As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, Joshua Ackles continues to build on his advocacy work while supporting his growing family. With Levi entering his teen years and Lincoln growing up as well, the challenges and triumphs of raising children with special needs remain at the center of the Ackles’ family story.
Team Levi continues to set fundraising goals for the annual Buddy Walk, with supporters from both the Down Syndrome community and “Supernatural” fandom combining forces to create impact. The unique intersection of these communities showcases how celebrity connections can amplify important causes when approached with authenticity.
Joshua remains active in advocating for healthcare policy changes, particularly focusing on eliminating discrimination against people with Down Syndrome in organ transplant decisions. As healthcare legislation evolves, his voice and personal experience provide powerful testimony to the real-world impacts of these policies.
What stands out most about Joshua Ackles isn’t just his connection to a famous brother, but his commitment to transforming personal experience into positive change for an entire community. In a world where celebrity siblings often chase fame themselves, Joshua offers a refreshing alternative – using whatever platform he has to advocate for those who need it most.
For fans of Jensen Ackles looking to support causes close to the actor’s heart, Team Levi remains an excellent opportunity to make a difference while connecting with the extended Ackles family legacy beyond the entertainment world.# Joshua Ackles: The Inspiring Story Behind Jensen Ackles’ Brother and Down Syndrome Advocate
While millions of fans worldwide know Jensen Ackles from his iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural, many often ask, “Does Jensen Ackles have an older brother?” The answer is yes—Joshua Ackles, who has created a powerful legacy through Down Syndrome advocacy and family commitment. Born December 19, 1974, in Dallas, Texas, Joshua chose a different path than his Hollywood star sibling but has made equally significant contributions that have changed countless lives.
Who Is Joshua Ackles?
Joshua Alan Ackles grew up in Dallas as the eldest child of Alan Roger Ackles and Donna Joan Shaffer. Unlike his brother Jensen (born March 1, 1978) who followed their father into acting, Joshua pursued interests outside entertainment after attending high school in Dallas.
The Ackles family maintains strong bonds despite their different careers. Their parents, Alan and Donna, have been married for over 50 years since tying the knot on August 21, 1971, creating a foundation of family values that clearly shaped both brothers.
Joshua Ackles’ age is currently 50, and he has built his own life and legacy separate from Hollywood’s spotlight. So what does Joshua Ackles do? He’s deeply involved in Down Syndrome advocacy and leads Team Levi, a nonprofit initiative that has made a lasting impact on the community, yet still connected to his famous family through shared values and mutual support.
Family Life and Personal Journey
Joshua Ackles’ wife, Ali Bitros Ackles, works as an educational diagnostician in Garland, Texas. Ali, now 52, completed her education at the University of North Texas, graduating in 2016. She also works as an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields. The couple resides in Sachse, Texas, where they’ve built their family and advocacy work.
Joshua Ackles’ kids—Levi, Lincoln, and an older sibling—each have their own unique story that has helped shape the family’s advocacy mission.. Their youngest son Levi was born with Down Syndrome, while their middle child Lincoln has been diagnosed with ADHD. Lincoln’s condition initially went unnoticed at school despite clear signs at home, with teachers only beginning to recognize his ADHD traits by the end of fourth grade.
These personal experiences sparked Joshua and Ali’s passion for advocacy work, turning parenting challenges into a mission to help others facing similar circumstances.
Team Levi: Making a Difference
Joshua’s most significant public contribution came through founding “Team Levi,” an organization dedicated to supporting s with Down Syndrome. The organization regularly participates in the annual Buddy Walk, a major event in the Down Syndrome community.
Their impact has been substantial and grown over the years:
- In 2007, Team Levi raised an impressive $27,000 for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas
- By 2022, they had participated in 11 Buddy Walks, showing consistent commitment to the cause
- They set ambitious fundraising goals each year, including $25,000 in 2015, $50,000 in 2016, and $20,000 in 2017
- Joshua shared these achievements on Twitter: “Team Levi raised $27K for the Buddy Walk. Big thanks to our friends, family, educators, and all the SPN fans”
Contributors to Team Levi receive a thank-you card signed by Jensen Ackles and a personal letter from Joshua and Ali, creating a personal connection with their supporters and growing their community of advocates.
Advocacy Focus and Impact
Joshua and Ali’s advocacy extends far beyond fundraising. They tackle critical issues facing people with Down Syndrome, particularly healthcare inequality.
Ali has brought attention to disturbing gaps in the healthcare system, noting: “Did you know that 16 out of 50 states do not prohibit discrimination against s based on their disability when seeking an organ transplant? That means that if Levi ever needed an organ transplant, he could be denied because he has Down syndrome.”
