Kyle Schmid has wholeheartedly taken on the persona of “Hippie Cowboy” Mike Franks in NCIS : Origins, drawing inspiration from the guidance of Mark Harmon and Muse Watson.
In a recent conversation with US Weekly, Kyle Schmid said, “Upon landing the role, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Mark Harmon, who reached out to me directly. He introduced me to Muse Watson, and we instantly hit it off.”
Muse Watson, at the age of 76, made a memorable impact on NCIS as the iconic Mike Franks, the mentor to Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Mark Harmon, now 73, brought Gibbs to life on the flagship series from 2003 until 2021, while Watson graced the screen with his recurring role from 2006 to 2017.
Kyle Schmid has taken over the role of the gruff character in the prequel series that debuted in October, stepping into the shoes left by Watson. NCIS : Origins takes audiences on a nostalgic journey to the ‘90s, showcasing Gibbs (Austin Stowell) as he embarks on his career at NIS, the precursor to NCIS, in California, mentored by Franks.
Kyle Schmid feels a shared perspective on life with the original Franks. The actor emphasized that Franks embodies many admirable qualities, even if he may seem like a “Dinosaur” in certain respects.
Mark Harmon, serving as both the executive producer and narrator of NCIS : Origins, has played a pivotal role in shaping Schmid’s development as the show’s leader.
As per Kyle Schmid, “Mark’s contribution to the show has been pivotal in elevating it to its highest potential. His unwavering support was incredibly motivating for me, and surprisingly, it was just what I needed as I stepped into the franchise. He often emphasizes, ‘Trust your instincts. You’re here for a purpose. You earned this role, so embrace it fully’.”
Kyle remembered Harmon’s advice as he embraced the opportunity to portray a familiar character from a fresh perspective. I realized, “Okay, you’ve got this. You’re here for a purpose, my friend. There’s nothing more you need to do. Just fasten your seatbelt because we’re about to embark on an incredible journey.”
Kyle Schmid elaborated, adding, “Mark saw in me someone who is genuinely good and fortunate enough to find my spot in an amazing ensemble.”
Kyle Schmid admitted that he initially felt uncertain about stepping into the world of a procedural. However, he has now fully embraced the role of Franks, a character who grapples with his emotions and the challenge of offering apologies.
Although Schmid shares a deep connection with Franks in various aspects, he expresses his feelings much more openly. He also revealed that he has maintained his sobriety for four years, a journey shaped by the painful loss of friends to substance abuse and suicide.
According to Kyle Schmid, “In my profession, we are recognized for embracing vulnerability. By openly expressing our emotions, we expose ourselves to the inevitable highs and lows of life. I’ve witnessed how the challenges I’ve faced have impacted my family. As a father to a daughter, I want to ensure she doesn’t experience the same environment I grew up in. A crucial step in achieving this is to bring mental health into the spotlight, fostering open discussions and celebrating its importance in our lives.”
The actor expressed his sense of fulfillment and happiness in being part of the remarkable show NCIS : Origins. He also mentioned that there are exciting prizes for those who choose to donate.
He further said, “I am eager to invite people to the Paramount lot for an exclusive tour, showcasing all that we have to offer. We have a unique opportunity with a signed pair of Mike Franks’ cowboy boots and some signed scripts available. The support we’re receiving is overwhelming, and I can’t express enough how thankful I am to everyone involved.”
NCIS : Origins is broadcast on CBS every Monday at 10 p.m. ET. Don’t miss out on the action !