The Enduring Legacy of Marty Deeks: Eric Christian Olsen Keeps a Piece of ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ History
For 14 seasons, Eric Christian Olsen captivated audiences as the quirky, quick-witted, and ultimately beloved LAPD liaison-turned-NCIS Investigator Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles. His character’s evolution, from a somewhat chaotic free spirit to a devoted husband and father, resonated deeply with fans, making his on-screen presence truly unforgettable. As the series wrapped its “beautiful” finale in May 2023, Olsen, like many actors who spend a significant portion of their lives inhabiting a character, felt the bittersweet pang of departure. In a heartwarming (and slightly mischievous) confession, Olsen revealed that he didn’t leave the set empty-handed – he “stole” an iconic prop that was intrinsically linked to his character.
The conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles marked the end of an era for the cast, crew, and millions of viewers. The show’s ability to blend high-stakes action with compelling character development created a unique space in the procedural drama landscape. For Olsen, saying goodbye to Marty Deeks, a character he portrayed for over a decade, was undoubtedly an emotional experience. The desire to hold onto a tangible piece of that journey is a common sentiment among actors, and Olsen’s choice of souvenir is particularly fitting for his character’s eccentric charm.
The “Stolen” Souvenir: A Nod to Deeks’ Quirks
In a post-finale interview with TV Insider, Eric Christian Olsen admitted to taking a specific item from the NCIS: LA set: the bright yellow cup that Marty Deeks was often seen drinking from.
“That stupid yellow cup,” Olsen fondly recalled, describing it as the very first prop he took from the set. He humorously explained his rationale, stating that he “stole it because they kept using it in everything.” This casual pilfering of a prop is a common, often tolerated, tradition among actors who want a personal memento from a significant role.
The yellow cup is a minor detail, but it’s precisely these small, consistent quirks that make a character feel real and memorable to an audience. For Deeks, a character known for his distinctive style and often unconventional habits, a specific, brightly colored drinking vessel perfectly fits his unique persona. It’s a subtle, almost throwaway prop that became emblematic of his laid-back, yet always observant, demeanor. It wasn’t a piece of tactical gear or a flashy gadget; it was something mundane that, through repetition, became distinctly Deeks.
The “Beautiful” Finale and Emotional Goodbyes
The NCIS: Los Angeles finale, titled “New Beginnings (Part 2),” aired on May 21, 2023, and was described by many, including the cast, as a “beautiful ending.” The episode provided satisfying closure for the main characters, including Mel and Jack’s long-awaited marriage, Callen and Anna’s wedding, Sam’s commitment to helping his ailing father, and the joyous revelation of Kensi’s pregnancy.
Olsen, alongside his co-stars Daniela Ruah, Chris O’Donnell, and LL Cool J, had previously spoken about the emotional toll of the final day on set. He admitted to crying and giving an impromptu speech, reflecting on the profound privilege of telling “324 stories.” The depth of their connection to the show and to each other was palpable, making the desire for a keepsake even more understandable.
“What I said, which is the fulfillment of dreams and that the reason that we chose this business was to come out here and tell stories and we got to do that,” Olsen shared about his final remarks on set. He also noted the emotional realization on his drive home: “the first round of it really hit me, which is like, ‘I’m not going to be driving to work on NCIS: Los Angeles anymore.’ And that’s just a full cornucopia of emotions.” The stolen yellow cup, therefore, isn’t just a prop; it’s a tangible link to those years, those stories, and those profound emotions.
The Significance of Props: Connecting Actors to Characters
For actors, props are more than just set dressing; they can be extensions of their characters. The right prop can help an actor inhabit a role, providing a physical anchor to the character’s habits, personality, or emotional state. A seemingly insignificant item, through consistent use, can become deeply intertwined with the character’s identity in the actor’s mind.
In the case of Deeks and his yellow cup, it’s easy to imagine Olsen subconsciously relying on that familiar object to tap into Deeks’ casual confidence or his often-quirky approach to even serious situations. Taking it was a way to bring a small, personal piece of Marty Deeks with him into his next chapter.
This act of “stealing” props is a time-honored tradition in Hollywood. Actors often take small items that hold personal significance, a tangible reminder of the characters they’ve embodied and the memories they’ve created on set. It’s a harmless way to carry a piece of their professional legacy with them.
Life After ‘NCIS: LA’: New Beginnings
Since NCIS: Los Angeles concluded, Eric Christian Olsen has seamlessly transitioned into a new and exciting phase of his career as an executive producer. He is currently working on the upcoming CBS series Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, which is a modern reboot of the classic legal drama. This move allows him to continue his storytelling passion from a new vantage point, flexing his creative muscles behind the camera.
Despite his new professional endeavors, Olsen remains deeply connected to his family. He and his wife, Sarah Wright Olsen, recently shared the joyous news that they are expecting their fourth child, a beautiful new beginning for their family amidst the challenges of having lost their home in a recent wildfire. This personal milestone underscores Olsen’s focus on family, even as he embraces new professional challenges.
The yellow cup, now likely sitting in Olsen’s home, serves as a quiet, personal reminder of the 14 incredible years he spent as Marty Deeks. It’s a tangible link to the character that brought him widespread recognition and allowed him to be part of a show that truly resonated with millions of viewers.
Conclusion: A Small Souvenir, A Big Legacy
Eric Christian Olsen’s playful confession about “stealing” Marty Deeks’ iconic yellow cup from the NCIS: Los Angeles set after its “beautiful” finale is a charming anecdote that highlights the deep connection actors form with their characters. This seemingly minor prop, through consistent use, became synonymous with Deeks’ unique charm and quirky personality. For Olsen, taking it was not just about acquiring a souvenir, but about holding onto a tangible piece of the incredible 14-year journey he shared with the cast, crew, and millions of loyal fans. As NCIS: LA continues its legacy in syndication and the wider NCIS universe, that yellow cup stands as a small, personal testament to the indelible mark Marty Deeks, and Eric Christian Olsen, left on television history.
