Rick Otto Joins '9-1-1' as Athena's New Partner, Detective Newell
The actor, known for his role in 'The Wire,' steps into a recurring guest role on the ABC procedural.
Rick Otto has joined the cast of ABC's "9-1-1" as Detective Newell, the new partner to Angela Bassett's character, Athena Grant. The actor's casting marks a recurring guest role on the hit first-responder procedural as it enters its milestone 10th season.
Newell was first introduced in the Season 9 premiere episode, titled "Eat the Rich." In that appearance, Detective Newell was briefly seen with Captain Maynard while Athena was undercover. "I think they’re really fun together," showrunner Tim Minear told TV Insider. "Weirdly, Athena is a combination of really experienced and a rookie because she’s new to being officially a detective, but their dynamic is not unlike the dynamics we played with other detectives. It’s supportive and they’re a good team."
Otto, a Baltimore native, brings a wealth of acting experience to the role. He has accumulated nearly 40 film and television credits throughout his career. Many viewers may recognize him from his portrayal of Officer Kenneth Dozerman on HBO's "The Wire." His other notable roles include Deputy Adam in "American Crime Story," and appearances in "Bosch," "Hollywood Heights," and "Desperate Housewives."
Otto's path to acting was influenced by his father, a police officer who rose to the rank of Major in the Baltimore City Police Department's Homicide Division. Initially intending to pursue law school, Otto's trajectory shifted after an encounter on the set of NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street." Encouraged by writer Tom Fontana, Otto abandoned his legal aspirations and moved to New York City, eventually relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
"9-1-1" airs Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.