‘Supernatural’ Star Jensen Ackles Really Needs a Hug — Here’s Why
Jensen Ackles has had a rough year. He already knew Supernatural was ending after 15 seasons. Then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic delayed production on the final two episodes. During the pandemic, his Family Business Beer Company struggled to adapt to closing their Taproom. So if Ackles needs a hug, you can understand why.
Ackles was a guest on The Kings of Con podcast on Sept. 23. He shared with hosts Rob Benedict and Richard Speight observations about the pandemic in Vancouver and his hopes for when human contact can resume.
Finishing ‘Supernatural’ was different during a pandemic
Having spent 15 years filming Supernatural in Vancouver, Ackles observed a difference in the city. Streets were sparser and people more spread out. He wondered what the future holds.
“This is going to have an impact moving forward,” Ackles said. “I don’t think we get back to exactly the way we were, but I feel like we adjust accordingly and get back to a similar life. I was talking to a friend today who was like, ‘I don’t see gatherings of people in the future at all?’ I’m like no. Humans have to gather. Think about concerts, think about festivals, think about sports.”
Jensen Ackles wants to touch people again
It’s not just hugs, although he’ll get to that. Ackles noted the importance of physical contact when greeting other people.
“We are people that have grown up with an idea of how you were taught that when you meet somebody you look them in the eye and you shake their hand,” Ackles said. “You give a firm handshake. My grandfather would always be like, ‘Squeeze it harder. Come on, give me a grip.’ My father was always like, ‘You look ‘em in the eye and give ‘em a firm handshake.’ That was the way our culture and our society has been greeting people now for generations. Have we lost that?”
Jensen Ackles hopes he can hug again
Many fans of Supernatural would happily give Jensen Ackles a hug. Unfortunately, few people are doing any hugging unless they are quarantining together. Ackles was always a hugger and he’s not ready to give that up permanently.
“That physical connection is so ingrained in me, I know,” Ackles said. “I can’t imagine meeting somebody and not shaking their hand. I don’t know where that’s going to land. Clearly, I think with people that you know, I’m hoping that hugging will still be [possible] because we all hug each other. Whether it’s the bro hug or the full bring it in, but just the introduction and meeting of somebody, I think that’s going to change. It’s going to be interesting to see how it all looks when the dust settles.”
