Eric Christian Olsen Quits Acting! The Real Reason Behind the ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Star’s Shocking Decision!

Eric Christian Olsen, best known for his role on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has transitioned from acting to a career in production. He is now gearing up to premiere the new “Matlock” series on CBS. After spending 13 years at CBS, Olsen sees this new venture as a chance to share stories he is passionate about and to contribute to their development from the ground up.

“I think the ability to pivot and help tell stories that I’m proud of from a producing standpoint and solving complex problems with communication and grace and empathy, what a wonderful opportunity I was given from our studio partners and the network, so I had to help produce it,” Olsen said.

Although Olsen enjoys his role as a producer, he occasionally misses acting. Watching Kathy Bates perform on “Matlock” has brought him to tears, and he sometimes participates in table readings, filling in for parts that have not been cast.

“Every time there’s a horrible lawyer, a mean lawyer, they’re like, ‘Eric, will you read this?’ So, it’s just me playing terrible lawyers. I think there’s an opportunity for a big villain role sometime in the future,” Olsen shared.

Olsen is particularly pleased with the scripts written by “Matlock” showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman. He often finds himself imagining delivering the cleverly written speeches.

For now, Olsen is focused on developing and producing projects through his company, Cloud Nine Productions. He attributes his problem-solving skills and empathetic approach to his mother’s influence.

Olsen also mentioned that his former co-star and sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah, will be directing an episode of “Matlock” in the future. He remains in touch with past cast members of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” including LL COOL J and Renée Felice Smith.

“Matlock” will have a sneak peek on Sunday, September 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, before moving to its regular timeslot on Thursday, October 17, at 9 p.m.