What Happened to Chris O'Donnell?
Chris O'Donnell is an American actor who rose to prominence in the 1990s with roles in films like "Scent of a Woman" and as Robin in the "Batman" franchise. After a period focusing on family, he achieved widespread recognition for his starring role as G. Callen in the long-running CBS procedural "NCIS: Los Angeles" from 2009 to 2023. He has since transitioned to a new lead role as Captain Don Sharpe in the ABC drama "9-1-1: Nashville," which premiered in the 2025-2026 season and has already been renewed for a second season.
Quick Answer
Chris O'Donnell is currently starring as Captain Don Sharpe in the ABC series "9-1-1: Nashville," which premiered in the 2025-2026 broadcast season. The show has recently been renewed for a second season, confirmed in March 2026. This follows his 14-season run as Special Agent G. Callen on "NCIS: Los Angeles," which concluded in May 2023. He relocated to Nashville for his new role, a move that also came after his family's home in Pacific Palisades was affected by wildfires in 2025.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
First Television Role
Chris O'Donnell made his first television appearance in an episode of the series 'Jack and Mike'.
Film Debut in 'Men Don't Leave'
O'Donnell made his film debut in the comedy-drama 'Men Don't Leave', starring alongside Jessica Lange.
Breakthrough in 'Scent of a Woman'
He starred as Charlie Simms in 'Scent of a Woman' with Al Pacino, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Cast as Robin in 'Batman Forever'
O'Donnell gained widespread recognition for his role as Dick Grayson/Robin in the blockbuster superhero film 'Batman Forever'.
Marries Caroline Fentress
Chris O'Donnell married his college sweetheart, Caroline Fentress, in Washington, D.C.
Begins Role in 'NCIS: Los Angeles'
O'Donnell began his long-running role as Special Agent G. Callen in the CBS police procedural series 'NCIS: Los Angeles'.
'NCIS: Los Angeles' Concludes After 14 Seasons
The final episode of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' aired, wrapping up 14 seasons with Chris O'Donnell's character, G. Callen, marrying Anna Kolcheck.
Appears in 'Bupkis'
After 'NCIS: Los Angeles', O'Donnell took on a guest role playing Pete Davidson's agent in the Peacock dramedy 'Bupkis'.
Cast in '9-1-1: Nashville'
Chris O'Donnell was announced as the lead, Captain Don Sharpe, in ABC's new spinoff series '9-1-1: Nashville', set to premiere in the 2025-2026 season.
Family Home Affected by Wildfires
O'Donnell's family was forced out of their Pacific Palisades home for eight months due to devastating wildfires.
Discusses '9-1-1: Nashville' Move and Family
In an interview, O'Donnell discussed his move to Nashville for '9-1-1: Nashville' and how it positions him closer to four of his five children who live on the East Coast.
'9-1-1: Nashville' Renewed for Season 2
ABC officially renewed '9-1-1: Nashville', starring Chris O'Donnell, for the 2026-2027 TV season. O'Donnell expressed excitement for the show to further develop its identity.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chris O'Donnell, born Christopher Eugene O'Donnell on June 26, 1970, in Winnetka, Illinois, began his career in entertainment as a teenager, appearing in commercials before making his film debut in "Men Don't Leave" (1990). His early 1990s career saw him in significant supporting roles, including "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991) and "School Ties" (1992), before his breakout performance alongside Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman" (1992), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He gained further mainstream recognition for his portrayal of Dick Grayson/Robin in the DC Comics superhero films "Batman Forever" (1995) and "Batman & Robin" (1997). Despite a promising start in film, O'Donnell made a conscious decision to prioritize his family, marrying Caroline Fentress in 1997 and subsequently taking a step back from the intense Hollywood spotlight to focus on raising their five children.
His career saw a resurgence with his leading role as Special Agent G. Callen in the CBS police procedural series "NCIS: Los Angeles," which premiered in 2009. This role became his longest-running, spanning 14 seasons and cementing his status as a television star. The series concluded on May 21, 2023, with O'Donnell's character, G. Callen, marrying Anna Kolcheck and embarking on a new mission, providing a satisfying closure for fans.
Following the conclusion of "NCIS: Los Angeles," O'Donnell took on a guest role in the Peacock dramedy "Bupkis" (2023), playing Pete Davidson's agent. In March 2025, it was announced that O'Donnell would star as Captain Don Sharpe in "9-1-1: Nashville," a new ABC spinoff series. The show, which premiered in the 2025-2026 broadcast season, required O'Donnell to relocate to Nashville. This move coincided with a challenging personal period, as his family's Pacific Palisades home was affected by devastating wildfires in 2025, forcing them out for eight months.
As of March 2026, "9-1-1: Nashville" has been renewed for a second season (2026-2027 TV season), indicating O'Donnell's continued presence in a prominent television role. He has expressed excitement about building on the show's identity in its second season. O'Donnell continues to balance his acting career with his commitment to his wife and five children, four of whom are now on the East Coast, making his Nashville location more convenient for family proximity.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chris O'Donnell made different choices?