For over a decade, Chris O’Donnell anchored NCIS: Los Angeles as the enigmatic Special Agent G. Callen—a role that cemented his place as a procedural TV mainstay. Now, after bidding farewell to the sun-soaked streets of LA, O’Donnell is trading his tactical gear for cowboy boots and a firehouse badge in what might be one of the most fitting casting choices of the year.
The veteran actor has officially joined the cast of 9-1-1: Nashville, a new installment in the ever-expanding 9-1-1 universe on ABC. He’s set to play Captain Don Sharpe—a rugged fire captain and rodeo rider who commands Nashville’s busiest firehouse, all while raising his son and hiding a few secrets of his own. It’s a rich, layered role tailor-made for O’Donnell’s strengths, and fans of both NCIS and first responder dramas are already buzzing with anticipation.
Meet Captain Don Sharpe: Firehouse Leader with a Cowboy’s Edge
If G. Callen was defined by quiet resolve and strategic brilliance, Don Sharpe is cut from a more rough-hewn cloth. He’s a man of action, grit, and integrity—yet the show’s official character description hints at something deeper beneath the surface. He’s a “devoted husband and family man,” yes, but also a man “with secrets.” Sound familiar?
It’s a balance O’Donnell has long mastered: combining stoicism with vulnerability, duty with emotion. As a rodeo rider and firehouse captain, Sharpe’s physicality and leadership will echo Callen’s command presence, but the Southern setting and family dynamics offer a new emotional frontier to explore.
Why This Role Is So Right for O’Donnell
Few actors navigate procedural drama like Chris O’Donnell. His 14-season tenure on NCIS: LA proved he could anchor an ensemble, carry emotional arcs, and deliver high-stakes action with quiet intensity. Now, with 9-1-1: Nashville, he gets to build something new—but within the comfort zone of a genre he knows like the back of his hand.
The 9-1-1 franchise thrives on emotionally charged rescues, community-driven stories, and deeply human characters. It’s also no stranger to complexity. Don Sharpe is already positioned as a figure with duality—a steady hand in chaos, but a man still wrestling with personal demons. That’s a dynamic O’Donnell has excelled at before, and it’s exactly what makes this casting feel inspired.
From L.A. to Music City: A Change of Scenery, A New Type of Drama
Swapping Los Angeles for Nashville brings a welcome tonal shift. The new setting isn’t just cosmetic—it provides opportunities to tell stories that reflect the city’s culture, from music-related emergencies to unique community ties. And while NCIS: LA thrived on espionage and military cases, 9-1-1: Nashville will dive into civilian emergencies, natural disasters, and the emotional toll of saving lives daily.
For O’Donnell, it’s a canvas to showcase a different kind of intensity—more grounded, more personal, and perhaps more relatable.
A Smart Move, A Fresh Start, and a Fan Win
It’s rare for an actor to seamlessly transition from one successful franchise to another, but O’Donnell is doing just that. The move keeps him in the procedural spotlight, offers him a fresh character to develop, and gives fans a new reason to tune in every week. For longtime NCIS loyalists, it’s a comforting next chapter. For 9-1-1 fans, it’s a welcome addition of serious star power.
Final Take: Chris O’Donnell Isn’t Just Back—He’s About to Burn Bright
Chris O’Donnell’s leap into 9-1-1: Nashville proves he’s not done leading primetime dramas—far from it. With a role that promises grit, depth, and emotional complexity, he’s poised to redefine his career yet again, this time in the heart of Tennessee. Whether he’s wrangling emergencies or riding bulls, one thing’s clear: Don Sharpe may become just as iconic as G. Callen.
The lights of Nashville are calling—and O’Donnell is ready to answer.
