Eric Christian Olsen as Detective Marty Deeks - NCIS: Los Angeles

• Played hockey in high school
• First acting job - Whitey's Ice Cream commercial
• His stunt double is brother, David Paul Olsen
• Studied Child Psychology at Pepperdine University for a short time

Born on May 31, 1977 in Eugene, OR, Eric Christian Olsen is a regular on the popular television drama series, NCIS: Los Angeles. Introduced on the show at the end of the first season as a guest, Olsen became part of the regular cast starting with Season 2.

After spending his childhood years attending Bettendorf Middle and High Schools in Bettendorf, IA, he found success on television.

The trained improv actor is the son of Paul V. Olsen, professor and cross country coach at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and Jeanne, a non-denominational chaplain. Eric Christian Olsen married Sarah Wright on June 23, 2012. Their first child, Wyatt Oliver, was welcomed on August 16, 2013.

The actress who plays Olsen's love interest on NCIS: Los Angeles is his sister-in-law in real life. Daniela Ruah is married to Eric Christian's brother, David Paul Olsen.

Marty Deeks initially crosses paths with the NCIS agents during an investigation near the end of Season 1. He is eventually asked to join NCIS as a Los Angeles Police Department liaison. He partners up with Special Agent Kensi Blye, whom he slowly develops a romantic relationship with as the series unfolds.

Although Deeks is fun-loving and seemingly aloof, he has some superior skills as he works with the team to combat terrorists and solve crimes. He is poised under cover and will do anything to back his partner and teammates.

The scruffy detective has a rather distant relationship with the Special Agent in Charge, G. Callen, but has earned the respect of Special Agent Sam Hanna. After Deeks risked his life to cover for Hanna's wife, a CIA agent, and save her life, Sam has laid off his criticisms of the young detective and cut him some slack.

At the end of Season 4 and into the beginning of Season 5, Marty Deeks is captured, along with Sam Hanna, by arch enemy, Isaak Sidarov. It is implied that in addition to being beaten to a pulp, Deeks also had his teeth either removed or altered. He stayed strong and didn't give in. He kept Michelle Hanna's cover and essentially saver her life.

The torture he endured leaves a deep psychological scar that will slowly be explored as the series continues. It is clear that although Deeks thinks everything is okay, it will be a long road to recovery, if he ever gets there.

The only positive result from the capture and torture is it has brought Deeks closer to Sam Hanna. Their relationship opens up and trust is built, making it easier for them to work together on the team.

By far, Marty Deeks' best undercover character is Sven. The "interior decorator of the stars" is superbly played. Sven is very credible, pulling on Deeks' exuberance without going over the top. Sven is a fan favorite, even more so than Homeless Deeks, who is a close second.

What makes Sven? The baby blue sweater draped over his shoulders. It was priceless! There's no telling what the future may bring.

Eric Christian Olsen is a musician on top of acting. He in fact performed on stage in musicals back when he was in high school.

In his professional life, he performed on television and movie soundtracks.

Local Boys (Movie)

"Surf Bum"

Community (TV Series)

"Getting Rid of Britta" on "Social Psychology" 2009

"Annie's Song" on "Romantic Expressionism" 2010

Olsen has even appeared on a music video -- Marilyn Manson's 2001 single, "Tainted Love."