NCIS: Origins star makes brave plea for men's mental health amid personal loss(Image: (Image: CBS))

NCIS: Origins star Kyle Schmid makes brave plea for men's mental health as he opens up on 'vulnerability'

NCIS: Origins star Kyle Schmid, who plays a younger version of Mike Franks in the NCIS spin-off, has opened up about his passion for the Movember movement

by · The Mirror

Kyle Schmid, star of the new hit series NCIS: Origins, has been lauded for his efforts to bring attention to Movember, highlighting critical men's health concerns.

In the CBS series, which has quickly become a fan favourite, Schmid steps into the boots of Mike Franks, originally portrayed by Muse Watson, becoming the seasoned guide to novice Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell).

Schmid, who is already recognized for his notable moustache, has harnessed his hallmark feature to encourage fans to back the cause this November.

Speaking with Parade, he delved into the personal significance of the campaign, detailing his experiences and losses that drive his support for mental health awareness through Movember.

"Movember's got an umbrella of things from prostate cancers to other things, but for me it's mental health," he stated. "I've known people who have struggled with substance abuse. I've lost friends to suicide", reports the Express.

Kyle Schmid is putting his iconic 'tache to good use( Image: (Image: CBS))

He also spoke about the cost of vulnerability within his profession, remarking, "I'm in an industry that's full of incredibly talented, vulnerable people and we celebrate that vulnerability. It's at times what makes us great actors. But wearing your heart on your sleeve comes at a price.

"On top of that," he noted, "At the same time, it's giving me a perspective to kind of step outside of that and see what's going on around me in the rest of the world."

Sharing a very personal hardship, Schmid recounted the difficult last year following his mothers death in the previous November and how it impacted him and his family.

"Seeing how that affected my family, loss gives you perspective," he reflected. "Without pain there is no change. With pain there's growth.

"I just decided that I wasn't going to let an opportunity like this pass me by again where I was on a show and I just didn't take the opportunity to try and make a bit of a difference."

The star also celebrated the birth of his daughter earlier this year, vowing to work towards crafting a better future for her, particularly in the context of mental health as she grows up.

"I hope that whoever she's dating in the future, whoever it is, lives in a world where mental health isn't a conversation that is shunned," Schmid expressed.

The Mike Franks star sadly lost his mother last year( Image: (Image: CBS))

"I hope that there's not a negative stigma around it. Because life is hard, period, for everybody. Let's talk about it."

Following a post about a charity on Instagram, Schmid was inundated with messages of gratitude from his followers.

"Amazing charity," one fan responded. "You are the best kyle with your fabulous team. Congrats for all success, so proud of you kyle."

Another supporter exclaimed, "You're killing it! Such a great cause too!" And a further comment came in saying: "Keep fighting the good fight!"

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.

NCIS: Origins continues Mondays on CBS in the USA. NCIS is available to stream on Disney+ in the UK.