Before Heartland, He Was a Runway Model. Now He’s Canada’s Favorite Grandpa
If you’ve watched Heartland, you know Jack Bartlett. He’s the no-nonsense grandfather who anchors the family ranch—and he’s been part of the show since the very beginning. Played by Canadian actor Shaun Johnston, Grandpa Jack has become a fan favorite thanks to his grit, warmth, and the occasional soft moment that sneaks in when you least expect it.
Now well into the show’s 18th season, Johnston sat down to share a few thoughts on life behind the scenes, memorable moments, and how Heartland has shaped him over the years.
Saying Goodbye to Paint
One episode stands out more than most: the one where Jack says farewell to his beloved horse, Paint.
“When I read that episode, I knew it was going to be emotional,” Shaun said. “Usually, I prepare like crazy. I’ll scribble notes all over the script. But for this one, I didn’t. I just went in raw.” The result? A quiet, deeply felt scene that fans still talk about. “It was hard on everybody.”
His Favorite Moment? That One.
Asked about standout episodes, Shaun doesn’t hesitate: “That one.” It’s clear the goodbye to Paint left a lasting impression on him, not just as an actor, but as a horseman and storyteller.
Advice to His Younger Self
If he could go back ten years, Johnston says he’d tell himself one thing: stop worrying so much.
“I always worried between seasons, hoping we’d get renewed,” he admitted. “I love the show so much, and I’d always think, ‘I hope we get another one.’” After nearly two decades on Heartland, he can laugh about it now—but the love for the show is still very real.
Life Off the Ranch
When he’s not filming, Johnston keeps things low-key: hockey and music.
“I play a ton of hockey,” he said with a grin. “And I play as much guitar as I can. I’m not great, but I play well enough to make myself happy.”
What He’s Learned from Jack
“I'm gonna grow old gracefully,” Shaun said with a smile. After playing Grandpa Jack for so many years, it’s a lesson that feels earned.
When the Show Eventually Ends...
What’s next? He’s keeping it simple.
“I’d like to watch a lot of TV and play more hockey,” he joked. After so many years of filming in the foothills of Alberta, that kind of rest sounds well-deserved.
Beyond Heartland
Johnston hasn’t stayed still. He appeared in Wynonna Earp as a mysterious character named Juan Carlos—“They named him that because I look so Latino,” he joked—and he’s returned to the stage as well, performing with Edmonton’s Shadow Theatre.
A Few More Surprises
Yes, the silver hair and mustache are part Hollywood magic. “The ink comes out of my mustache every day and the wig comes off,” he said with a chuckle.
And before acting? He had a very different path. Johnston originally went to business school and ended up modeling on Toronto runways—“I was 6’3” and could wear Hugo Boss right off the rack,” he said. He also worked at a bank for a year. Quite the résumé.
Stage vs. Screen
When asked about theater versus television, Johnston has a clear perspective.
“TV is riskier,” he said. “You might get multiple takes, but if something doesn’t work, it’s recorded forever.” On stage? “You don’t make mistakes when you’re well-rehearsed.” His favorite role? Eddie in Fool for Love by Sam Shepard.
Playing for a Crowd
One of his more recent highlights? A concert on a ranch in Alberta.
“I was nervous going in, but the audience was so supportive, I felt like they just wanted me to enjoy it,” he said. “After 60 seconds, the nerves were gone—it was just a romp.”
From runway model to ranch patriarch, Shaun Johnston’s journey has been anything but ordinary. But through it all, his portrayal of Jack Bartlett has remained steady—just like the character himself.
So the next time you watch Heartland, keep an eye on Jack. He might not say much, but thanks to Shaun Johnston, every word matters.
