Gary Cole’s Surprising First TV Star Role Before NCIS Revealed!

Gary Cole: From Cult Horror Star to NCIS Lead – Revisiting the Underrated ‘American Gothic’

With a diverse and celebrated career spanning over four decades, Gary Cole has firmly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring actors. From acclaimed TV series like The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep to cult-favorite films such as Office Space and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Cole’s captivating performances have left an indelible mark on both small and big screens.

Since 2021, Cole has taken on the role of NCIS Supervisory Agent Alden Parker in the long-running military police procedural NCIS, stepping into the leadership position following Mark Harmon’s iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But before becoming a key player in this beloved franchise, Cole starred in the 1995 cult supernatural horror series American Gothic—a show that deserves a fresh look for its unique blend of mystery and darkness.

Gary Cole Leads the Sinister ‘American Gothic’

Set in the eerie town of Trinity, South Carolina, American Gothic features Gary Cole as Lucas Buck, the corrupt and murderous sheriff wielding supernatural powers to manipulate the townspeople and maintain his grip on the community. Buck’s malevolent influence centers on young Caleb Temple (Lucas Black), an orphan battling the legacy of his troubled past and the shadow of Buck’s evil.

Caleb, revealed to be Buck’s biological son—conceived through an assault that drove his mother to suicide—struggles against Buck’s corrupting hold. His cousin, reporter Gail Emory (Paige Turco), arrives in Trinity to support him, while the ghostly spirit of his late sister Merlyn (Sarah Paulson) appears to guide and protect him. Over 22 episodes, the series explores Caleb’s battle between light and darkness as he unravels his family’s dark secrets and fights to end Buck’s reign of terror.

A Cult Classic Ahead of Its Time

Created by singer-actor Shaun Cassidy and executive produced by Sam Raimi, American Gothic broke new ground in the mid-’90s with its morally complex villain, Lucas Buck. At a time when television rarely embraced antiheroes, Cole’s chilling portrayal helped pave the way for future iconic characters like Tony Soprano and Walter White.

Though American Gothic premiered to critical praise on September 22, 1995, and ran for a full 22-episode season, it struggled to match the popularity of contemporaries like Twin Peaks and The X-Files—ultimately leading to its cancellation after one season. Still, the show became a cult favorite over the years, spotlighting Cole, Paulson, and Black, all of whom have gone on to impressive careers.

Paulson, a Golden Globe winner, embraced the horror genre with acclaimed roles in American Horror Story and Ratched. Black found success with roles in NCIS: New Orleans and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Cole’s Continued Success

After American Gothic, Gary Cole continued to showcase his talent across film and television. His film credits include beloved comedies like Office Space, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Pineapple Express, while his TV appearances span Family Guy, The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Veep. Now a central figure in NCIS, renewed through Season 23, Cole proves his remarkable staying power in Hollywood.

Where to Watch ‘American Gothic’

For fans of supernatural thrillers and underrated ’90s shows, all 22 episodes of American Gothic are available to purchase or stream on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango. If you enjoy series like Twin Peaks, American Horror Story, or The X-Files, this dark gem starring Gary Cole is a must-watch.