Meet Chris O'Donnell's Wife of 24 Years & Mother of His 5 Children Caroline Fentress

Chris O'Donnell is known for the various roles over the years, including Jack Foley in "Circle of Friends" and Peter Garrett in "Vertical Limit."

While he'd been in many other roles before, he shot to Hollywood fame when he starred in the breakthrough role of Robin/Dick Grayson in "Batman & Robin" and "Batman Forever."

Today, he plays Special Agent G. Callen in the "NCIS"'s spin-off "NCIS: Los Angeles." In addition to a thriving career, the hot teen throb of the early '90s is a loving husband to Caroline Fentress, an elementary school teacher and doting father of five.

HOW THEY MET

From the onset, O'Donnell knew he could not have it both ways. He had to choose between living a playboy life or settling down in a traditional family setting. He chose the latter.

O'Donnell says he lived in the same building as Fentress's older brother, Andrew. Fentress would visit often, and they had a little smooch during one of such visits.

They did not see each other again until three years later when O'Donnell realized he'd not forgotten her. While on a night out with Andrew, he asked him about her:

"What is that little sister of yours up to? Let's give her a call."

They started talking, then dated for three years before they walked down the aisle in 1997.

STARTING A FAMILY

The actor always knew he wanted five kids. They had their first child, daughter Lily in 1999, followed by their second, son Christopher Eugene, the following year.

In 2003, they welcomed Charles, followed by Finley in 2006. Their last born, Maeve Frances, came three years later.

The star says while raising a family of five is not an easy fit, he and his wife complement each other in parenting. They prefer the hands-on approach to parenting.

He says the best and easiest way to parent is to teach by example. While, for instance, his father did not tell them to work hard, they saw he was a hard worker and followed suit.

THE SECRET TO A LONG MARRIAGE.

"The Sisters" actor has been married to his wife for 24 years, and by Hollywood standards, that's a long time. He disclosed that the glue to their long marriage is that their family shares the same traditions and values.

Another secret is to never go to bed angry at your spouse. While O'Donnell says he was lucky to fall in love with the right person, he emphasizes that communication with one's spouse is key to a long and happy married life.