Joshua Ackles is the older brother of famous actor Jensen Ackles and a dedicated advocate for Down syndrome awareness. He was born on December 20, 1974, in Dallas, Texas, and has chosen a private life focused on family and philanthropy rather than Hollywood fame.
Quick Facts About Joshua Ackles
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Ackles |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1974 |
| Age | 50 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Advocate |
| Famous For | Being Jensen Ackles’ brother, Down syndrome advocacy |
| Spouse | Ali Bitros Ackles (Alexis Ackles) |
| Children | Three sons (Logan, Lincoln, and Levi) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Early Life and Family Background
Joshua Ackles grew up in a family deeply connected to the entertainment world. His father, Alan Roger Ackles, built a solid career as an actor with roles in films like Ruby and Steele’s Law, plus appearances in popular TV series such as Dallas and Walker, Texas Ranger. His mother, Donna Joan Schaffer, provided a stable home environment for the family.
As the eldest of three children, Joshua shared his childhood with his younger brother Jensen, born in 1978, and sister Mackenzie, born in 1985. The Ackles household was creative and supportive, which naturally exposed all three siblings to the arts from an early age.
Career Journey: Acting and Beyond
Joshua ventured into acting and production work during his career. He appeared in several television projects, including guest roles in Prison Break and Devour. He also made a memorable appearance alongside his siblings in the hit series Supernatural, where Jensen played the lead role of Dean Winchester.
Unlike his brother’s continuous presence in mainstream television, Joshua gradually shifted his focus away from acting. He maintained ties to the entertainment industry through occasional collaborations but never pursued the spotlight with the same intensity as Jensen. His career path reflects someone who values privacy and personal fulfillment over public recognition.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Joshua married Ali Bitros Ackles, an educational diagnostician. Together, they built a loving family and welcomed three sons: Logan, Lincoln, and Levi. Their youngest son, Levi, was born with Down syndrome, which became a turning point in their lives.
The couple handles their parenting responsibilities with dedication and love. They’ve created a supportive environment for all their children while maintaining a relatively private life away from media attention. Joshua’s marriage appears strong and stable, with both partners working together on their advocacy mission.
Down Syndrome Advocacy: The Birth of Team Levi
Levi’s diagnosis transformed Joshua and Ali into passionate advocates for individuals with Down syndrome. They founded Team Levi, a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting families affected by Down syndrome.
Joshua actively participates in the annual Buddy Walk, which raises funds and awareness for the Down syndrome community. His brother Jensen joined him at the 2013 Buddy Walk, showing strong family support for the cause. This advocacy work has become Joshua’s most significant public contribution, far exceeding his entertainment industry achievements.
Ali has been particularly vocal about policy changes needed to protect individuals with disabilities. She highlighted a shocking fact: 16 out of 50 states don’t prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities when seeking organ transplants. This means Levi could be denied an organ transplant simply because he has Down syndrome. The couple fights tirelessly to change these discriminatory policies.
Relationship with Brother Jensen Ackles
The bond between Joshua and Jensen runs deep despite their different career paths. Jensen frequently supports his brother’s advocacy work and has expressed his love for nephew Levi publicly on social media. In 2013, Jensen tweeted “I love you, buddy!” to Levi, showing his commitment as an uncle.
While Jensen achieved massive fame through his role in Supernatural, which ran for 15 seasons, Joshua carved out his own identity. Both brothers respect each other’s choices and maintain close family ties. Their relationship demonstrates that family connections can remain strong even when siblings choose vastly different life directions.
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Physical Appearance
Joshua stands tall at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), sharing similar physical traits with his brother Jensen. He has brown hair and brown eyes, maintaining a fit and confident appearance. While he keeps a lower profile than his famous brother, those who know him describe his presence as notable and grounded.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Estimating Joshua’s net worth proves challenging since he hasn’t disclosed his profession or income sources publicly. Various sources suggest his net worth sits around $500,000, though this remains unverified. What’s clear is that Joshua lives comfortably, likely benefiting from his family’s success and his own business ventures.
His brother Jensen, by comparison, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $14 million through his acting career. Jensen reportedly earned $175,000 per episode for his lead role in Supernatural. The financial security in the Ackles family allows Joshua to focus on advocacy work without financial pressure.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Joshua intentionally maintains a low profile on social media. While he has a Twitter account with several thousand followers, he doesn’t actively pursue public attention like many celebrity siblings do. This privacy allows him to focus on what matters most: his family and advocacy work.
His lifestyle reflects someone who values substance over celebrity. Rather than chasing fame or trading on his brother’s name for personal gain, Joshua dedicates his time to meaningful causes. This choice speaks volumes about his character and priorities.
The Ackles Family Legacy
The Ackles siblings share a unique bond strengthened by their shared Dallas, Texas upbringing and collective entertainment experiences. Their father Alan appeared alongside them in Supernatural, making it a true family venture across multiple generations.
Mackenzie, the youngest sibling, also pursued acting with appearances in Supernatural episodes. She married Jeremy L. Stauffer in 2010 and has three children. The three siblings maintain strong connections while respecting each other’s individual paths and life choices.
Team Levi’s Impact on the Community
Team Levi has grown into a significant force within the Down syndrome community. The organization provides resources, builds support networks, and connects families sharing similar experiences. Through fundraising events and educational initiatives, Joshua and Ali have helped countless families navigate life with Down syndrome.
The team actively works to educate the public about the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome. They organize awareness campaigns and provide direct support to families while fostering connections between those facing similar challenges. This work has become Joshua’s most lasting contribution to society.
Lesser-Known Facts About Joshua Ackles
Joshua celebrates his birthday on December 20th, making him three years older than Jensen. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius, known for traits like optimism and generosity, which align with his advocacy work.
Despite coming from a family of actors, Joshua never felt compelled to pursue a full-time acting career. He made appearances in various projects but always maintained interests beyond Hollywood.
The entire Ackles family participated in the 2013 Buddy Walk, demonstrating their united support for Levi and the broader Down syndrome community. This family solidarity highlights the strong bonds they share.
Looking Forward
Joshua continues his advocacy work through Team Levi while maintaining his private lifestyle. His dedication to raising awareness about Down syndrome and fighting for policy changes shows no signs of slowing down. As Levi grows, Joshua and Ali’s mission becomes even more important in creating a more inclusive world.
The contrast between Joshua and Jensen’s lives offers an interesting perspective on fame and fulfillment. While Jensen achieved Hollywood success, Joshua found meaning through family and service. Both paths are equally valid, and both brothers seem content with their choices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joshua Ackles Jensen Ackles’ twin brother?
No, Joshua and Jensen are not twins. Joshua is the older brother, born on December 20, 1974, while Jensen was born on March 1, 1978, making Joshua approximately three years older.
What does Joshua Ackles do for a living?
Joshua’s exact profession remains private, though he has worked as an actor and producer in the past. His primary focus now appears to be his Down syndrome advocacy work through Team Levi, the charitable organization he founded with his wife.
How many children does Joshua Ackles have?
Joshua and his wife Ali Ackles have three sons: Logan, Lincoln, and Levi. Their youngest son Levi was born with Down syndrome, which inspired their advocacy work.
What is Team Levi?
Team Levi is a charitable organization founded by Joshua and Ali Ackles to raise awareness and support families affected by Down syndrome. The organization participates in fundraising events like the annual Buddy Walk and advocates for policy changes to protect individuals with disabilities.
What is Joshua Ackles’ net worth?
While exact figures aren’t publicly available, Joshua’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. His brother Jensen Ackles has a net worth of approximately $14 million from his successful acting career.
