Q&A with Shaun Johnston: Life as Heartland’s Grandpa Jack

It’s hard to imagine Heartland without Shaun Johnston at the center of it. As the series moved into its tenth season, Grandpa Jack Bartlett had become more than a character — he was the emotional anchor of the ranch and one of the most recognizable figures in Canadian television.

Known for his gruff exterior, dry humor, and deeply rooted warmth, Jack has always felt real. And that authenticity comes directly from Johnston’s connection to the role.

Saying Goodbye to Paint Was His Hardest Episode

One of the most emotional moments in the series came in season nine, when Grandpa Jack said goodbye to his horse, Paint. Johnston has said that the episode hit him the moment he read the script.

Unlike his usual preparation — pages of notes and careful planning — he made no notes at all. He felt too close to the story to map it out. Instead, he trusted the moment and let the emotions guide him. It was difficult for everyone involved, and it remains his favorite episode to film because of how honest it felt.

Life Before the Heartland Ranch

Before Heartland, Johnston’s life took several unexpected turns. He grew up in Ponoka, Alberta, completed two years toward a Bachelor of Commerce, and worked as an assistant accountant with the Treasury Branches of Alberta.

At just 20 years old, he packed his belongings into a 1973 Cutlass Supreme and drove across Canada to Toronto. There, his interest in fashion and photography led him into runway modelling. Standing 6’3”, he fit designer clothing straight off the rack and began walking shows for major brands, earning $60 an hour — a significant amount at the time.

Although audiences know him best from television, Johnston considers theatre his creative foundation. He challenges the idea that stage acting is riskier than film or TV.

In theatre, weeks of rehearsal reduce mistakes, and any slip is quickly forgotten. Film, on the other hand, records every moment permanently — even the ones that don’t fully land. His favorite role remains Eddie in Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, a performance he still considers his most meaningful.

Away from acting, Johnston keeps things simple. He plays a lot of hockey, spends time with his guitar, and doesn’t chase perfection — just enjoyment. Playing Grandpa Jack for a decade has also taught him how to embrace aging rather than fight it.

That mindset carried into a personal live performance at an Alberta ranch, where he combined storytelling and music. Though nervous at first, the audience’s warmth quickly put him at ease, turning the night into a genuine shared experience.

Johnston has continued to explore new projects outside the Heartland universe, including a mysterious role on Wynonna Earp and ongoing theatre work in Edmonton. Still, Grandpa Jack remains the role audiences connect with most — steady, flawed, and deeply human.

After years of worrying between seasons, Johnston no longer stresses about renewals. He’s learned to trust the journey. And that quiet confidence is exactly why Grandpa Jack still feels like family to so many viewers.

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• Behind the Scenes on Heartland: What Filming in Alberta Is Really Like
• Why Graham Wardle Left Heartland – And Where He Is Now