Chris O’Donnell

Christopher Eugene O’Donnell was born on June 26, 1970, in Winnetka, Illinois. His father managed a CBS radio station, WBBM-AM. The youngest of seven children, O’Donnell began modeling at age thirteen and appeared in commercials until he was sixteen. His entry into professional acting came unexpectedly at seventeen when his mother encouraged him to audition for the film “Men Don’t Leave” (1990), securing his first role. This early start laid the groundwork for a career that would span decades in Hollywood, establishing him as a prominent actor with a diverse range of roles in film and television.

Following his debut, O’Donnell quickly gained recognition with significant roles in films such as “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991), “School Ties” (1992), and a breakout performance in “Scent of a Woman” (1992), for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He further cemented his presence in Hollywood with leading roles in “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “Circle of Friends” (1995). A notable period in his career was his portrayal of Dick Grayson/Robin in “Batman Forever” (1995) and “Batman & Robin” (1997), roles that brought him widespread mainstream recognition. While “Batman & Robin” faced critical challenges, O’Donnell continued to work steadily, taking on projects like “Cookie’s Fortune” (1999) and the adventure film “Vertical Limit” (2000).

In the 2000s, O’Donnell transitioned significantly into television, ultimately taking on the role of G. Callen in the CBS police procedural series “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2009–2023), which became a foundational part of his career for fourteen seasons. His work on “NCIS: Los Angeles” showcased his sustained acting ability and established him as a consistent presence in primetime television. Beyond acting, he has also ventured into producing and directing, with executive producer credits on series like “Come Dance with Me” (2022) and directing several episodes of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” He is set to star in “9-1-1: Nashville” (2025), continuing his impactful career in the entertainment industry.