the critically acclaimed crime series, Tracker. This show stands out from its peers by blending elements of nature, survival skills, and wilderness. Interestingly, both CSI: NY and Tracker are produced by CBS, a network that Hartley considers his home, given the renewal of Tracker for a third season. However, before the series resumes, it’s worth revisiting Hartley’s New York tenure on CSI.

Justin Hartley’s ‘CSI: NY’ Performance

Justin Hartley made his fourth acting appearance in a TV show during the 2007 episode of CSI: NY titled “Heart of Glass.” In this storyline, Diane Langdon is found dead in a bathtub with a bullet nearby, but there’s no entry or exit wound. Mac (played by Gary Sinise) investigates and uncovers clues leading to the mystery of her death. During his investigation, Mac encounters one of Diane’s neighbors who appears wearing only a towel and sporting a hairstyle reminiscent of the 90210 series.

Elliot Bevins, portrayed with self-assured charm by Justin Hartley, happens to be our neighbor. A broad shot of his physique was amusingly extraneous, but Bevins possesses vital information that could help the detectives unravel Diane’s murder mystery. Elliot tells the investigators he heard two quiet gunshots, and since he knows his neighbor in the apartment across the hall is currently residing in Boston, he believes those shots didn’t originate from there.

When inquired about whether his neighbor’s name is DJ Melvoy, Hartley denies this and instead reveals that his neighbor is named Justin McKinney. This crucial information aids Detectives Angell (Emmanuel Vaugier) and Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo) in pursuing the correct suspect. Yet, Justin McKinney asserted that he sublets the apartment and has no acquaintance with Diane.

In a twist reminiscent of the movie “Final Destination,” Messer discovers stray bullet pieces embedded in the ceiling fan’s electrical wiring above the bathtub where Diane’s body was found. The bullet had apparently caused the wire to snap and fall into the tub, leading to a fatal electrocution upon contact with Diane. The perpetrator turns out to be neighbor Russell Ballard, who attempted to shoot his wife Colleen while she was sleeping but missed, causing the bullet to ricochet off the ceiling fan in the adjacent apartment, ultimately resulting in Diane’s tragic death by electrocution.

Despite Hartley’s appearance ending with the opening sequence, viewers have pointed out an intriguing link: The character of Detective Angell, played by Vaugier, is the same actor who portrayed Helen Bryce alongside Hartley in Smallville.

Justin Hartley’s Rise to ‘Tracker’

Justin Hartley’s journey from Smallville to his current TV stardom has been a lengthy one, paved with determination and talent. After honing his skills in more than 400 episodes of the hit soap opera, Passions, Hartley landed the role of Arthur Curry in the 2006 unreleased TV movie Aquaman. In the same year, he was also cast as Oliver Queen/The Green Arrow in Smallville and played the character for 72 episodes from 2006 to 2011.

Hartley’s Smallville performance paved the way for him to secure recurring roles on television shows such as Emily Owens M.D., Revenge, Mistresses, and the long-running series The Young and the Restless. During this period, he also started appearing in films like A Bad Moms Christmas, Another Time, Little, The Hunt, The Exchange, Senior Year, The Noel Diary, among others, making his mark on the big screen as well.

In 2016, Milo Ventimiglia secured the part of Kevin Pearson in the hit NBC series “This is Us,” which currently sits at #128 on IMDb’s Top 250 TV Shows. Given that he starred in over a hundred episodes from 2016 to 2022, it’s not surprising that Ventimiglia has made the most of his chance and taken the lead role in “Tracker,” demonstrating an undeniable charisma.

Justin Hartley’s journey from a brief appearance on CSI: NY to the leading role in Tracker serves as an inspiring testament to dedication and perseverance for aspiring actors. Hartley’s rise to fame underscores that establishing oneself in Hollywood requires time, patience, and unwavering commitment. Even seemingly minor roles at the outset can lead to significant success if one is fully committed and persistent.

Tracker is available to stream on Hulu & Paramount+

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2025-05-04 21:13