NCIS has featured several guest stars over the years. As the team investigates various cases, they come across some new characters in every episode. NCIS season 22 episode 5 features another iconic guest star in the form of Matthew Lawrence.
Known for his performance in the show Boy Meets World, Matthew Lawrence appears in the police procedural series as Danny Butler. Danny is the son of Thomas Butler, an alleged former Russian spy who is being investigated.
Lawrence appears in the CBS series briefly but leaves a long-lasting impression on the audience. The episode, which aired on November 11, 2024, marked the return of the actor to procedural dramas after five years, as he previously guest-starred on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0 in 2010.
Matthew Lawrence played Danny Butler on NCIS season 22
Matthew Lawrence appeared in the NCIS episode In From the Cold, playing Danny Butler. The episode focuses on Cold War spies, and Danny adds an emotional layer to the story. He is the son of Captain Thomas Butler, a retired Navy officer accused of being a Soviet spy.
When Danny gets to know about the allegations against his father, he starts to question everything he knows about him, realizing how his dad was already distant and absent during his childhood.
As the team investigates, Danny opens up about his father being gone for long periods and how it affected their relationship. This leads to heartfelt conversations between Danny, Nick Torres, and Timothy McGee about how hard it can be to grow up feeling like you are not a priority to your parents.
Danny’s connection to his father raises suspicions that he might also be involved in spy activities. However, he proves his innocence, showing he only wants to understand his father better. His honesty helps the team see Thomas Butler as more than just a suspect.
NCIS eventually sets up a meeting between Danny and his father to bring Captain Butler out of hiding. During this emotional reunion, Thomas shows that, despite his flaws, he cares deeply for his son. It is later revealed that Thomas Butler is not actually a traitor.
He was actually a double agent working for the US who misled the Russians during the Cold War. The revelation allows Danny to make peace with his father, and the two mend their relationship.
Matthew Lawrence has appeared in several shows apart from NCIS
Matthew Lawrence has had a long career in the film and television industry after making his debut as a child actor in the 1980s. One of his early roles was Danny Carrington in the ABC soap opera Dynasty.
Lawrence shot to wide fame by starring as Christopher "Chris" Hillard in the 1993 comedy film Mrs. Doubtfire alongside Robin Williams. His other famous works include the show Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad and the NBC sitcom Brotherly Love, where he worked with his brothers Joey and Andrew.
He further received acclaim for appearing in ABC’s Boy Meets World. Lawrence played Shawn Hunter’s long-lost half-brother Jack Hunter in three seasons of the coming-of-age sitcom. He reprised the role in an episode of the Disney Channel spin-off Girl Meets World.
Apart from NCIS, Lawrence has also made episodic appearances in shows like Workaholics, Boston Public, CSI: Miami, and Melissa & Joey. His film credits include Money Plane, Fort McCoy, The Comebacks, and Cheats.
In addition to acting, Lawrence is also a talented singer. He performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1986 and 1991 with his brother Joey. He sang on several TV shows as well, including Gimme a Break!, Brotherly Love, and Boy Meets World.
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Lawrence has continued to stay active in the entertainment world in recent years. In 2022, he appeared on the celebrity edition of Worst Cooks in America. Then in 2023, he and his brothers launched a podcast called Brotherly Love, where they talk about their experiences working together on their sitcom.
NCIS season 22 airs new episodes on CBS on Mondays.
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