In a move that’s left fans both stunned and inspired, Jerry O’Donnell, best known for his roles in Bosch and Alias, has traded the soundstage for a squad car. At 65 years old, the actor has joined the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina as a trainee officer, pursuing a lifelong dream of public service.
O’Donnell, who briefly portrayed Officer Anthony Servidone in Bosch Season 5, is now experiencing what it’s like to wear the badge for real. The actor is currently enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), a rigorous program that will culminate in a state exam and a field training phase.
“I feel blessed and grateful to still have some ability — that’s like a sense of purpose: to be of service,” O’Donnell shared with The Asheville Watchdog.
This remarkable midlife career pivot from playing cops on-screen to becoming one in real life has earned O’Donnell widespread admiration.
Overview: Jerry O’Donnell’s Transition from Actor to Officer
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jerry O’Donnell |
| Age | 65 |
| Known For | Bosch, Alias, The Young and the Restless, NYPD Blue |
| Former Profession | Film and television actor |
| New Role | Police trainee, Asheville Police Department (NC) |
| Training Program | Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) |
| Graduation Date | Expected January 30, 2026 |
| Swearing-In Ceremony | March 2026 |
| Military Background | U.S. Army veteran, 82nd Airborne Division |
| Years Active in Acting | 1991–2025 |
| Career Shift Motivation | Desire for purpose and public service |
From “Bosch” to the Beat: A Hollywood Actor’s Real-Life Role
O’Donnell’s path to policing may surprise fans, but his resume has long reflected a fascination with law enforcement roles. Over his 30-year acting career, he’s portrayed CIA agents, detectives, and inspectors across more than 50 film and TV appearances.
His credits include stints on Alias, NYPD Blue, Genius: MLK/X, and The Flash. Yet, while he’s often played fictional officers, the Bosch alum says that this time, he’s embracing the reality behind the badge.
“I’ve been on sets wearing uniforms for years,” O’Donnell said. “But now I’m learning what it means to actually serve and protect — not just pretend.”
Training Details: The Road to Becoming Officer O’Donnell
Becoming a police officer is no easy feat, even for someone with O’Donnell’s military background. The Asheville Police Department’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program combines classroom instruction, tactical drills, and intense physical conditioning.
According to O’Donnell, the fitness requirements have been particularly challenging.
“When we do PT, we go on these runs in the parking garage — run up, run down, do 15 air squats, 50 push-ups, 50 burpees,” he explained. “It’s humbling, but it’s good for the soul.”
The program lasts several months and includes:
| Training Component | Description |
|---|---|
| BLET Classes | 640 hours of instruction covering law, ethics, and firearms safety |
| Physical Training (PT) | Daily endurance, strength, and agility workouts |
| State Exam | Required for police certification in North Carolina |
| Field Training | Hands-on patrol experience under supervision |
| Graduation & Swearing-In | January 30, 2026 / March 2026 |
As of December 2025, O’Donnell is halfway through his training and expected to graduate early next year.
A Soldier’s Discipline: O’Donnell’s Military Foundation
Before he ever took to acting, O’Donnell served four years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the most elite paratrooper units in the country.
His military background, he says, instilled a sense of discipline and duty that now guides his transition into law enforcement.
“Serving in the Army prepared me for structure, teamwork, and resilience,” he explained. “That same mindset applies here. It’s not about age — it’s about attitude.”
Fellow trainees reportedly admire O’Donnell’s work ethic and humor, noting that his positive attitude keeps morale high during grueling training sessions.
A Purposeful Pivot: Why O’Donnell Chose Police Work?
For O’Donnell, the decision to become a police officer wasn’t about abandoning acting; it was about finding renewed purpose.
“I’ve been blessed with an incredible acting career, but I wanted to give back in a tangible way,” he said. “At this stage in my life, helping others feels like the greatest role I could play.”
He describes his choice as both spiritual and personal, emphasizing that purpose drives him more than fame ever did.
“I always think when you slide into home at the end of your life, you want to be all used up — dirty, scarred, a little bloody, and spent,” he added with a laugh.
Reaction from Fans and Colleagues
O’Donnell’s story has sparked a wave of admiration online. Fans and colleagues alike have praised his bravery and dedication.
“Jerry’s always been a man of heart and integrity,” shared a former Bosch crew member. “This is just another example of him living with purpose.”
On social media, comments range from surprise to inspiration:
“At 65, he’s doing something most of us wouldn’t dare. Total respect,” one fan wrote.
“Forget The Rookie — this is real life!” another quipped.
Hollywood’s Relationship with Real-Life Service
O’Donnell’s transition mirrors a growing trend of Hollywood veterans pursuing second acts in public service or community engagement. From actors joining volunteer fire departments to military reservist programs, many stars are seeking deeper fulfillment beyond entertainment.
“We’re seeing a shift where celebrities want to live the values they’ve portrayed on screen,” says media analyst Julia Tanner. “Jerry O’Donnell’s journey resonates because it’s authentic — he’s not playing a cop anymore, he is one.”
His story has also reignited conversations about age, reinvention, and service, with many praising his willingness to take on physically demanding work in his mid-sixties.
Bosch Franchise Expands with a Prequel
While O’Donnell’s career takes a dramatic turn in real life, the Bosch universe continues to expand on-screen. Prime Video recently greenlit a new prequel series titled Bosch: Start of Watch, marking the fourth instalment in the Bosch franchise.
The upcoming show will star Cameron Monaghan (Gotham, Shameless) as a young Harry Bosch during his rookie days at the Los Angeles Police Department.
Production is expected to begin in 2026, with Omari Hardwick joining the cast as Eli Bridges, Bosch’s training officer, a new character created for the series.
| Bosch Franchise Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Bosch: Start of Watch |
| Platform | Prime Video |
| Lead Actor | Cameron Monaghan |
| Supporting Cast | Omari Hardwick |
| Setting | Early LAPD years of Harry Bosch |
| Status | In pre-production |
| Franchise Installment | Fourth in the Bosch universe |
The original Bosch series, which ran for seven seasons, remains one of Prime Video’s most-watched detective dramas. Its spin-offs, including Bosch: Legacy, continue to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
The Human Story Behind the Badge
For Jerry O’Donnell, the move from Hollywood to the Asheville Police Department is less about headlines and more about heart.
He acknowledges the physical and mental challenges of police training but says he’s determined to see it through.
“It’s tough,” he admitted. “But every day I put on that uniform, I’m reminded that service — real service — is worth it.”
O’Donnell hopes to graduate alongside his fellow cadets in early 2026, officially beginning his new chapter as Officer O’Donnell.
“You’re never too old to start over,” he said. “As long as you’ve got breath, you’ve got purpose.”
FAQs
He’s best known for his appearances in Bosch, Alias, and The Young and the Restless.
He wanted to find renewed purpose and contribute to his community through public service.
He’s completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in North Carolina, which includes academic, physical, and tactical instruction.
O’Donnell is expected to graduate on January 30, 2026, and be sworn in two months later.
O’Donnell served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division before pursuing acting in the early 1990s.
Prime Video has ordered a prequel, Bosch: Start of Watch, starring Cameron Monaghan as a young Harry Bosch.
