Chris O’Donnell is embracing a new chapter with his role in “9-1-1 Nashville,” his first major TV project since the end of “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
In the series, O’Donnell plays Captain Dan Hart, a determined firefighter leading the action in the latest installment of the popular emergency franchise.
The role brought a significant life change for the actor: moving from Los Angeles to Nashville. Speaking to Extra, he described the experience as refreshing after more than a decade in California.
“Fourteen years in L.A. was amazing,” he said. “But coming to Nashville, a city I’d never even visited before, with a brand-new cast and crew, created a completely different energy.”
The transition came during a difficult period for his family. Their Pacific Palisades home was damaged by last year’s wildfires, forcing them to move out for eight months while repairs took place.
Fortunately, O’Donnell had a guide to help him get familiar with Nashville — his co-star LeAnn Rimes.
He joked that spending time with the country singer in her hometown made the experience even more memorable.
On screen, his character also takes part in rodeo riding, a skill O’Donnell had little exposure to before the show.