The $25 Million Retirement: 5 Shocking Reasons Alex O'Loughlin Walked Away From Hawaii Five-0's Steve McGarrett

The character of Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, the fearless leader of the elite Hawaii Five-0 task force, remains one of television's most iconic and enduring action heroes. Four years after the show concluded its successful 10-season run on April 3, 2020, fan curiosity about the actor who brought him to life—Alex O'Loughlin—is at an all-time high, especially considering the latest news about his complete withdrawal from Hollywood.

As of late 2025, Alex O'Loughlin has officially stepped away from the spotlight, choosing a quiet life in Hawaii with his family. This decision, however, was not simply a creative choice; it was a necessity born from the brutal physical demands of playing the Navy SEAL turned detective for a decade, a tenure that left him with chronic and debilitating injuries. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at the man behind McGarrett, his surprising retirement, and the enduring legacy of the show.

Alex O'Loughlin: The Man Behind McGarrett's Badge

The Australian actor who played the beloved American hero has a rich career that spans two continents, though he is now primarily focused on his family and life outside of acting, having reportedly "officially retired" from the industry.

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• Birth Name: Alexander O'Lachlan
• Date of Birth: August 24, 1976
• Place of Birth: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
• Profession: Actor, Writer, Producer, Director
• Spouse: Malia Jones (married 2014)
• Children: Three (a blended family, including a son with Malia Jones named Lion)
• Key Roles Before H50: Mick St. John in Moonlight (2007-2008), Kevin Hiatt in The Shield (2007), and starring opposite Jennifer Lopez in the film The Back-up Plan (2010).
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $12 million and $25 million, primarily accumulated from his decade on Hawaii Five-0.

O’Loughlin’s career trajectory saw him move from small roles in Australian cinema to lead roles in major American network dramas, culminating in the role of Steve McGarrett, which cemented his global fame. Despite his success, the role came at a significant personal cost, which ultimately drove his decision to retire.

The Physical Toll: Why McGarrett's Action Stunts Forced O'Loughlin's Retirement

The most crucial and up-to-date reason for Alex O'Loughlin's retirement is the severe physical damage sustained during the filming of Hawaii Five-0. The decision to conclude the series after Season 10 was heavily influenced by the actor's declining health, making this a central entity in the discussion of the show's legacy.

The Crippling Spinal Injury

O'Loughlin suffered a serious spinal injury early on in the series' run, a chronic condition that led to debilitating pain. Playing an elite Navy SEAL who performed numerous high-risk stunts—jumping off buildings, engaging in intense fight choreography, and frequent running—exacerbated the injury over time. He continued to work through the pain for years, a testament to his dedication to the show and the character.

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The Need for Prescription Pain Management

The chronic pain became so severe that at one point, O'Loughlin had to take a leave of absence from the show to seek treatment for prescription pain medication management. This period highlighted the extreme physical sacrifices he was making, demonstrating a commitment that went far beyond typical acting demands. He has been open about the physical breakdown of his body, stating that the show was simply too demanding to continue for more seasons.

The intense, continuous need for physical performance in the action-heavy procedural drama meant that even minor injuries piled up, contributing to his desire to exit. His body was simply "breaking down," a phrase he used to describe the cumulative effect of a decade of demanding stunt work.

The Enduring Legacy of McDanno: McGarrett's Deepest Relationship

While McGarrett’s character was defined by his military background and dedication to justice, the true heart of Hawaii Five-0, and a massive source of its topical authority, was his relationship with Detective Danny "Danno" Williams (Scott Caan). This dynamic, affectionately dubbed "McDanno" by fans, transcended a typical partnership and became a defining bromance in modern television.

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A Partnership Built on Conflict

The relationship between the two men was famously built on their constant, often hilarious, bickering, which acted as a necessary emotional release from the high-stakes cases they handled. McGarrett's "shoot first, ask questions later" military precision constantly clashed with Danno's Jersey-bred, by-the-book police work. Their mandatory counseling sessions, a running gag throughout the series, further explored the depth and complexity of their bond.

McGarrett's Emotional Anchor

Danno served as the emotional anchor that grounded the often-reckless McGarrett. He was the one person who could consistently call McGarrett out on his dangerous tendencies and remind him of his humanity. In the final season, Danno’s presence was crucial to McGarrett's emotional arc, providing the closure needed for the character to finally step away from the Five-0 unit and find peace.

What is Alex O'Loughlin Doing Now in 2025?

The most current information about Alex O'Loughlin indicates a full commitment to his private life. He and his wife, Malia Jones, an accomplished surfer and model, reside in Hawaii, where they are raising their blended family. His current focus is on his role as a father, a stark contrast to the relentless pace of network television.

The Door to a Return is Not Entirely Closed

While O'Loughlin has stated his desire to remain retired, the world of television remains hopeful for a return. One notable piece of speculation is the possibility of him appearing in the new spin-off, NCIS: Sydney. The creator of the show has publicly mentioned that the door is open for O'Loughlin to return to the CBS universe. However, as of late 2025, there are no confirmed new acting projects for the star, suggesting he is fully committed to his post-acting life.

For fans, the image of Steve McGarrett flying off into the sunset in the final episode, finally free from the burdens of his past and his badge, is a fitting parallel to Alex O'Loughlin's own decision. He left the show on his own terms and with his health as the priority, securing his legacy as a true action star while prioritizing a well-deserved, quiet family life in the islands he now calls home.