For fourteen seasons, Special Agent G. Callen, portrayed with a captivating blend of intensity and vulnerability by Chris O’Donnell, was the enigmatic heart of NCIS: Los Angeles. Throughout the high-octane missions and intricate undercover operations, Callen remained a steadfast presence, navigating a world of danger and deception. However, behind the scenes, O’Donnell faced a unique kind of on-set drama – one he jokingly feared could lead to his dismissal from the beloved show, all thanks to his wife, Caroline Fentress.
A Family Affair: When the O’Donnell Clan Visited the NCIS: LA Set
Over the years, NCIS: Los Angeles became a family affair in more ways than one for Chris O’Donnell. His real-life family, including his wife Caroline and their five children, often visited the set, offering a sense of normalcy amidst the controlled chaos of television production. On occasion, some of his family members even made cameo appearances in the show, much to the delight of fans. Caroline Fentress herself appeared in a Season 7 episode, a fun opportunity for the couple to share the screen.
Directing Duties and a Wife’s Enthusiastic Support
Adding another layer to the on-set dynamics, Chris O’Donnell stepped behind the camera to direct several episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles. This provided him with a different perspective on the show and a chance to further contribute to its creative vision. It was during one of these directorial stints that the now-infamous incident involving his wife occurred, a moment O’Donnell recounted with humor and a touch of mock exasperation during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The Gunfire Scene and an Unexpected Reaction
As O’Donnell explained to a chuckling Stephen Colbert and the amused audience, Caroline and a group of her friends were on set during the filming of a particularly dramatic scene. The sequence involved a character entering a restaurant and opening fire, prompting widespread panic and chaos among the extras. As the director, O’Donnell was meticulously watching the playback after a take, ensuring the scene conveyed the necessary intensity and realism.
However, his focus was soon diverted by an unexpected reaction from a particular group of background actors. As the gunfire erupted on screen during the playback, instead of displaying fear or panic, Caroline and her friends were seen erupting into laughter. Adding to the surreal nature of the moment, O’Donnell noted that they were still holding the real champagne they had ordered for themselves, seemingly unfazed by the simulated violence unfolding before them.
“You’re Gonna Get Me Fired”: The Director’s Mock Plea
The sight of his wife and her friends finding such amusement in a dramatic gunfire scene understandably raised eyebrows, not least from the show’s Director of Photography (DP). As O’Donnell recalled, the DP approached him, pointing out the incongruous laughter. In that moment, a lighthearted but genuine fear flickered through the actor-director’s mind. He jokingly recounted thinking, “You’re gonna get me fired,” imagining the network executives witnessing his wife’s less-than-serious reaction to a pivotal scene he was directing.
O’Donnell humorously admitted that he had to have a stern (albeit likely affectionate) word with his wife and her friends, imploring them to cooperate and perhaps find the simulated gunfire a little less amusing for the sake of his directorial credibility and, as he jested, his continued employment on the show.
A Testament to On-Set Camaraderie and Family Support
Despite the potential for on-set mishaps, this anecdote ultimately highlights the warm and familial atmosphere that permeated the NCIS: Los Angeles set. The fact that O’Donnell felt comfortable having his family present and even participating in the show speaks volumes about the camaraderie among the cast and crew. Caroline’s enthusiastic, if slightly misplaced, enjoyment of the filming process, while momentarily causing her husband some mock concern, ultimately adds a lighthearted touch to the behind-the-scenes stories of the long-running series.
Conclusion: A Laughing Matter That Didn’t Lead to a Firing
Thankfully for Chris O’Donnell and the legions of NCIS: Los Angeles fans, Caroline’s on-set amusement did not result in any professional repercussions for the show’s leading man and occasional director. The story serves as a humorous reminder that even in the serious world of crime-fighting drama, moments of levity and unexpected reactions can occur. It also underscores the close bond O’Donnell shares with his family and the welcoming environment that allowed them to be a part of his long and successful tenure on NCIS: Los Angeles, even if it occasionally led to a playful fear of being “fired” by his own wife.
