Christmas 1998, Eric with his family. Clockwise from Marlena {Dee}, Belle {Chelsea}, Sami {Ali}, Will {Shawn}, Austin {Austin}, Brady {Eric}, Carrie {Christie} and Jensen as Eric.

Eric and Brandon {shown here} Billings, who played Brady Black, Eric Brady's step brother, just adore Jensen. Whenever they had a scene with him they would run over to him so he could pick them up. Jensen was always willing to lift the boys up so they could see more.

Jensen and co-star Collin O'Donnell {left} ex-Shawn-D. Shawn, as he is being called these days, is now played by Jason Cook {right}.

Jensen Ackles joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in July 1997 as the long-lost Eric Brady. Upon his arrival, TV Guide named Ackles the "casting coup of the summer of 1997." Over the course of his freshman year, Ackles won the prestigious Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Male Newcomer and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Younger Lead Actor category. Ackles also landed on the cover of TV Guide as one of the daytime's 12 Hottest New Stars. {Photo courtesy soapstarworld.com}

Jensen appeared at Deidre's luncheon in 1999.

Just a few pictures of this great looking guy. {Photo in middle, above by John Paschal}

Jensen shows off his cowboy hat, reminiscing about childhood in Dallas, Texas.

Jensen is most comfortable in a T-shirt and jeans. Luckily, Eric Brady is too.

Jensen's newest role is his love story with Greta von Amberg. Here they are dressed up for John and Marlena's wedding. Will they make it, or won't they? Only time will tell.

During the long hours of taping, Jensen and Austin Peck released some excess energy backstage.

Jensen was one of many Days stars who participated in the 1999 celebrity basketball game sponsored by James Reynolds.

Jensen and co-star Bryan Dattilo play for the Hollywood Knights, a basketball team of actors who play games for charity. For information on the team's schedule, visit their website: http://www.hollywoodknights.org