You probably know Justin Hartley as the soulful Kevin Pearson from This Is Us or maybe you've seen him as the rugged Colter Shaw in Tracker. But long before the NBC stardom and the tabloid-heavy divorce from Chrishell Stause, there was another chapter. A foundational one. We are talking about Justin Hartley first wife, Lindsay Korman.
Most fans today only see the "now." They see the red carpets with Sofia Pernas or the old Selling Sunset clips. But to understand the actor's journey, you kinda have to go back to 2003. It was a time of low-rise jeans, flip phones, and the supernatural-leaning soap opera Passions.
The Passions Era: Where it All Started
Justin Hartley and Lindsay Korman didn't meet at a fancy Hollywood gala. They met on the set of Passions, a show that featured talking dolls and witches. Honestly, it was the perfect breeding ground for a real-life romance. Justin played Nicholas Foxworth "Fox" Crane, and Lindsay played the legendary Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.
They were young. They were on the same career trajectory. Things moved fast. Like, really fast.
After only six months of dating, the pair got engaged in November 2003. By May 1, 2004, they were married. It wasn't a massive, televised spectacle. It was a small, intimate ceremony. They were building a life while simultaneously navigating the grueling schedule of daytime television.
A Growing Family
Just two months after their wedding, on July 3, 2004, the couple welcomed their daughter, Isabella Justice. If you follow Justin on social media today, you see Isabella everywhere. She’s grown now, but back then, she was the center of a burgeoning soap opera power couple's world.
For nearly a decade, they were a Hollywood anomaly. They stayed together. In a world where celebrity marriages often expire before the honeymoon phase is over, the Hartleys seemed solid.
The 2012 Split: No Drama, Just Change
In May 2012, the news broke. Justin Hartley first wife, Lindsay Korman (who by then went by Lindsay Hartley), filed for divorce. The reason? The classic "irreconcilable differences."
But here is the thing that confuses people who love a good scandal: there wasn't one. No cheating rumors. No public shouting matches. No "sources" leaking toxic secrets to the press. They just... grew apart.
Lindsay filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and asked for joint physical and legal custody of Isabella. Justin didn't fight it. They seemed to realize that while they weren't meant to be husband and wife, they were still a team as parents.
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Why Lindsay Hartley Still Matters in the Narrative
Most people forget about the first spouse once a star moves on to a more "famous" relationship. But Lindsay stayed relevant because she never stopped being a "solid" presence.
When Justin’s second marriage to Chrishell Stause ended in a very public, very messy way in 2019, the internet went into a frenzy. Fans took sides. People were analyzing every text and Instagram post.
That’s when Lindsay did something unexpected.
The Instagram Defense
In August 2020, while the Selling Sunset drama was at its peak, Lindsay took to social media. She didn't stay silent. She didn't join the pile-on. Instead, she defended Justin.
"Today, I appreciate my ex-husband Justin for not only being exemplification of a solid man, but for being my dear friend and devoted father to our daughter. Simply put; for being family."
That’s a huge statement. It’s rare to see an ex-wife step into the line of fire to defend a man whose current divorce is making him look like a villain in the eyes of the public. It spoke volumes about the foundation they built during those eight years of marriage.
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Where is Lindsay Korman Now?
Lindsay hasn't just been "Justin Hartley's ex." She’s a powerhouse in the soap and TV movie world. If you've watched Lifetime or Hallmark in the last decade, you've definitely seen her face.
She’s basically become a queen of the "thriller" genre on Lifetime. But she didn't stop at acting. Lindsay shifted into writing and directing. She’s directed over 20 features for networks like Lifetime, Hulu, and Tubi.
As of early 2026, she’s still a frequent "pinch-hitter" in the soap world too. Fans of General Hospital know her as the woman who can step into the role of Sam McCall at a moment’s notice whenever Kelly Monaco needs a break. She’s a pro’s pro.
Lessons From a Mature Hollywood Divorce
What can we actually take away from the story of Justin Hartley first wife?
First, not every celebrity breakup is a disaster. Sometimes, two people just finish a chapter. Second, co-parenting is possible even when you’re under the microscope. Justin and Lindsay have shared custody of Isabella for over 14 years now, and by all accounts, they’ve done it with grace.
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If you are looking for the "dirt" on this marriage, you aren't going to find much. It was a relationship born in the trenches of daytime TV, sustained by a mutual love for their daughter, and ended with enough respect to keep them as "dear friends" over a decade later.
What to Look for Next
- Follow the Career: If you enjoy her work, check out Lindsay’s recent directorial projects on Tubi or Lifetime. She’s a great example of a woman reinventing herself behind the camera.
- Social Media: Both Justin and Lindsay post occasionally about Isabella’s milestones (graduations, birthdays). It’s a masterclass in how to handle a public-facing blended family.
- The Tracker Era: As Justin’s career reaches new heights with Tracker, expect more retrospectives on his past. Just remember that the "first wife" wasn't a footnote—she was the one who was there before the fame hit its peak.
Ultimately, the story of Justin and Lindsay is less about a failed marriage and more about a successful family transition. It’s not the typical Hollywood ending, and honestly, that’s why it’s worth talking about.