The Quiet Life: What Happened To Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) After Hawaii Five-0 Ended?

The question of "What happened to Steve McGarrett?" is one of the most common searches among fans of the hit CBS reboot, *Hawaii Five-0*. While the character, Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, finally found peace and closure by leaving the island in the series finale, the real-life fate of the man who played him, Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin, is even more surprising and definitive. As of late 2025, O'Loughlin has largely stepped away from the relentless demands of Hollywood, embracing a quiet, family-focused life in the very islands he helped immortalize on screen.

The decision to retire from acting, or at least take an indefinite hiatus, was not a sudden one. After a grueling decade portraying the fearless Navy SEAL-turned-task force leader, O'Loughlin's body had taken a significant toll, making the conclusion of *Hawaii Five-0* after Season 10 a necessary, if bittersweet, end to a defining chapter of his career. His current life is a world away from chasing criminals and saying "Book 'em, Danno," a fresh and unique story that few actors of his caliber ever pursue.

Alex O'Loughlin: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Alex O'Loughlin, the actor forever synonymous with Steve McGarrett, has a career that spans two continents and includes roles in film, television, and as a writer/director. His journey from an aspiring actor in Australia to a global television star is detailed below, providing context for his current, post-*Five-0* life.

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• Full Name: Alexander O'Lachlan
• Date of Birth: August 24, 1976
• Age (as of 2025): 49
• Birth Place: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Occupation: Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
• Spouse: Malia Jones (married 2014)
• Children: Two sons: Saxon (from a previous relationship, born 1997) and Lion (with Malia Jones, born 2012)
• Notable TV Roles: Detective Kevin Hiatt in *The Shield* (2007), Mick St. John in *Moonlight* (2007–2008), Dr. Andy Yablonski in *Three Rivers* (2009–2010), and Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett in *Hawaii Five-0* (2010–2020)
• Estimated Net Worth: Varies, generally estimated between $12 million and $25 million (as of 2025)

The True Reason McGarrett Left: Injuries and the Toll of Stardom

While the character of Steve McGarrett was a physical powerhouse, the reality for Alex O'Loughlin was a decade of grueling stunts and demanding action sequences that ultimately led to the show’s conclusion. The decision to end *Hawaii Five-0* in 2020 was heavily influenced by O'Loughlin’s physical health and the expiration of his contract.

The Physical Price of Playing a Navy SEAL

Playing an elite military operative like McGarrett for ten seasons came with a significant physical cost. The actor suffered numerous injuries, most notably a severe back injury that required extensive treatment and pain management throughout the later seasons. O'Loughlin has been open about the chronic pain he endured, stating that the sheer volume of injuries made continuing the show untenable.

The relentless production schedule of a network television drama, combined with the action-heavy nature of the role, meant O'Loughlin was constantly pushing his body to the limit. This physical exhaustion was the primary catalyst for his decision to step away from the spotlight and prioritize his long-term health and family life. The final season offered a heartfelt send-off for McGarrett, providing the character with the peace and the opportunity to finally pursue life outside of the task force that the actor himself was seeking in reality.

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Life After 'Five-0': Retirement, Family, and the NCIS Rumor

Since the final episode of *Hawaii Five-0* aired, Alex O'Loughlin has made good on his promise to step out of the acting business. His life now revolves around his family, his passions, and the Hawaiian islands he now calls home, a stark contrast to his high-profile Hollywood past.

Embracing the Quiet 'Ohana Life

O'Loughlin currently resides in Hawaii with his wife, Malia Jones, a successful model and surfer, and their children. The actor has transitioned into the role of full-time father and partner, enjoying the simple pleasures of island life. He has publicly stated that he is officially retired from acting and has no intentions of returning to the screen, preferring the anonymity and stability that comes with a private life.

This commitment to family and a break from the entertainment industry is a rare move for a star who anchored a major network show for a decade. He has embraced his "ohana," the Hawaiian concept of extended family, finding fulfillment in his personal life rather than in new professional endeavors.

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Will Steve McGarrett Ever Return? The NCIS: Sydney Connection

Despite O'Loughlin's firm stance on retirement, the door to his return has been nudged open by television producers, sparking intense curiosity among fans. In a fresh development, there have been discussions and rumors about a potential cameo or guest role in a future project, specifically the new spin-off, *NCIS: Sydney*.

The creator of *Hawaii Five-0* has reportedly entertained the idea of O'Loughlin returning, perhaps to tie the *Five-0* universe into the broader CBS procedural landscape, which includes shows like *NCIS: Hawaii*. While this remains an unconfirmed rumor and contradicts O'Loughlin’s own statements about his retirement, the possibility of seeing Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett back on screen, even briefly, is enough to keep the speculation alive and excite the dedicated fan base who miss the iconic "McDanno" partnership with Danny Williams (Scott Caan).

For now, however, O'Loughlin's focus remains firmly on his life in Hawaii, away from the cameras. Fans eager for new content from the star will have to settle for rewatching the 240 episodes of *Hawaii Five-0* and cherishing the memory of one of television's most beloved action heroes. The legacy of Steve McGarrett is secure, and for Alex O'Loughlin, the greatest reward is the peace he has found off-screen.