NCIS: Origins star makes passionate plea for good cause as he opens up on 'vulnerability'

NCIS: Origins star Kyle Schmid has been applauded for raising awareness for Movember in support of men's physical and mental health issues.

In CBS's smash-hit new spin-off series, Schmid takes over from actor Muse Watson as NCIS legend Mike Franks, the experienced mentor of newcomer Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell).

Already known for his signature moustache, the actor has taken advantage of his iconic look to rally his followers to support the charity this November.

During a recent interview with Parade, he opened up about what the campaign means to him personally.

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

"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.

"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."

He also opened up about his difficult past 12 months following the sad death of his mother last November.

"Seeing how that affected my family, loss gives you perspective," he went on. "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 actor also welcomed a daughter earlier this year, and has pledged to try and make the world a better place for when she grows up and starts dating.

"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 said. "I hope that there's not a negative stigma around it.

"Because life is hard, period, for everybody. Let's talk about it."

After recently posting on Instagram about the charity, Schmid received a wave of comments from fans thanking him for his charitable support.

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

"You're killing it! Such a great cause too!" another fan said. And someone else commented: "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.