Shocking Exit! NCIS: Los Angeles Star Eric Christian Olsen Steps Away from Acting – The Real Reason Revealed!

Eric Christian Olsen, known for his role on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has transitioned from acting to a career in production. He is now set to debut the new “Matlock” series on CBS. After 13 years with CBS, Olsen sees this new chapter as an opportunity to tell stories he is passionate about and to shape them from the ground up.

Reflecting on this career shift, Olsen said, “The ability to pivot and help tell stories that I’m proud of from a producing standpoint, and solving complex problems with communication, grace, and empathy—what a wonderful opportunity I was given by our studio partners and the network. I felt compelled to help produce it.”

Although he enjoys his new role as a producer, Olsen occasionally misses acting. He shared that 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 or 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 joked.

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

Currently, Olsen is focused on developing and producing projects through his company, Cloud Nine Productions. He attributes his ability to foresee and solve problems with kindness and empathy to his mother’s influence.

Olsen also mentioned that his former “NCIS: Los Angeles” co-star and sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah, will direct an episode of “Matlock.” He has kept in touch with other former cast members, 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.