What Happened To Alex O'Loughlin From Hawaii Five-0? Where Is Steve McGarrett Now?

Bette Bernhard 02 Aug 2025

Have you, perhaps, been wondering what happened to Alex O'Loughlin from Hawaii Five-0? Many fans, myself included, really miss seeing him on screen as the fearless Steve McGarrett. That show, you know, was a big part of many people's lives for quite a long stretch of time.

It's completely natural to be curious about what beloved actors get up to once a long-running series wraps up. Alex O'Loughlin, with his commanding presence and rather intense portrayal of the special ops turned detective, truly left a mark on television history. So, it's pretty understandable why so many people are still asking about him, even now, years later.

This article aims to give you a clear picture of what Alex O'Loughlin has been doing since the final episode of Hawaii Five-0 aired. We'll look at his career before the show, the big impact the series had, and what he's been focusing on in his personal and professional life more recently. We will also, you know, address some common questions people often have about him.

Biography and Early Life
- Personal Details and Bio Data
Before the Big Island: Alex O'Loughlin's Early Career
The Hawaii Five-0 Era: A Decade of McGarrett
- The Physical Toll of a Demanding Role
Life After the Badge: What Alex O'Loughlin Is Doing Now
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex O'Loughlin
Staying Connected with Alex O'Loughlin

Biography and Early Life

Alex O'Loughlin, whose full name is Alexander O'Lachlan, actually began his acting journey in Australia, his home country. He was born and grew up there, and he started to get involved in performing arts pretty early on. He attended a very respected acting school, which helped him get ready for the roles he would take on later. It's interesting to see how his background kind of shaped his approach to acting, you know, giving him a solid foundation.

His early life in Australia saw him take on various acting parts, some in local television shows and films. These initial experiences, in a way, helped him build up his skills and get noticed. He was, quite frankly, working hard to establish himself in the entertainment business even before he thought about making the move to Hollywood. It just goes to show, you know, that sometimes success takes a lot of groundwork.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Alexander O'Lachlan
Date of Birth	August 24, 1976
Birthplace	Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Nationality	Australian
Height	Approximately 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
Spouse	Malia Jones (married 2014)
Children	Three (two sons, one stepson)
Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Years Active	1999–present
Notable Roles	Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-0), Mick St. John (Moonlight), Dr. Andy Yablonski (Three Rivers)

Before the Big Island: Alex O'Loughlin's Early Career

Before he ever stepped foot on the sandy beaches of Oahu for Hawaii Five-0, Alex O'Loughlin had already built a pretty solid career, especially back in Australia. He appeared in several Australian films and television shows, getting a lot of good experience. For example, he had a significant part in the film "Oyster Farmer" in 2004, which, you know, got some attention.

His move to the United States brought him more prominent roles, like the lead in the CBS series "Moonlight" where he played a vampire private investigator. That show, while short-lived, gave him a lot of exposure to American audiences. He also starred in "Three Rivers," another medical drama, which, again, showcased his ability to carry a series. These roles, in a way, really set the stage for his big break.

He also appeared in some feature films during this time, like "The Invisible" and "August Rush." These projects helped him to show off his range as an actor, playing different kinds of characters. So, by the time Hawaii Five-0 came around, he was, like, quite a seasoned performer, ready for a really big role.

The Hawaii Five-0 Era: A Decade of McGarrett

When Alex O'Loughlin took on the role of Commander Steve McGarrett in the reboot of Hawaii Five-0 in 2010, it was, quite honestly, a huge moment for his career. The show quickly became a massive hit, and he was at the very center of it all. For ten whole seasons, he led the charge, chasing bad guys and solving crimes on the beautiful Hawaiian islands. It was a pretty demanding job, physically and emotionally, as you can probably imagine.

His portrayal of McGarrett, the tough but honorable leader of the special task force, resonated deeply with viewers. He brought a real sense of gravitas and, you know, a bit of vulnerability to the character, making him someone people could truly root for. The chemistry he had with his co-stars, particularly Scott Caan who played Danny Williams, was, like, a major reason for the show's enduring popularity. Fans really loved their back-and-forth banter, which often provided a nice bit of lightness to the intense action.

The series, which wrapped up in 2020, was a significant part of his life for a decade. It required him to be away from home a lot, filming long hours in a physically demanding environment. This kind of commitment, you know, takes a lot out of a person, and it's something he often spoke about. It was a role that, in some respects, defined a big chunk of his professional life.

The Physical Toll of a Demanding Role

Playing Steve McGarrett wasn't just about delivering lines; it involved a lot of stunts and intense action sequences. Over the years, this took a considerable toll on Alex O'Loughlin's body. He sustained several injuries, most notably a pretty serious back injury that became a persistent issue. This kind of physical demand, you know, is something actors in action roles often face.

He openly discussed the pain he experienced and the treatments he underwent to keep going, including stem cell therapy. It got to a point where, reportedly, walking was quite difficult for him. This personal struggle really highlighted the dedication he had to his role and to the show. It's a reminder that, sometimes, what you see on screen comes at a significant personal cost for the performers. He was, apparently, pushing through a lot of discomfort.

The physical challenges were, in a way, a major factor in his decision to step back from such demanding roles after Hawaii Five-0 concluded. He needed time to heal and, frankly, to recover from the years of intense physical strain. It’s pretty clear that his health became a top priority once the show was over.

