Lindsay Hartley is more than just a familiar face from daytime television. She is a multi-talented actress, singer, writer, and director who has built a remarkable career over decades in the entertainment industry. From her breakout role as Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions to her evolution into a respected director and storyteller for Lifetime and Hulu, Lindsay’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beyond her professional success, she’s also a devoted mother, a proud performer with multicultural roots, and someone who has constantly challenged the limits of her abilities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Lindsay Hartley’s life, her early beginnings, major roles, family milestones, creative breakthroughs, and how she continues to inspire fans in 2025 and beyond.
Quick Bio Information
| Full Name | Lindsay Nicole Korman |
|---|---|
| Known As | Lindsay Hartley |
| Birthdate | April 17, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Rancho Mirage, California, USA |
| Heritage | Ashkenazi Jewish, Greek, and Italian |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Writer, Director |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Famous For | Passions, Days of Our Lives, All My Children |
| Ex-Spouse | Justin Hartley (2004–2012) |
| Child | Isabella Justice Hartley (born 2004) |
Early Life And Cultural Roots
Born Lindsay Nicole Korman in Rancho Mirage, California, Lindsay comes from a richly diverse background. Her father is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with roots in Poland, Russia, and Hungary, while her mother is of Greek and Italian heritage. This blend of cultures influenced Lindsay’s identity and upbringing. Even as a child, she showed a strong inclination toward performance. At age 11, she began singing competitively and went on to win several national vocal contests. These early achievements—including being named Young Miss America’s national pre-teen talent winner—signaled a future destined for the spotlight.
From Pageants To The Stage
Lindsay’s talent wasn’t limited to vocal competitions. At just 14, she was cast as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Her stage presence, confidence, and vocal strength made her stand out. At 16, her family moved to Las Vegas, where she achieved another milestone—becoming the youngest female performer to headline a Las Vegas Strip show. She starred as the lead vocalist in Viva Las Vegas at the Sands Hotel, a rare accomplishment for a teenager. These experiences helped shape her professionalism early on and prepared her for larger platforms.
Broadway Years And International Tours
After graduating early from high school and briefly attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lindsay followed her passion to New York City. There, she joined the Broadway production of Grease! as an understudy, continuing her education in musical theater on the grandest stage. Later, she played Maria in West Side Story in Austin, Texas, and toured internationally to perform in the rock opera Pygmalion, The True Story in the Greek Islands. These roles reinforced her range and marked her transition from local performer to global talent.
The Breakout Role On Passions
In 1999, Lindsay’s life changed when she landed the role of Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald on NBC’s Passions. She quickly became one of the show’s most beloved characters, known for her emotional depth and romantic storylines. The role earned her a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Female Newcomer. Lindsay wasn’t just acting—she also contributed musically by writing and performing the original song “Kiss Me” for her character. Over nearly a decade on the show, she filmed more than 1,500 episodes, becoming a staple of early 2000s daytime TV and gaining a loyal fan base.
Soap Legacy Beyond Passions
After leaving Passions in 2008, Lindsay joined Days of Our Lives as Arianna Hernandez. Though the character met a tragic end, the role further established her soap opera legacy. In 2010, she took on another major part as Dr. Cara Castillo on All My Children, both in its original version and again in the 2013 online revival. She also made a memorable appearance on Smallville, portraying the DC Comics villain Mad Harriet. These roles allowed Lindsay to show her versatility and reach new audiences beyond the Passions fan base.
A Bold Shift To Writing And Directing
While many soap stars stick with acting, Lindsay reinvented herself by moving behind the camera. Her first lead role in a Hallmark movie, On Paper, opened the door to a new path. She began writing thrillers for Lifetime, with her debut screenplay Deadly Exchange airing in 2017. Her knack for suspense storytelling led to multiple projects being greenlit. In 2019, she directed her first feature, Forgotten Abduction, and has since directed over 15 films for Lifetime, Crackle, and Hulu. Her stories often center on emotional strength, survival, and female-driven narratives, reflecting her own personal evolution.
