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Actor Trades Hollywood for Heroics
1 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Actor Jerry O'Donnell is pursuing a second career as a police officer.
- He is undergoing basic law enforcement training in Asheville, North Carolina.
- O'Donnell feels this new service offers deeper fulfillment than acting.
Veteran actor Jerry O'Donnell, recognized for his roles in "Bosch," "Mad Men," and "The Young and the Restless," is embarking on a new chapter as a real-life police officer. The 65-year-old performer is currently undergoing training with the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina, aiming for full officer status upon completion.
O'Donnell, who previously served in the U.S. Army, finds a deeper sense of purpose in his new career, stating it offers more fulfillment than his decades-long acting career. Despite his age, he embraces the demanding physical aspects of his training, including intense running and exercise routines.
With an extensive acting background spanning nearly 50 films and series since 1991, including notable appearances on "Dexter," "NYPD Blue," and "JAG," O'Donnell now seeks to serve his community. He views this transition as a way to be "all used up" by the end of his life, embracing the challenges and rewards of being a law enforcement officer.
