Meet Shaun Johnston: The Man Behind Heartland’s Beloved Grandpa Jack
As Heartland entered its 10th season back in 2016, fans couldn’t imagine the show without one key figure: Grandpa Jack. With his signature dry humor, quiet wisdom, and no-nonsense cowboy charm, Shaun Johnston turned a TV character into something much more—family.
But what's it like living in Grandpa Jack’s boots for so long? Shaun shared personal reflections, behind-the-scenes memories, and more in a conversation as candid as it is charming.
“Saying Goodbye to Paint Was One of the Hardest Scenes I've Ever Filmed”
When Grandpa Jack had to part ways with his horse, Paint, during Season 9, fans were crushed—and so was Shaun.
“I knew it was going to be an emotional journey,” he said. “Normally I make a lot of notes for an episode. But for that one? None. I didn’t need them. I was living it.”
It wasn’t just a performance. The grief felt real because, in many ways, it was.
Favorite Scene? That One, Without a Doubt
Of all the episodes across the seasons, Shaun doesn’t hesitate when asked which stuck with him the most.
“That one,” he said. “The goodbye to Paint. Hands down.”
What Would 2026 Shaun Tell 2016 Shaun?
“Don’t stress about renewals,” Shaun laughs. “Every season I’d get anxious, hoping the show would come back. I should’ve just trusted we were doing something special.”
When the Cameras Stop Rolling
In real life, Shaun’s downtime looks a bit different than Jack’s.
“I play a ton of hockey and as much guitar as I can. I’m not great at it, but I play well enough to make myself happy.”
It's a far cry from cattle drives—but maybe just as therapeutic.
Lessons from Jack Bartlett
After 10 years on the show, what has Grandpa Jack taught Shaun?
“That I’m going to grow old gracefully.”
It's a lesson both the character and the actor seem to be learning together.
When Heartland Eventually Ends…
While fans hope that day never comes, Shaun has thought about it.
“Honestly? I’d watch a lot of TV and play more hockey. That sounds like a pretty good retirement plan.”
Beyond Heartland: Sci-Fi and Stage Lights
Fans of Wynonna Earp may have caught Shaun in a mysterious guest role as Juan Carlos—a name he jokes was chosen because “I look so Latino.”
And theatre? Always close to his heart. He starred in Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, a role he still calls his favorite.
From Banker to Runway Model to Actor
Not everyone knows that Shaun once worked at the Alberta Treasury Branch—and also walked the runway.
“I was 6'3" and fit Hugo Boss right off the rack,” he said. “One thing led to another, and I was doing fashion shows, making $60 an hour. That was a lot back then.”
Before long, Toronto’s fashion world gave way to film, TV, and theatre. And eventually, to Heartland.
Theatre vs. Film: One Shot or Forever?
“People think stage is riskier because it’s live. I disagree,” he says. “You rehearse so much in theatre that you rarely mess up. In film, you get multiple takes—but if you don’t nail it, you live with it forever. That’s the real pressure.”
That Night at Symon’s Valley Ranch
Shaun recently performed live at a ranch concert in Alberta—a mix of music and storytelling.
“I was nervous at first, but the audience was rooting for me before I even strummed a chord. Within the first 60 seconds, it turned into pure fun.”
