Who can mentor the ultimate “NCIS” mentor? Mike Franks (Muse Watson) can. The leader of the NCIS Major Response Team not only taught Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) a significant portion of his NCIS expertise but also continues to appear as a recurring character from Season 3 to Season 8.
Mike’s crucial role in Gibbs’ past ensures he remains a key figure in “NCIS: Origins,” the prequel series that delves into young Gibbs’ (Austin Stowell) early days in the NCIS. The pivotal question is: Who can convincingly portray this authoritative character to the franchise’s most prominent figure?
Ben Turner Dixon, who portrays young Mike in the original “NCIS,” wasn’t the first choice. Instead, the role was initially given to Kyle Schmid, an actor well-versed in playing authoritative figures capable of fieldwork. Schmid has confirmed what to expect from his portrayal of Mike, showcasing his ability to convey the character’s complex morality. Here’s a look at Schmid’s background and notable roles.
Kyle Schmid’s acting career began in 1996, but his breakthrough came with David Cronenberg’s acclaimed 2005 film “A History of Violence.” The movie stars Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall, a mild-mannered small-town man whose violent heroics against robbers attract unwanted attention, leading to family tension. Schmid plays Bobby, a high school bully who discovers that Tom’s son Jack (Ashton Holmes) may share his father’s hidden capacity for violence. Although a smaller role, it set the stage for Schmid’s future success.
Schmid honed his procedural drama skills in BBC America’s “Copper,” a period police show set in New York’s notorious Five Points area in the 1860s. He played Robert Morehouse, the wealthy friend and former Civil War commander of main character Kevin “Corky” Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones). Schmid’s portrayal of Morehouse, a rare good egg among the city’s elite, included a detailed and era-appropriate performance, complete with a prosthetic leg. In an interview with Assignment X, Schmid described the lengths the show went to ensure authenticity, using multiple braces to create a realistic limp.
Simultaneously, Schmid took on a darker role in Syfy’s “Being Human,” the American adaptation of the BBC fantasy drama. From Season 2 to Season 4, he played Henry Durham, a former World War I medic turned vampire by Aidan (Sam Witwer). Henry’s transformation into a devious hedonist added depth to his long and complicated relationship with Aidan.
Schmid continued his military roles in “Six,” History’s fictionalized account of SEAL Team Six, where he portrayed team member Alex Caulder. In an interview with Lena Lamoray, Schmid detailed the extensive training required for the role, including a week of SEAL prep, weapons training, and performing with real weapons and live rounds to enhance authenticity.
Like many actors, Schmid started with minor roles and guest appearances, including a recurring role in the AAC Kids show “I Was A Sixth Grade Alien!” His career gained momentum in 2005 with several projects, including “A History of Violence” and the Vin Diesel comedy “The Pacifier.” In 2007, he played Henry Fitzroy in the Canadian vampire procedural “Blood Ties” and later appeared in various shows like “Big Sky,” “Dark Hearts,” and “88.”
Schmid’s versatility is evident in his numerous guest appearances on popular series. His roles include a Season 4 appearance on “CSI: Miami,” the telepathic villain Sebastian Kane on “Smallville,” Ace from the Royal Flush Gang on “Arrow,” and Detective Noah Foster on “The Rookie.”
Sources: Static Media, New Line Cinema, BBC America, Syfy, History, Greg Doherty/Getty Images
