Chris O’Donnell, hailing from a large Catholic family in Illinois, took his first steps in showbiz at 13, initially through modeling. A chance meeting led to his first gig, and soon he was acting alongside Michael Jordan in a commercial. He balanced his budding career with academic pursuits, majoring in marketing at Boston College, where he quietly honed his acting skills.

A pivotal moment arrived with “Scent of a Woman,” where he starred with Al Pacino and received a Golden Globe nomination. Pacino’s off-screen advice against marrying an actress stuck with him; O’Donnell wed Caroline Fentress, a college friend’s sister, in 1997. Together, they’ve welcomed five children, keeping their family life private and grounded.

Despite a career highlight as Robin in the “Batman” series, O’Donnell is best known as a devoted family man and a respected figure in Hollywood, known for his kindness and commitment to his family above fame. His children have made occasional appearances in his show “NCIS: Los Angeles,” reflecting the blend of his personal and professional life.