You probably recognize that mustache. Or maybe the gravelly, no-nonsense voice that sounded like it had been cured in a smokehouse. For ten seasons, Rex Linn was the glue of CSI: Miami, playing the sarcastic, sharp-witted Detective Frank Tripp. Honestly, while David Caruso was busy tilting his sunglasses and dropping puns, it was often Linn who grounded the show in something that felt like actual police work.
But here is the thing: Rex Linn wasn't even supposed to be a series regular.
The story of how he landed the role is one of those weird Hollywood flukes that actually worked out. He was originally brought in for a single episode in the first season. He was "tricked" into a reading by his agent, and the producers liked his energy so much they just... kept calling him back. One episode turned into nine. Nine turned into thirteen. By season five, he was a full-blown series regular, eventually appearing in 187 episodes of the sun-drenched procedural.
Why Frank Tripp Was the Best Part of Rex Linn CSI Miami
Most of the characters in the CSI universe are super-geniuses. They can identify a rare pollen grain from a blurred security camera photo in six seconds. Frank Tripp was different. He was the "boots on the ground" detective. He was the one who actually had to chase the suspects, kick down the doors, and deal with the bureaucratic red tape of the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Linn brought a specific brand of "Trippisms" to the table. These were the smart-aleck comments and cynical observations that made the character feel human. He was the only guy on the team who wasn't a scientist, which served a huge narrative purpose.
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When the lab techs started talking about spectrometry or alleles, Tripp was there to say, "In English, please?"
The Dynamic With Horatio Caine
If Horatio Caine was the philosopher-king of the lab, Frank Tripp was the weary soldier. Their dynamic was fascinating because it was built on mutual respect despite having completely different styles. Linn has often spoken about how much he admired David Caruso's dedication to the character, but fans loved Tripp because he felt like someone you could actually grab a beer with. He didn't need a dramatic camera angle to make a point. He just said it.
The Bank Manager Who Chased a Dream
Rex Linn didn't start out in Hollywood. Far from it.
He was actually a Vice President of Energy Lending at Lakeshore Bank in Oklahoma. Imagine that for a second. The guy who played one of TV's toughest detectives spent his days looking at balance sheets and oil company field operations. Everything changed in 1982 when the bank went insolvent. Basically, the collapse of his banking career was the best thing that ever happened to his acting career.
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He convinced an agent to represent him in the local Oklahoma market while he worked for an oil company to pay the bills. He was doing commercials and small parts, slowly clawing his way up the ladder. His first "big" break was playing a serial killer in the 1989 film Night Game.
Moving West
Once he moved to Los Angeles, things moved fast. You've probably seen him in huge 90s hits without even realizing it. He was the traitorous Treasury agent Richard Travers in Cliffhanger with Sylvester Stallone. He was in Tin Cup, Rush Hour, and Wyatt Earp. He has this "everyman" look—stocky, strong, authoritative—that makes him perfect for roles in law enforcement or the military.
Life After the Crime Lab
When CSI: Miami wrapped up in 2012, Linn didn't just fade into the background. He’s actually had one of the most successful post-show runs of the entire cast. He managed to avoid the "procedural actor" curse where you get typecast as a cop forever.
- Better Call Saul: He played Kevin Wachtell, the CEO of Mesa Verde Bank. It was a perfect callback to his real-life banking roots, though Kevin was a lot more stubborn than Rex seems to be.
- Young Sheldon: He spent years as Principal Tom Petersen, showing off his comedic timing.
- Big Sky: He took a darker turn as Buck Barnes, proving he still has that intimidating edge when he needs it.
The Reba Connection and "Tater Tot"
If you’ve been following the news lately, you know Rex Linn is currently one-half of a major power couple. He is engaged to country music legend Reba McEntire.
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They actually met way back in 1991 on the set of The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw, but the timing wasn't right. It took nearly 30 years and a global pandemic for them to finally get together. They started dating in 2020 after reconnecting following the death of Reba's mother.
Their relationship is, frankly, adorable. They have nicknames for each other based on—of all things—tater tots. She's "Tater Tot," and he's "Sugar Tot." They are currently starring together on the NBC sitcom Happy's Place, where Rex plays Emmett, the short-order cook. They even have a morning routine they call "Coffee Camp" where they run lines together.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan of Rex Linn and want to see more of his range beyond the badges and sirens of Miami, here is the move:
- Watch Better Call Saul: Check out his performance as Kevin Wachtell. It’s a masterclass in playing a "good guy" who is also incredibly frustrating to deal with.
- Stream Happy's Place: If you want to see the real chemistry between him and Reba, this is where it’s at. It’s a much lighter side of Linn than we ever saw on CSI: Miami.
- Revisit the Classics: Go back and watch Cliffhanger. It’s wild to see a younger, leaner Rex Linn playing a high-stakes villain against Stallone in the mountains.
Rex Linn's career is proof that you don't have to be a twenty-something heartthrob to make it in Hollywood. You just need a solid work ethic, a bit of luck, and maybe a really good mustache. Whether he's solving murders in Florida or running a school in East Texas, he brings an authenticity that is rare in the industry.