Inside the Evolution of the ‘Batman’ Star Who Became NCIS’s Steely G. Callen
Byline: Chris O’Donnell has gracefully navigated decades in Hollywood, transitioning from 90s icon to one of television’s most dependable leading men. And he’s not slowing down yet.
The Early Spark
Christopher Eugene O’Donnell was born on June 26, 1970, in Winnetka, Illinois — the youngest of seven in a large Irish-German Catholic family. A Midwest upbringing instilled him with grounded charm, while early modeling gigs for Cap’n Crunch and McDonald’s (alongside Michael Jordan) set the stage for a future in front of the camera. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in marketing — though his true calling would always be acting.
Breakthrough and Blockbusters
O’Donnell burst onto the Hollywood scene in the early ’90s with poignant roles in Men Don’t Leave, Fried Green Tomatoes, and School Ties. But it was his turn opposite Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman (1992) that marked his arrival as a serious actor — earning him a Golden Globe nomination and the title of “Most Promising Actor.”
He swiftly cemented heartthrob status in The Three Musketeers (1993), Mad Love (1995), and Circle of Friends (1995). And then came the cape: as Robin/Dick Grayson in Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), O’Donnell became a household name. While the latter was critically panned, his performance was a major cultural touchpoint of the superhero film boom.
A Reset in the 2000s
After the Batman backlash, O’Donnell took a break — returning stronger in Vertical Limit (2000) and the indie biopic Kinsey (2004). He experimented with television in guest arcs on Grey’s Anatomy and starred in the espionage miniseries The Company (2007), showing a darker, more nuanced side of his talent.
The NCIS: LA Era
In 2009, O’Donnell debuted as NCIS Special Agent G. Callen in NCIS: Los Angeles — a role he embodied for 14 seasons and over 300 episodes. With a steely gaze and a haunted backstory, Callen was the perfect vehicle for O’Donnell’s evolved gravitas. The show became a ratings juggernaut and made O’Donnell a fixture of modern television drama.
He also directed several episodes and lent his voice to crossover appearances in Hawaii Five-0, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and even Robot Chicken and American Dad!
Next Chapter: 9-1-1: Nashville
With NCIS: LA wrapped in 2023, O’Donnell is already heading back to network primetime. In 2025, he stars as Don Sharpe in 9-1-1: Nashville, an offshoot of the popular first-responder franchise. Once again, he’s at the center of high-stakes drama — and right where fans love to see him.
Off Screen: Faith, Family, and Foundations
Married to Caroline Fentress since 1997, Chris O’Donnell is a father of five and a dedicated family man. Despite his fame, he’s remained remarkably grounded — an anomaly in the industry. O’Donnell has often spoken about the importance of faith, balance, and turning down roles (like Titanic’s Jack Dawson!) to prioritize personal values over superstardom.
Legacy in Focus
Chris O’Donnell’s career arc is a lesson in longevity. He’s been the boy next door, the superhero sidekick, the romantic lead, and the federal agent. And now, as he steps into the next era with 9-1-1: Nashville, his story continues — not just as a star, but as a cornerstone of American entertainment.
