Jesse Metcalfe’s first role was playing Miguel on the defunct NBC soap opera Passions, from 1999 to 2004. The show was known for its outrageous storylines, one of which had the actor in the hot seat. Soap Hub caught up with Metcalfe at That’s 4 Entertainment’s Christmas Con 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Metcalfe’s first role was playing Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on the NBC soap opera Passions.
- Metcalfe broke out on Desperate Housewives as John Rowland, one of the show’s most talked-about characters.
- Metcalfe went head-to-head with Michael Douglas in the political thriller Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
- Metcalfe joined TV royalty on Dallas, playing Christopher Ewing in the hit reboot.
- Metcalfe became a Hallmark favorite, leading Chesapeake Shores for four seasons.
Desperation Station
After wrapping his run as Passions’ Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald, the actor made the leap to primetime, starring in the first four seasons of Desperate Housewives as John, the Solis family gardener, who had an affair with Gabrielle Solis, played by The Young and the Restless alum Eva Longoria (Isabella). Metcalfe stayed with the show for the first four seasons, then returned for two episodes in season six.
Working With A Legend
In 2009, Jesse starred in the film Beyond a Reasonable Doubt alongside legendary actor Michael Douglas and General Hospital alum Amber Tamblyn (Emily). A powerful district attorney’s run for governor is thrown into chaos when a rookie journalist suspects evidence tampering in a high-profile case. Douglas stars as a celebrated prosecutor forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with reporter Jesse Metcalfe, as the truth threatens to destroy careers — and lives.
Reviving Dallas
Metcalfe went on to star in the reboot of the hit CBS primetime soap Dallas, which aired on TNT for three seasons. The actor played Christopher, the son of Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy, who also played The Bold and the Beautiful’s Stephen). He would go head-to-head with his uncle J.R.’s (Larry Hagman) son, John Ross, played by Josh Henderson. As The World Turns alum Jordana Brewster (Nikki) starred as Elena, who was romantically involved with both Christopher and John Ross. Hagman, whose “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline was one of the biggest cliffhangers on television to date, passed away while filming the second season.
Hallmark Hunk
Jesse entered the Hallmark universe shortly after Dallas was cancelled, starring in A Country Wedding. After making several more films for the network, he landed the lead role of Trace on the new Hallmark series Chesapeake Shores. He would star in the first four seasons, returning in the first two episodes of season five to wrap up his run on the show, with the door left open for his return. Robert Buckley’s Evan Kincaid would join in the third episode of that season to take over as the leading man. The show would run for a sixth and final season, but Metcalfe did not appear again after his departure.
Christmas Con
Fans of Hallmark Channel and Great American Family movies descended on the New Jersey Expo Center for the 5th annual Christmas Con, the ultimate fan event for holiday movie lovers. The festive weekend brought together stars from popular Christmas films, offering actor panels, one-on-one meet-and-greets, themed vendor booths, and immersive seasonal experiences that turned the venue into a real-life holiday movie set.
Soap Hub went behind the scenes with exclusive backstage access, conducting individual interviews with nearly every actor in attendance. Looking ahead, tickets for Christmas Con 2026 go on sale Saturday, January 17, at noon, with purchases available through That’s 4 Entertainment’s official website.
