Long before prime-time television and global recognition, actor Justin Hartley crossed paths with fellow soap opera star Lindsay Korman on the set of the daytime drama Passions. While Justin's high-profile romances often capture headlines, his first marriage to Lindsay remains a notable chapter in both of their lives. Far from being a passive background figure, Lindsay carved out a successful television career of her own while navigating an eight-year marriage and a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Understanding their history requires looking past the broad strokes of celebrity gossip. This look into Lindsay Korman's career, her marriage to Justin Hartley, and their life after divorce highlights how two working actors managed a high-visibility split with mutual respect.
Who Is Lindsay Korman?
Born in Palm Springs, California, Lindsay Korman showed an affinity for performance at an early age. Before entering the grueling world of daily soap operas, she won a national pre-teen talent award through the Young Miss America Pageant and secured a role in a Broadway production of Grease at just eighteen years old.
Her big break in television came when she landed the role of Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald on NBC's Passions in 1999. She spent nearly a decade on the show, establishing herself as a staple of daytime television. Following her run on Passions, she transitioned smoothly to other major soap operas, including All My Children as Cara Castillo and Days of Our Lives as Arianna Hernandez.
Beyond long-running soap opera commitments, Lindsay built a steady resume starring in thriller and drama films for the Lifetime network. She also expanded her skill set behind the camera, directing and writing several independent television projects, demonstrating that her professional identity extends far beyond her past marriage.
Meeting on Passions and Rapid Romance
Justin Hartley joined the cast of Passions in 2002 as Fox Crane. Within a year of working together, Justin and Lindsay sparked a real-life romance. Their relationship moved quickly. They began dating in June 2003, became engaged by November of that same year, and tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony on May 1, 2004.
By the time they walked down the aisle, Lindsay was pregnant with their daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley, who was born in July 2004. For the next several years, the couple balanced demanding production schedules on separate projects while raising their young daughter in Los Angeles.
The 2012 Divorce and Amicable Split
After eight years of marriage, cracks began to show in the relationship. In May 2012, Lindsay filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal filing asked for joint physical and legal custody of their daughter.
Unlike many Hollywood breakups plagued by public mudslinging, Justin and Lindsay kept the details private. They avoided tabloid leaks and malicious public statements, focusing instead on transitioning smoothly into a co-parenting routine.
Co-parenting through the entertainment industry's erratic scheduling isn't easy, but both actors made concerted efforts to keep their daughter's life stable. Justin noted in past interviews that open communication forms the bedrock of successful parenting after a split, stressing that making a genuine effort to understand the other person's perspective matters most.
Life After Divorce and Mutual Support
In the years following their divorce, both actors moved on to new relationships and marriage milestones. Justin eventually married actress Chrishell Stause in 2017, a marriage that ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2021. He later married actress Sofia Pernas.
When Justin faced intense media scrutiny during his second divorce, Lindsay stepped up publicly to defend her ex-husband's character. In an Instagram post, she praised Justin as a solid man, a dear friend, and a devoted father to their daughter. That public show of solidarity underscored that their friendship endured long after the romantic partnership ended.
Today, Lindsay continues to work in television, occasionally stepping in for temporary soap opera casting replacements—such as filling in on General Hospital—while directing and producing independent features. Meanwhile, Justin anchors prime-time television, but the foundation they built together as young actors in daytime television remains a steady chapter in both of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Justin Hartley and Lindsay Korman married?
They were married for eight years, from May 2004 until their divorce was finalized in late 2012.
Do Justin Hartley and Lindsay Korman share children?
Yes, they share one daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley, born in July 2004. They share joint legal and physical custody.
What is Lindsay Korman's primary profession?
Lindsay is an actress, singer, director, and writer, best known for her roles in daytime soap operas like Passions and All My Children.
Are Justin Hartley and his first wife still on good terms?
Yes. Despite their divorce, they maintained a friendly relationship and actively support each other in co-parenting.
