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

Eric Christian Olsen, renowned for his role on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has transitioned from acting to a career in production. He is set to premiere the new “Matlock” series on CBS. After 13 years with CBS, Olsen sees this as a chance to tell stories he’s passionate about and to contribute to their development from the outset.

“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 shared.

Although Olsen enjoys producing, he admits he occasionally misses acting. Watching Kathy Bates perform on “Matlock” has moved him to tears, and he sometimes reads parts during table readings when roles 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 said.

Olsen is particularly impressed with the scripts by “Matlock” showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, often imagining himself delivering the brilliantly prepared speeches.

Currently, Olsen is focused on developing and producing projects through his Cloud Nine Productions. He credits his mother for teaching him to foresee and solve problems with kindness and empathy.

Olsen mentioned that his former co-star and sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah, would direct an episode of “Matlock” in the future. He has kept in touch with previous cast members of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” including LL COOL J and Renée Felice Smith.

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