Peter Krause, a veteran of the television landscape for over three decades, is embarking on a new chapter with NBC’s action-thriller "Line of Fire." This latest role sees Krause portraying Secret Service agent Mike Hollingsworth, the patriarch of a family deeply embedded in law enforcement. The series, created by Joshua Safran and executive produced by Jenna Bush Hager, delves into the complexities of family dynamics set against the backdrop of high-stakes government agencies. As Krause steps into this demanding role, he also takes a moment to reflect on his extensive career, including his significant tenure on the hit drama "9-1-1."
A Career Defined by Complex Characters
Krause’s career, which began in 1990 with Carol Burnett in "Carol & Company," has been marked by a consistent portrayal of characters striving for moral integrity. From the insightful ensemble of "Sports Night" to the profound explorations of life and death in "Six Feet Under," and the relatable struggles of "Parenthood," Krause has gravified towards roles that examine the human condition. His observation that he is "attracted to people who are trying to lead a good life, who are trying to answer to their moral compass" encapsulates the essence of his carefully curated roles. This consistent thread runs through his latest project, "Line of Fire," where his character, Mike Hollingsworth, must balance his duty to national security with the intricate, often fraught, relationships within his own family.
"Line of Fire": A Family Affair in Law Enforcement
"Line of Fire" introduces the Hollingsworth family, a formidable unit serving across various branches of government. Mike Hollingsworth, played by Krause, heads the Secret Service contingent. His estranged wife, Jane (Hope Davis), operates as a U.S. Marshal, while their adult children are also integrated into the fabric of national security: Clare (Kat Cunning) is an FBI agent, Micah (Tommy O’Brien) is a fellow Secret Service agent, and Russell (Taylor Bloom) works as a new analyst for the Department of Justice. The series premise is set in motion when the family becomes the target of a seasoned serial killer, forcing them to unite their diverse skill sets for survival. This external threat, however, also acts as a catalyst for the unraveling of deeply held family secrets, promising a blend of suspenseful action and compelling domestic drama.
Krause noted that the script’s intricate narrative architecture, a hallmark of creator Joshua Safran, was a significant draw. "Josh Safran is very masterful at story architecture, and there are a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming," Krause stated. Crucially, the familial element was paramount to his decision to join the project. "I think without the family element, I probably wouldn’t have signed on. I’m particularly interested in exploring relationships and family. I also recognized that there was some humor in the script. Without it, I wouldn’t have done it." He further elaborated on the complexity of the central relationship between Mike and Jane, describing it as "combustible," a blend of fierce love and significant challenges. The introduction of Senator Terry Cross, played by Campbell Scott, adds another layer of interpersonal tension to the evolving marital dynamic.
A Look Back: The Enduring Impact of "Six Feet Under"
The conversation with The Hollywood Reporter also provided an opportunity for Krause to revisit his iconic role as Nate Fisher in HBO’s "Six Feet Under," which recently marked its 25th anniversary. The critically acclaimed series, which explored themes of life, death, and familial legacy, resonated deeply with audiences and left an indelible mark on Krause’s career. He described the show as a "meditation on life and death," prompting viewers to contemplate their own choices and mortality.
"I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me… and say, ‘That show changed my life. It urged me to make different decisions, or to start living more fully,’" Krause shared, highlighting the profound impact of Nate Fisher’s journey. The character’s internal struggles mirrored Krause’s own reflections on life’s obstacles and the pursuit of authentic living. He recalled personal experiences during that period, such as attending surf camp and climbing Mount Shasta, inspired by the show’s encouragement to embrace life more fully. The series’ unique narrative device of allowing viewers access to characters’ internal monologues further amplified its emotional resonance, offering a powerful exploration of suppressed feelings and the universal human experience of holding back true emotions.
Navigating the Exit from "9-1-1"
A significant portion of the interview focused on Krause’s departure from the popular Fox procedural "9-1-1," where he played Fire Captain Bobby Nash for eight seasons. His character’s shocking death in the season six finale was a pivotal moment for fans and the series. Krause acknowledged that while he had expressed a desire for longevity on the show, the creative direction ultimately led to his exit.
