Demon hunter

Jensen Ackles as Dean in Supernatural. Photo / Supplied

THE STAR of Supernatural, Jensen Ackles, and One Tree Hill actress Danneel Harris tied the knot last month, but if the strapping Texan hadn't made a split-second decision 13 years ago he may never have met his ladylove.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, 32-year-old Ackles has always been obsessed with all things sporty, including baseball, basketball, football and lacrosse. But after his baseball team didn't make the playoffs in his last year, Jensen focused on theatre.

"The drama teacher had asked me to be a part of the annual play. I thought: 'This is my last year. I've been doing baseball for three years.'

"I went to my coach. I thought he was going to rip my head off. Surprisingly, he said, 'Good for you. You're only in high school once'."

Singing in West Side Story in front of his confused peers on opening night was nerve-racking.

"I'm singing this song in the very beginning and look down and see all of my baseball teammates there, thinking: 'What is he doing?"' But afterwards there was plenty of praise.

He had been intent on going to Texas Tech University to study sports medicine, but was persuaded to try his luck in Hollywood.

More than a decade later, Jensen is in the big league, starring as Dean Winchester on TV2's cult hit, alongside his best friend, Jared Padalecki, who plays Dean's brother, Sam.

The plot of Supernatural is about the brothers travelling the back roads of America in their 67 Chevy Impala fighting paranormal evil, including Lucifer himself.

Although New Zealand is still working its way through season four, there's definitely more to come. Just last month Warner Bros said there would be a season six, which will start with Dean in retirement from hunting supernatural forces.

Despite fame, Jensen hasn't forgotten his southern roots. He loves golfing, horseback riding and country music.

"I asked my driver to turn the radio to a country station this morning," he says. "I'm from Texas. It's in my blood."

The handsome actor does his own stunts on Supernatural, and would prefer a full day of action rather than emotional drama. When the series does end he says he would like to focus on action movies.

"I might get bumps, bruises and cuts but to be exhausted from being emotionally spent is really draining. I don't play a character that knows martial arts or SAS training. He's basically a bar brawler.

"It's more of just hit 'em hard and hit 'em where it counts. And if that doesn't work, then just use your shotgun."

Jensen has come a long way from his days on 7th Heaven, Sweet Valley High and three years as Eric Brady on soap opera Days of Our Lives.

He has also starred in Dark Angel, alongside Jessica Alba, and Smallville (as Jason Teague). He met his future bride when they co-starred in the rom-com Ten-Inch Hero in 2007 and last year he played the lead role of Tom Hanniger in horror remake My Bloody Valentine.

He now splits his time between California and Vancouver, where Supernatural is filmed, but is coy when asked if his career has surpassed his wildest dreams.

"I didn't really have any expectations," he says. "I decided: 'I'll ride this as far as it takes me and have as much fun along the way as I can'. It's a cut-throat industry, and you've got to have thick skin, and you can't take criticism personally. You just get out there and do the best you can. If it happens, it happens."

Supernatural plays on TV2, Wednesdays at 10.30pm.