15 Surprising Facts About Genevieve Padalecki: Jared Padalecki's Wife, Co-Star, And Mental Health Advocate

The enduring Hollywood marriage of Jared Padalecki and Genevieve Padalecki is a rare story of a genuine connection forged on the set of a supernatural drama. As of December 15, 2025, the couple remains one of the most stable and beloved pairs in the entertainment industry, having celebrated over 15 years together since they first met.

This deep dive into the life of Genevieve Padalecki (née Cortese) goes beyond her iconic roles as the demon Ruby in Supernatural and Emily Walker in The CW's Walker. It explores her personal journey, her passion for mental health advocacy, her life as a mother to three children, and how she has built a thriving career and family life far from the Hollywood spotlight in Austin, Texas. Her story is a testament to balancing a demanding career with a commitment to family and personal well-being.

Genevieve Padalecki: A Complete Biography and Profile

Genevieve Padalecki is an American actress, blogger, and advocate, best known for her television roles and her marriage to actor Jared Padalecki.

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• Full Name: Genevieve Nicole Padalecki (née Cortese)
• Date of Birth: January 8, 1981
• Age: 44 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Jared Padalecki (m. 2010)
• Children: Three—two sons, Thomas Colton Padalecki and Shepard Padalecki, and one daughter, Odette Elliott Padalecki.
• Notable Acting Roles: Kris Furillo in Wildfire (2005–2007), Ruby in Supernatural (2008–2009), Emily Walker in Walker (2021–2024).
• Other Ventures: Founder of the lifestyle and parenting blog, Now and Gen.
• Education: Attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU).
• Residence: Austin, Texas.

The Supernatural Connection: How Jared Met His 'Demon' Wife

The origin story of Jared and Genevieve Padalecki’s relationship is a Hollywood fairy tale with a demonic twist, beginning on the set of the hit series Supernatural. Their initial meeting in 2008 set the stage for a long-lasting partnership that fans affectionately refer to as "Jenevieve."

Genevieve joined the cast of Supernatural in Season 4, taking over the controversial role of the demon Ruby. Jared Padalecki, who played the lead role of Sam Winchester, was immediately taken with his new co-star. Their on-screen relationship was fraught with tension and moral ambiguity, but off-screen, a genuine romance blossomed.

Jared famously admitted that he would often linger in her trailer, spending time with her under the guise of work, even when he didn't need to. This early connection quickly developed into a serious relationship. The couple got engaged in October 2009 and tied the knot just a few months later.

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The wedding ceremony took place in Genevieve’s hometown of Sun Valley, Idaho, in February 2010. The location, a beautiful, snowy backdrop, provided a romantic and intimate setting far removed from the bustling world of Vancouver, where they filmed Supernatural. Their commitment to each other became a cornerstone for both their personal lives and their careers.

After her time on Supernatural ended, Genevieve stepped back from full-time acting to focus on their growing family, a decision that allowed Jared to continue his demanding schedule. However, their professional paths would cross again years later on a project that would bring their relationship full circle.

From Ruby to Emily Walker: Genevieve's Acting Legacy

While many fans know Genevieve Padalecki primarily for her role as Ruby, her acting career includes several significant roles that showcase her versatility. Her work spans from a beloved family drama to a gritty reboot, often alongside her husband.

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The Wildfire Years: Kris Furillo

Before Supernatural, Genevieve starred as Kris Furillo in the popular ABC Family series Wildfire from 2005 to 2007. The show, which focused on a troubled teen finding her place in life and on the racetrack, established Genevieve as a talented lead actress. This role, which lasted three seasons, remains a pivotal part of her early career legacy.

A Family Reunion: Co-Starring in Walker

The greatest convergence of their personal and professional lives came with the 2021 reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger, simply titled Walker. Jared Padalecki took on the lead role of Cordell Walker, and the showrunners cast Genevieve as his late wife, Emily Walker.

This role was significant because Emily Walker was a constant, driving force in the series, appearing in flashbacks and shaping Cordell’s journey. The decision to cast Genevieve allowed the real-life couple to share the screen again, but in a completely different dynamic—she was the idealized memory, the heart of the Walker family. The show, which was filmed in their adopted home of Austin, Texas, allowed the family to remain together, a major factor in their decision to take on the project.

Life in Austin: Motherhood, Homemaking, and the 'Now and Gen' Empire

The Padalecki family intentionally moved away from the traditional Hollywood centers to establish a grounded life in Austin, Texas. This move allowed Genevieve to embrace her role as a mother and an advocate, channeling her creativity into her popular lifestyle brand and blog, Now and Gen.

Raising Three Children in Texas

Jared and Genevieve are proud parents to three children: Thomas Colton (born 2012), Shepard (born 2013), and Odette Elliott (born 2017). Genevieve often shares glimpses of their family life, which includes a commitment to raising their children with a sense of normalcy, despite their parents' fame. She has documented her experiences with home birth and the challenges of parenting three active children, making her a relatable figure to many parents.

The Now and Gen Lifestyle Brand

Launched in 2017, the Now and Gen blog is Genevieve’s primary creative outlet outside of acting. The platform focuses on a range of topics, including sustainable living, family life, travel, and urban homesteading—a lifestyle she practices in their Texas home, which includes raising chickens. The blog is a reflection of her personal values: authenticity, environmental consciousness, and a focus on mental well-being. Her work here has established her as a prominent lifestyle influencer, giving her a separate identity from her acting roles.

Advocacy and Always Keep Fighting

Genevieve is a strong supporter of her husband’s mental health movement, Always Keep Fighting (AKF). Jared Padalecki launched the campaign in 2015 to destigmatize mental illness, a cause close to his heart after his own public struggles with depression. Genevieve’s support for AKF and her own candid discussions on her blog about the importance of self-care and mental health have made her a key figure in the movement.

Furthermore, the couple is actively involved in other charitable endeavors. In 2019, they ran the Boston Marathon together to raise funds for the Dream Big Foundation, a charity supporting young female athletes from low-income communities. Their joint efforts highlight their commitment to giving back and using their platform for positive change, reinforcing their status as a power couple dedicated to both their family and their community.