"Tim [Minear, showrunner] called me and let me know it was happening [ahead of time],"Krause explained. He also alluded to the physical demands of the role, citing "small injuries" and the rigors of wearing fire gear. Despite the difficult goodbye, Krause expressed gratitude for his time on the show, emphasizing the strong bonds formed with the cast and crew. "I had a great time on that show; I love that cast. We had a lot of fun behind the scenes on that show." He specifically mentioned his close friendship with Kenny Choi (who plays Chimney), with whom he shared a comedic sensibility and even collaborated on a "yacht rock band" project during the writers’ strike.
The news of Bobby Nash’s death was met with disbelief and emotional reactions from his co-stars. Showrunner Tim Minear reportedly contacted each of Krause’s former castmates individually to break the news, with many pleading for reconsideration. Krause himself acknowledged the difficulty of the farewell, noting the "bootcamp aspect" of their shared experience. "We built a family, and there was a bootcamp aspect to it. We did hard things on that show, and we did them together." He expressed pride in how the cast supported each other, both on and off-screen, fostering a sense of family and mutual respect.
Krause reflected on Bobby Nash’s legacy, finding pride in the character’s journey of self-forgiveness and his ability to love and be loved. He also highlighted Bobby’s enduring heroism, despite his flaws. "He was a flawed person, as we all are, and he loved the people around him." The deep relationships Bobby shared with his wife, Athena, his stepchildren, and his firefighting colleagues were a testament to his character, and Krause cherished the real-life connections he forged with the actors who portrayed them.
The Enduring Allure of Television
Krause’s consistent presence on television for over 35 years underscores his deep connection to the medium. He attributes this enduring appeal partly to his formative years spent consuming television. "We watched a lot of TV in my household," he recalled, citing influential shows like "Bob Newhart," "Mary Tyler Moore," and "All in the Family." This early exposure instilled a lifelong appreciation for the power of storytelling through television.
He also touched upon the unique position of television in reflecting and shaping cultural conversations. "It’s nice being a part of the cultural conversation and having a relationship with the audience and telling them stories about themselves, quite frankly." He drew parallels to shows like "Roseanne" and "Home Improvement," which offered relatable portrayals of everyday American life. While "Line of Fire" ventures into the suspense thriller genre, a new territory for him, Krause remains drawn to the core elements of strong relationships and compelling family narratives.
Origins of an Acting Career
Krause’s path to acting was not a singular, eureka moment but rather a gradual immersion. His childhood fascination with films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, ignited an early desire to emulate those iconic figures. This interest solidified during his college years at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he seized opportunities to play leading roles in theatrical productions. His experience in plays like David Mamet’s "American Buffalo" and Caryl Churchill’s "Cloud 9" profoundly deepened his commitment to performing arts.
Encouraged by his university professors, Krause pursued graduate studies at NYU, where he received rigorous training from an esteemed faculty. This period of intensive study was transformative, significantly shaping his craft. His first professional role, immediately following graduate school, was in sketch comedy with Carol Burnett, a formative experience he cherishes. He lauded Burnett as an exceptional mentor, praising her humility, professionalism, and kindness, which he strives to emulate.
A Nod to "Saturday Night Live" and the Power of "Six Feet Under"
The conversation also touched upon Krause’s long-held admiration for "Saturday Night Live." He recalled childhood discussions about the show’s sketches, expressing a youthful aspiration to participate in such comedic endeavors. While acknowledging the passage of time, he expressed a playful openness to the idea of a guest appearance, suggesting that the spirit of sketch comedy remains a draw.
Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of "Six Feet Under," Krause reiterated the show’s profound impact on his life and the lives of its viewers. He described the series as a catalyst for introspection and personal growth, encouraging individuals to confront their fears and live more fully. The show’s exploration of mortality and its influence on present-day choices continues to resonate, prompting ongoing conversations about its enduring themes of grief, acceptance, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. The show’s ability to foster such deep emotional connections with its audience underscores its significant contribution to television’s rich legacy.
"Line of Fire" premieres on NBC, offering audiences a chance to witness Peter Krause in a new, dynamic role. As he navigates the intricate world of Secret Service agents and family secrets, his long-standing commitment to portraying complex, morally driven characters promises a compelling performance that builds upon his distinguished career. The series airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
