Eric Christian Olsen Quits Acting! The Surprising Reason Behind the ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Star’s 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 preparing to debut the new Matlock series on CBS. Having spent 13 years with CBS, Olsen views this new chapter as a chance to tell stories he’s passionate about and to help shape them 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.

While he enjoys his new role in production, Olsen admits he occasionally misses acting. Watching Kathy Bates perform on Matlock has brought tears to his eyes, and he sometimes reads parts during table readings when roles haven’t 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.

He is particularly impressed with the scripts by Matlock showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, often imagining himself delivering the well-crafted speeches.

Currently, Olsen is focused on developing and producing projects through his company, Cloud Nine Productions. He credits his mother’s influence for his skill in foreseeing and solving problems with kindness and empathy.

Olsen also mentioned that his former co-star and sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah, is set to direct an episode of Matlock in the future. He maintains connections with his NCIS: Los Angeles castmates, including LL COOL J and Renée Felice Smith.

Matlock will premiere with 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.