Life After the Badge: What Alex O'Loughlin Is Doing Now

Since Hawaii Five-0 finished its run in April 2020, Alex O'Loughlin has, quite deliberately, taken a step back from the spotlight. This isn't unusual for actors who have spent a long time on a very demanding series. He expressed a strong desire to focus on his personal life and to recover from the physical demands of playing Steve McGarrett. So, he's been living a somewhat quieter life.

He has, apparently, been spending a lot more time with his family, which was something he really missed during the intense filming schedule. It's pretty common for actors to prioritize their loved ones after such a demanding period. He's also been focusing on his health and well-being, which, as we discussed, became a significant concern during the show's later years. This period of rest and recuperation seems to be something he truly needed and, you know, deserved.

Family and Personal Time

Alex O'Loughlin is married to Malia Jones, a model and surfer, and they have a son together. He also has another son from a previous relationship and a stepson through Malia. Family, for him, has always been a very important aspect of his life. After years of long hours and being away from home, he's been able to dedicate more time to being a husband and a father. This shift, in a way, is a big change from his previous routine.

He has often spoken about how much he values his family and how being a parent is a truly fulfilling experience for him. So, it's pretty clear that this time away from acting has allowed him to truly immerse himself in family life. You know, sometimes, the quiet moments at home are what people really crave after a busy career.

This period of focusing on his personal life seems to have brought him a lot of joy and, arguably, a sense of peace. He's been able to enjoy simple things, like watching his children grow up, without the constant pressure of a demanding production schedule. It's a different kind of happiness, perhaps, than the one found on a film set.

Behind the Camera and Other Interests

While he's taken a break from acting, Alex O'Loughlin did get a chance to explore directing during his time on Hawaii Five-0. He directed a few episodes of the show, which gave him a different perspective on storytelling and production. This experience, you know, might hint at future interests he could pursue in the entertainment industry, even if it's not in front of the camera. It shows he has a creative mind that extends beyond just acting.

Beyond that, his activities have been kept pretty private. He's not very active on social media, which means updates on his daily life are pretty scarce. This preference for privacy is, in some respects, quite understandable for someone who spent a decade in the public eye. He seems to be enjoying a more low-key existence, away from the constant scrutiny that comes with being a major TV star.

It's fair to say that he's been taking time for himself, which could involve various personal pursuits or hobbies that aren't publicly known. Sometimes, after such a high-profile career, people just want to live a normal life for a bit. He is, quite frankly, someone who values his quiet time.

Future Prospects: Will He Return to Acting?

The big question many fans have is whether Alex O'Loughlin will return to acting. As of late 2024, there haven't been any major announcements about new acting projects for him. This doesn't mean he's retired permanently, but rather that he's taking his time and being selective about any potential future roles. After all, he just spent ten years on a very popular show.

Actors often take extended breaks after long series, especially if they've dealt with health issues or simply want to spend more time with family. If he does return, it's likely he would choose a role that is less physically demanding than Steve McGarrett was. Perhaps a role in a limited series, a film, or even something behind the camera would be a good fit. It's really hard to say for sure, you know, what his next move might be.

Fans are, understandably, hopeful that he will eventually grace our screens again. For now, it seems he's content enjoying his private life and focusing on his well-being. When he does decide to come back, if he does, it will certainly be a moment many people will be waiting for. Learn more about actors' post-series careers on our site, and link to this page for insights into managing demanding roles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alex O'Loughlin

Here are some common questions people often ask about Alex O'Loughlin, especially concerning his life after Hawaii Five-0.

Is Alex O'Loughlin still acting?

As of late 2024, Alex O'Loughlin has not taken on any new major acting roles since Hawaii Five-0 concluded in 2020. He has been focusing on his personal life, family, and recovering from injuries sustained during the show. So, while he hasn't officially retired, he's currently on a break from acting.

What is Alex O'Loughlin doing now?

Alex O'Loughlin is primarily spending time with his family in Hawaii and focusing on his health and well-being. He has been enjoying a more private life away from the public eye. He did, you know, explore directing during Hawaii Five-0, which could be an interest for him in the future.

Did Alex O'Loughlin have a serious injury?

Yes, Alex O'Loughlin suffered a significant back injury during his time on Hawaii Five-0 due to the physically demanding nature of his role. He underwent various treatments, including stem cell therapy, to manage the pain and recovery. This injury was a major factor in his decision to take a break from acting after the show ended.

Staying Connected with Alex O'Loughlin

It's clear that Alex O'Loughlin has chosen a quieter path since his time as Steve McGarrett came to an end. He's focusing on what matters most to him: his family and his health. While fans might miss seeing him on screen, it's, perhaps, nice to know he's doing well and enjoying his life. His journey from a busy TV star to someone prioritizing personal peace is, you know, pretty inspiring in its own way.

We've covered his path from his early days in Australia, through his iconic run on Hawaii Five-0, and what he's been up to more recently in 2024. It's a story of dedication, hard work, and, ultimately, finding balance after a very demanding career. What are your favorite memories of Alex O'Loughlin's work? Feel free to share your thoughts!

For more insights into actors' lives after their hit shows, you might find this article interesting: The Hollywood Reporter's interview with Alex O'Loughlin on his Hawaii Five-0 exit.

Alex on the set of Hawaii Five-0 (August 27) - Alex O'Loughlin Photo

Hawaii Five-0: Alex O'Loughlin open to returning for more seasons