In a remarkable late-life career pivot, a veteran actor famed for playing law enforcement roles on television has decided to trade his prop badge for a real one. Jerry O'Donnell, a 65-year-old actor and comedian with credits including NYPD Blue and Mad Men, is now in training to become a sworn officer with the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina.
From Screen to Streets: A Four-Decade Preamble
O'Donnell's journey to the police academy is unique. For over forty years, he portrayed officers in numerous television series, giving him a fictional grounding in police work. His extensive screen resume includes 18 episodes of The Young and the Restless, four episodes of Mad Men, three episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful, and three episodes of NYPD Blue. He also guest-starred in a memorable 2009 episode of Dexter as a 'flashdrive detective'.
Despite the long acting career, a desire for tangible service pulled him in a new direction. "I feel blessed and grateful to still have some ability, so you know, that's like a sense of purpose — to be of service," O'Donnell explained. He draws on prior real-world discipline from his time as a squad leader sergeant in the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division between 1979 and 1983.
Embracing the Challenge as the 'Oldest Recruit'
At 65, O'Donnell holds the distinction of being the oldest recruit the Asheville Police Department has trained in the last 20 to 30 years. He is fully aware of the physical demands, tackling rigorous training runs and exercises in parking garages. His fellow cadets have affectionately dubbed him "Jerry Atric," a nickname he takes in good humour.
"If I make a noise, it's 'Are you okay? You gonna die?'" O'Donnell quipped about the good-natured ribbing. "I bust chops too, so I have to be able to take it." He maintains his fitness with a positive mindset, describing his 6ft frame as having "a little construction crew inside" that keeps building as long as he keeps moving.
Family Support and Future Plans
The actor's career change is supported by his wife of 23 years, Alison Crowley. The couple relocated from Los Angeles to Asheville five years ago, seeking a stronger sense of community. While Crowley acknowledges the dangers of police work, she backs his decision wholeheartedly. "I feel like he really, really wants to do it, and I want him to have a chance to do it," she said.
O'Donnell is currently about halfway through his Basic Law Enforcement Training. Assuming he passes his state test in mid-January, he is on track to graduate on January 30 and be sworn in as an officer by March. He realistically plans for a five-year career with the force, during which he will pause his acting work.
Reflecting on his unconventional path, O'Donnell shared his philosophy: "I always think when you slide into home at the end of your life, you want to be all used up. You know — dirty, scarred up, a little bloody, and spent." His story stands as a testament to pursuing purpose and service at any age.
