Curious World Staff
Eric Christian Olsen, well known for his role on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” has left acting to pursue a career in production. He is now preparing to premiere the new “Matlock” series on CBS. Olsen, who worked for CBS for 13 years, sees this as an opportunity to tell tales about which he is enthusiastic and to contribute to their development from the beginning.
“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 Olsen enjoys producing, he says he misses acting on occasion. Watching Kathy Bates perform on “Matlock” has brought tears to his eyes, and he occasionally 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 shared.
Olsen is especially delighted with the scripts by “Matlock” showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman. He often imagines himself giving the brilliantly prepared speeches.
For now, Olsen is focused on developing and producing projects through his Cloud Nine Productions. This skill, he says, was influenced by his mother’s ability 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 maintained contact 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.
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to NCIS.
