The Unseen Battle: What Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) Is Doing Now After Hawaii Five-0 Ended

Few television characters have defined a decade of action drama quite like Lieutenant Commander Steven J. McGarrett. For ten seasons, the head of the elite Five-0 Task Force captivated millions, blending Navy SEAL precision with a deep, often volatile, commitment to the Hawaiian islands. The show concluded in 2020, leaving a massive void for fans who had grown accustomed to his weekly explosions, high-octane chases, and the legendary 'cargument' banter with his partner, Detective Danny "Danno" Williams.

As of late December 2025, the legacy of the *Hawaii Five-0* reboot remains strong, but the man behind the badge, Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin, has intentionally stepped away from the spotlight. His post-show life has been a study in contrast to his on-screen persona, trading military-grade gear for quiet mentorship and focusing on recovery from the physical toll the demanding role took on his body. Yet, rumors of a return to the crime-fighting universe—perhaps even a shocking crossover—continue to swirl, keeping the hope of a McGarrett comeback alive.

Steven J. McGarrett & Alex O’Loughlin: Full Biographical Profile

The character of Steve McGarrett is a complex blend of military discipline and deep-seated family trauma, while the actor who portrayed him is an acclaimed Australian performer whose career spans drama, comedy, and action. Below is a detailed profile of both the fictional hero and the man who brought him to life.

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• Full Name (Character): Lieutenant Commander Steven Jack McGarrett, USNR (Ret.)
• Actor: Alexander "Alex" O'Loughlin
• Birth Date (Actor): August 24, 1976
• Hometown (Character): Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
• Hometown (Actor): Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
• Military Background: Highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL; Served in Afghanistan and North Korea; SEAL Team Six.
• Key Role: Founder and leader of the elite, Governor-sanctioned Hawaii Five-0 Task Force.
• Iconic Partner: Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams (Scott Caan).
• Family: John McGarrett (Father, deceased), Doris McGarrett (Mother, deceased), Mary Ann McGarrett (Sister).
• Arch-Nemesis: Wo Fat.
• Other Notable Roles (Actor): Mick St. John in *Moonlight*, Dr. Andy Yablonski in *Three Rivers*, Stan in *The Back-Up Plan*.
• Reason for Show's End: Alex O'Loughlin's contract expired, coupled with chronic physical injuries sustained from the demanding action sequences, particularly a back injury.

The Physical Price of Being a Modern Action Hero

The role of Steve McGarrett was physically grueling. McGarrett was famously the "man of action," often performing dangerous stunts, engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat, and jumping from helicopters.

Alex O'Loughlin's commitment to portraying the Navy SEAL's physicality eventually led to significant chronic injuries.

He openly discussed the physical toll the ten-year run of *Hawaii Five-0* took on his body, particularly a serious back injury that required extensive treatment and physical therapy. This reality was a major factor in his decision not to renew his contract for an eleventh season, leading to the series finale in 2020.

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The final episodes of the series subtly integrated O'Loughlin's real-life struggles into the character's narrative, showing McGarrett seeking a life of peace and recovery after the final confrontation with his nemesis, Wo Fat.

This ending provided a necessary closure, allowing the character to finally step away from the relentless cycle of violence and trauma that had defined his life since the death of his father, John McGarrett.

Alex O'Loughlin's Life After 'Book 'em Danno'

Unlike many television stars who immediately jump into a new series or film, Alex O'Loughlin has maintained a very low profile since the *Hawaii Five-0* finale. His professional hiatus is a deliberate choice, prioritizing his health and family life in Hawaii.

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His post-McGarrett life has focused on personal well-being and giving back to the community that hosted the show for a decade.

A notable recent activity is his involvement with local Hawaiian organizations. In 2024, O'Loughlin was reported to have joined the ICAN (Imua Community Action Network) in Hawaii, serving as a mentor to students. This role is a stark, yet meaningful, departure from his action-star persona, showing a commitment to quiet, impactful work.

For fans eagerly awaiting his return to the screen, this period of rest and community work has been a testament to his desire for a normal life after the intensity of playing a high-stakes Navy SEAL for 10 years. Entities like Chin Ho Kelly, Kono Kalakaua, and Dr. Max Bergman have moved on to other projects, but O'Loughlin's intentional pause makes his eventual return all the more anticipated.

The Persistent Rumor: Could McGarrett Join the NCIS Universe?

The most intriguing and current piece of news surrounding Alex O'Loughlin is the persistent speculation about his return to CBS in a crossover capacity, specifically with *NCIS: Sydney*.

The idea is fueled by the fact that both *Hawaii Five-0* and the *NCIS* franchise share the same television universe, with several successful crossovers between McGarrett’s team and the *NCIS: Los Angeles* crew already established.

The creator of *NCIS: Sydney*, Shane Brennan (who also oversaw *NCIS: Los Angeles*), has hinted at the possibility of bringing O'Loughlin back into the fold. Brennan stated that while O'Loughlin has been enjoying his break, the door is always open for a role in the new Sydney-based series, which would be a natural fit given O'Loughlin's Australian roots.

While there has been no official confirmation from the actor or CBS as of late 2025, the prospect of Lieutenant Commander McGarrett, perhaps on a temporary assignment or consulting role, is a powerful piece of fan-driven speculation. It offers a way to revisit the beloved character without demanding the full-time, physically draining commitment that led to the end of *Hawaii Five-0*.

For now, the legacy of the Five-0 Task Force, the dynamic partnership with Danny Williams, and McGarrett's famous line, *Book 'em, Danno!*, remains a cherished memory. The possibility of him joining the *NCIS: Sydney* team is the freshest and most exciting development, offering a potential bridge between his action-packed past and a new, perhaps less strenuous, future on television.

Whether he is mentoring students in Honolulu or eventually hunting down criminals in Sydney, Alex O'Loughlin’s Steve McGarrett continues to be one of the most enduring figures in modern procedural television.