Personal Life And Motherhood
Lindsay met actor Justin Hartley on the set of Passions, where he played Fox Crane. Their on-screen connection blossomed into a real-life romance, and they married in May 2004. That same year, Lindsay gave birth to their daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley. Though the couple divorced in 2012, they have remained respectful co-parents, each playing an active role in Isabella’s life. Lindsay has often credited motherhood as one of her greatest inspirations, helping her stay grounded while navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood.
Raising Isabella Justice Hartley
Isabella was born just months after Lindsay and Justin tied the knot, and she has grown up surrounded by the entertainment industry. Now in college at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Isabella is charting her own course. Though she’s attended red carpets with her father and has been approached for representation, she’s chosen not to pursue acting—at least for now. Lindsay frequently shares tributes to Isabella on social media, highlighting her daughter’s intelligence, independence, and warmth. Their mother-daughter bond remains strong and supportive.
Current Projects And What’s Next
As of 2025, Lindsay continues to stay busy with both directing and developing new creative projects. One of her most exciting recent works is Paranormal Nobodies, a supernatural coming-of-age series she directed, produced, and also acted in. The show taps into her long-standing interest in blending drama with fantasy. Whether she’s crafting a Lifetime thriller or exploring new narrative formats for digital platforms, Lindsay shows no signs of slowing down. Her focus today is not only on delivering compelling stories but also on mentoring and collaborating with rising talent.
Career Highlights And Unique Collaborations
Lindsay’s career is filled with achievements that go beyond acting. She has won prestigious vocal competitions like the L.A. Philharmonic’s Award for Vocal Opera and worked with major artists including Jackie Jackson, Hootie & the Blowfish, Dion DiMucci, and Japanese musician Yoshiki. These partnerships reflect her musical roots and creative flexibility. Over the years, she has participated in more than 2,000 episodes of television, built a reputation for delivering high-quality suspense dramas, and earned admiration for her willingness to evolve in an ever-changing industry.
Final Thoughts
Lindsay Hartley’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and reinvention. From singing in beauty pageants to headlining in Las Vegas, from starring in iconic soap operas to writing and directing her own films—she has lived many creative lives. Today, she remains a powerful force in the entertainment world, not just for what she’s accomplished but for how she continues to grow. Her personal story, shaped by heritage, family, and fearless choices, makes her one of the most interesting and inspiring figures in modern television. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work, Lindsay Hartley’s legacy is one worth following.
FAQs About Lindsay Hartley
Who Is Lindsay Hartley?
Lindsay Hartley is an American actress, singer, writer, and director best known for her roles in soap operas like Passions, Days of Our Lives, and All My Children. She has also written and directed numerous thriller films for Lifetime and other platforms.
What Was Lindsay Hartley’s Breakthrough Role?
Her breakout role was Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald on NBC’s Passions, which she played from 1999 to 2008. The character became a fan favorite and earned her a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination.
Is Lindsay Hartley Still Acting?
Yes, Lindsay is still active in the entertainment industry. She continues to act occasionally while focusing more on writing and directing films and series.
What Is Lindsay Hartley Doing Now In 2025?
As of 2025, she is directing and producing projects like Paranormal Nobodies and continues to create thriller content for Lifetime, Hulu, and Crackle.
Who Was Lindsay Hartley Married To?
Lindsay was married to actor Justin Hartley from 2004 to 2012. They met while working on Passions and have one daughter together.
Who Is Lindsay Hartley’s Daughter?
Her daughter, Isabella Justice Hartley, was born in July 2004. She attends the University of California, Santa Cruz, and prefers to stay out of the spotlight despite her famous parents.
What Ethnicity Is Lindsay Hartley?
She is of mixed heritage—Ashkenazi Jewish on her father’s side, and Greek and Italian on her mother’s. This diverse background has contributed to her rich cultural identity.
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