Jensen enjoyed mugging for the camera at an early age. {Photo courtesy jensenackles.com}

Jensen's high school graduation picture. {Photo courtesy jensenackles.com}

In one of his first roles on TV, Jensen played Malcolm on NBC's sitcom, Mr. Rhodes, in 1996. Before Mr. Rhodes, Jensen appeared on Cybil, Wishbone and Sweet Valley High. {Photos courtesy Yael}

This is the promotional picture Jensen was using when he auditioned for the role on Days. It must have worked!

This was the first pic Days fans saw of Jensen. He attended the Days luncheon in 1997 before he first appeared on Days. Ken Corday knew they had made a casting coup. He said in a year that Jensen wouldn't be able to go anywhere without women following him. Ken was definitely right.

Eric came to Salem without telling anyone he was returning. John and Marlena ran into him in the park, where he had been hanging out on the swings.

Eric had a problem excepting John and Marlena as a couple. Once he got to know John again as "John Black" and not as his father "Roman", he was able to except the fact that the real Roman and Marlena were not getting back together. Drake was one of the first people to take Jensen under their wings and show him the ropes on the set.

Jensen was living in Texas when Hollywood called his name. He wasn't too sure about it, but he said he would give it a try. He has been working since he was six, doing commercials and print work. Since coming to LA, he has done many guest appearances on different TV shows.

Jensen is featured in some of the teen mags as a teen heartthrob. Jensen doesn't see himself as a teen heartthrob. {Photos here and above courtesy Star Galaxy}

Jensen's biggest storyline yet is Eric's relationship with Nicole Walker. Eric was head over heels for Nicole. She turned on him and married Lucas Roberts, the father of Eric's nephew, Will.

Eric loves both of his sisters. Although he has a special connection to Sami, he still loves Carrie the same.

Jensen has one thing in common with his character Eric; they both love their moms. Jensen and Dee (left) and Jensen and his mom (right).

Jensen had the storyline of a lifetime. He got the chance to work with one of his favorite country singing stars and close friends, LeAnn Rimes. Austin Peck also enjoyed meeting LeAnn.

Jensen loves to work with the younger cast members. He is shown here with Shawn Carpenter, one half of the twins that play Will, Eric's nephew.

This poster was one of the first times fans saw Eric without his shirt. For a long time, Eric was on Days without a love interest or sexy scenes. {photo courtesy http://daysofourlives.simplenet.com/}