David Boreanaz on Going From Bones to Leading CBS’s SEAL Team
David Boreanaz is no stranger to TV audiences. Over the past few decades, he has graced our screens as some of the most iconic characters in television history. Known for his role as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth on Bones and later as Jason Hayes, the commanding officer of the elite Navy SEAL team on SEAL Team, Boreanaz’s career trajectory is a fascinating journey of growth, transformation, and adaptability. In this article, we will explore David Boreanaz’s evolution from Bones to SEAL Team, shedding light on his character transformation, the physical demands of his new role, and what makes his portrayal of Jason Hayes so compelling.
David Boreanaz: A Brief Overview of His Career
David Boreanaz first entered the limelight in the early ’90s, but his breakthrough came with his role as Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003). The character of Angel—a tortured vampire with a soul—became so beloved that he was granted his own spin-off series, Angel (1999–2004). However, it was his subsequent portrayal of Seeley Booth on Bones that truly solidified his status as a TV staple.
On Bones (2005–2017), Boreanaz played the charming, sharp-witted FBI agent who partnered with Dr. Temperance Brennan (played by Emily Deschanel) to solve complex murder cases. The show became a hit, and Boreanaz garnered widespread acclaim for his nuanced performance, balancing humor, seriousness, and vulnerability.
Boreanaz’s Transition to SEAL Team
When Bones ended in 2017 after 12 successful seasons, David Boreanaz wasn’t looking for just another role. He wanted to challenge himself in new ways. This is when CBS approached him with the opportunity to lead SEAL Team (2017–present), a military drama focused on the lives of elite Navy SEALs and the intense situations they face both on and off the battlefield.
The role of Jason Hayes was a stark contrast to Booth. Whereas Booth was witty, charming, and often played the straight man, Jason Hayes is a hardened, emotionally complex leader struggling with the weight of command and the toll that special operations take on him and his team.
The Physical and Mental Demands of Playing a SEAL
One of the first things Boreanaz had to grapple with when transitioning from Bones to SEAL Team was the physical demands of his new role. In Bones, Boreanaz’s character often spent time in a lab, investigating bodies and solving crimes, but on SEAL Team, his character is in the field, engaging in high-intensity military operations that require a high level of fitness and stamina.
The actor spoke extensively about the training he underwent to prepare for the role of Jason Hayes. Not only did he need to undergo physical conditioning to portray a Navy SEAL accurately, but he also had to learn combat tactics, hand-to-hand combat techniques, and military protocols. Boreanaz worked with real Navy SEALs to ensure that his performance was as authentic as possible.
Boreanaz on the physicality of the role:
“It was an eye-opening experience. It’s not just about working out in the gym to look good on screen. It’s about understanding the mentality of a SEAL and preparing yourself for the mental and physical toll that such an elite profession demands. Every day on set was about pushing myself further.”
Jason Hayes: A Complex, Relatable Leader
What makes Jason Hayes such an intriguing character is the emotional complexity he carries with him. Unlike Booth, who was generally optimistic and lighthearted, Hayes is haunted by his past, including the loss of teammates, family struggles, and the moral ambiguity that comes with leading a military unit in dangerous situations.
This emotional depth is something Boreanaz believes adds layers to the character and makes him more relatable. As the leader of SEAL Team, Hayes is responsible for the lives of his teammates, and Boreanaz perfectly captures the weight of that responsibility, along with the personal and professional conflicts that arise.
The Emotional Range: A Deeper Dive into Hayes’ Character
Jason Hayes is a deeply flawed individual, which adds to his realism and relatability. On the one hand, he’s a devoted leader who puts his team’s safety above his own, but on the other, he struggles with PTSD, the loss of friends, and maintaining a relationship with his family. This complex internal struggle makes him one of the most multi-dimensional characters on television.
Boreanaz has commented on how his portrayal of Jason Hayes allows him to explore a side of leadership that is not often seen on screen: the emotional toll it takes on the individual in charge.
Boreanaz on Hayes’ mental struggles:
“Jason’s struggles with PTSD and his emotional volatility are real issues that many servicemen and women face when they return home. It’s important for me to convey the mental weight of the character—not just the physical strength.”
This nuanced portrayal of a military leader dealing with real-world challenges is one of the reasons why SEAL Team resonates with audiences. Boreanaz’s depth and vulnerability make Hayes a character you can empathize with, despite his sometimes harsh exterior.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Jason Hayes
In order to bring authenticity to the character, Boreanaz worked closely with actual Navy SEALs to understand the psychological and physical demands of the role. He spent time with Navy SEAL veterans who offered valuable insights into the everyday struggles faced by men in special forces. These real-life experiences helped Boreanaz shape the character of Jason Hayes and bring more realism to the show.
Boreanaz on learning from Navy SEALs:
“These men are some of the most resilient, toughest individuals you’ll ever meet. They’ve gone through things I can’t even imagine. To truly do justice to their stories, I had to listen and learn.”
The Impact of SEAL Team on Boreanaz’s Career
Taking on a role as physically and mentally demanding as Jason Hayes has had a significant impact on Boreanaz’s career. SEAL Team allowed him to explore a different kind of acting, one that involved heavy physical preparation and a deeper emotional range. This shift has shown audiences a side of Boreanaz they hadn’t seen before, marking a new chapter in his acting journey.
Moreover, Boreanaz has expressed his pride in the show’s portrayal of military life, especially the emotional toll it takes on the families of those who serve. The series offers a realistic look at what life is like for members of an elite military unit, but it also explores the human side of these warriors—something that Boreanaz feels is crucial in telling their story.
A New Chapter: What’s Next for David Boreanaz?
As SEAL Team continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that David Boreanaz has found a new role that allows him to showcase his acting range. His portrayal of Jason Hayes is a far cry from his earlier roles, but it’s one that has cemented his status as a versatile actor who is willing to take on challenging, complex characters.
As the show progresses, fans can expect even more emotional depth from Boreanaz’s portrayal of Hayes. Whether or not this will be his final role remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Boreanaz has proven that he can adapt and thrive in any genre, from supernatural dramas to gritty military action.
Conclusion: The Journey of David Boreanaz
David Boreanaz’s transition from Bones to SEAL Team is a testament to his versatility and commitment as an actor. It’s rare for an actor to leave behind such a beloved character like Seeley Booth and step into a completely different, physically demanding role—but Boreanaz has done it with grace and conviction.
His portrayal of Jason Hayes brings a level of emotional depth to SEAL Team that goes beyond the action-packed military sequences. By combining physical toughness with emotional vulnerability, Boreanaz has created a character that resonates with audiences and further solidified his place in television history.
As Boreanaz continues to evolve as an actor, one can only wonder what challenges he will tackle next. Whatever it is, we know one thing for sure: he will continue to leave a lasting impact on the world of television.