Their work focuses on several crucial areas:
| Advocacy Area | Team Levi’s Approach |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Access | Fighting discrimination in medical treatment and organ transplant policies |
| Education Rights | Advocating for inclusive educational opportunities for children with special needs |
| Public Awareness | Changing perceptions about Down Syndrome through education campaigns |
| Community Building | Creating support networks for families affected by Down Syndrome |
| Rights Protection | Working toward equal rights and dignity for people with disabilities |
The Ackles family has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating both Down Syndrome and ADHD diagnoses, giving them unique perspectives on multiple special needs conditions. This experience informs their advocacy work with authenticity and urgency, making them powerful voices for change.
Brotherhood
Despite their different paths, Joshua and Jensen maintain a close brotherly relationship that goes beyond mere public support. Their bond shows a deep emotional connection that spans from childhood to their adult lives.
In a touching gesture that speaks volumes about their relationship, Jensen incorporated a reference to Levi in the “Supernatural” series by naming a gas station “Lil’ Levi” in his honor. Jensen even tweeted about this tribute, writing: “Lil’ Levi’s gas station. A little shout out to my nephew. Love ya buddy.”
Their brotherhood reveals itself in small moments too. One Christmas, Joshua gave Jensen thermal handwear, a thoughtful gift acknowledging the cold Vancouver weather where “Supernatural” was filmed. These gestures demonstrate the authentic connection between the brothers despite their very different public profiles.
Perhaps most telling was Joshua’s reaction during filming of the “Supernatural” episode “Swan Song,” where Dean Winchester (Jensen’s character) is brutally attacked. Unable to bear watching his younger brother in such a scene, Joshua had to leave the room. Jensen later shared that his brother said, “All I saw was my little brother getting beat up. I had to walk it off because I was too upset.”
This family support shows how both brothers share common values while supporting each other’s journeys in their own ways, with Jensen using his platform to boost his brother’s advocacy whenever possible.
Online Presence and Public Life
Joshua maintains a modest online presence focused primarily on his advocacy work rather than personal promotion. He joined Twitter in 2013 under the handle @josh_ackles and has gathered over 6,000 followers.
His social media activity centers almost exclusively on Team Levi and Down Syndrome awareness events, reflecting his commitment to advocacy over publicity. Unlike many celebrity siblings who leverage their connection to fame, Joshua has chosen to use his platform solely for advocacy purposes.
This strategy has helped him build an authentic voice in the Down Syndrome community, where he’s respected not just as “Jensen Ackles’ brother” but as a dedicated advocate with a personal stake in the cause. When he does share family moments, they typically connect back to his advocacy work, showing how deeply intertwined his personal and public lives have become through his mission.
Legacy and Impact in 2025
While Jensen Ackles continues making headlines through his acting career and most recently his role as Soldier Boy in “The Boys,” Joshua has built a legacy by improving lives of people with Down Syndrome. His work with Team Levi has raised both funds and awareness, contributing to the broader push for equal rights and dignity for s with disabilities.
Joshua transformed personal challenges into a mission supporting others in similar circumstances. His story proves how personal connection to a cause can spark meaningful action and community building that extends far beyond a single family.
In 2025, with Levi now a teenager and the family continuing their advocacy work, the Ackles family represents an important model of how celebrity platforms can be used to drive meaningful change when paired with authentic lived experience.
The Extended Ackles Family
The Ackles family represents a tight-knit unit that extends beyond just Joshua and Jensen. They also have a younger sister, Mackenzie Ackles, born on June 26, 1985, who has occasionally participated as an extra in several episodes of “Supernatural,” keeping the family connection to the show strong across multiple members.
Their father Alan Roger Ackles, born in October 1948, is himself an actor with roles in Devour (2005) and Supernatural (2005)—a show where Joshua Ackles is frequently mentioned among fans, especially due to his family ties and Supernatural-themed charity initiatives like Team Levi.” (2005), showing where Jensen’s acting talents originated. Alan and Donna’s long-lasting marriage provides the foundation for the family’s strong values.
Jensen has also built his own family with wife Danneel Ackles. The couple has three children: son Zeppelin—named after the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, a nod to Jensen’s love for music—and daughters Justice and Arrow. This parallels Joshua’s family structure, with both brothers each raising three children and maintaining close relationships despite their different career paths.
The extended family regularly comes together for special occasions, with Joshua once tweeting about celebrating his birthday: “Thanks for the bday wishes. Had a blast at the cowboy game last night w dad, bro, and BIL. What a bday present!”
These family connections showcase how the Ackles clan maintains strong bonds across generations despite the fame that has come to some members more than others.
Joshua Ackles Net Worth and Career
While Joshua Ackles has chosen a different path than his entertainment industry brother, many fans wonder about his professional life and net worth. Unlike Jensen, whose net worth is estimated around $14 million from his acting career, Joshua has focused on different professional pursuits.
Some sources claim Joshua has worked in architecture, though he keeps his professional life largely private. His focus remains on his family and advocacy work rather than building a public-facing career or leveraging his brother’s fame for personal gain.
What sets Joshua apart from many celebrity siblings is his authenticity and commitment to causes bigger than himself. Rather than trying to capitalize on the Ackles name, he’s chosen to use whatever platform he has to advocate for Down Syndrome awareness and support.
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