From executive producing hit shows to championing food justice, Olsen is finding purpose in and out of Hollywood after tragedy strikes home
Eric Christian Olsen, beloved for his role as Special Agent Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, has been charting a new path since the long-running CBS series wrapped after 14 seasons. But 2025 brought an unexpected and heartbreaking turn when Olsen and his family lost their Los Angeles home in the destructive wildfires that swept across Pacific Palisades earlier this month.
The $1.35 million property, a cozy three-bedroom house they had called home for 13 years, was one of the first to fall victim to the flames. His wife, actress and wellness entrepreneur Sarah Wright, recalled the terrifying moment during a recording of her parenting podcast The Mother Daze:
“I smelled the smoke… and we just had to go.”
She later shared the emotional update on Instagram:
“We lost our home. It was one of the first areas to go. Our kids have said, ‘we all took our first steps there.’ It’s so hard to say goodbye to our gorgeous town, our special school, and this place we have loved for 13 years. But we are so, so grateful we are together and for the outpouring of love.”
Thankfully, Eric, Sarah, and their three children were safely evacuated and are currently staying with close family—his brother David Paul Olsen and sister-in-law Daniela Ruah, Eric’s former co-star who played his on-screen wife, Kensi Blye.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Since NCIS: LA ended, Olsen has traded his tactical vest for a producer’s chair. He’s an executive producer on the reboot of Matlock, starring Kathy Bates, which was recently renewed for a second season and earned two Golden Globe nominations. The legal drama has proven to be a breakout hit for CBS, and Olsen’s behind-the-scenes influence is being recognized.
But that’s not all that’s kept him busy.
In late 2024, Olsen joined the board of directors for Every Day Action, a nonprofit focused on food justice. The organization reclaims surplus food from film and TV sets and redirects it to people in need across Los Angeles.
An Instagram tribute from the organization praised his dedication:
“Eric has helped facilitate many major moments for us over the past few years and always brings our food reallocation program to his productions. Thank you, Eric, for being such a champion of our work.”
Moving Forward, Together
Despite the devastating loss of their home, Olsen and his family remain resilient. Surrounded by loved ones, supported by fans, and grounded in meaningful work, the actor continues to move forward—with grace, heart, and purpose.
It’s a difficult chapter for the NCIS: LA alum, but true to the spirit of Marty Deeks, Eric Christian Olsen is proving that even in the face of heartbreak, you can still lead with strength, compassion, and action.
