Everyone thinks they’re great detectives and forensic experts after watching this long-running show, and they’re capable of solving any cold-case murder! As the Major Case Response Team races against time to solve chilling crimes, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is one show that has given us many beloved TV characters and riveting storylines. The drama series, which debuted in 2003 and is now in its 19th season, is here to stay! Seasons before this have been shocking and dramatic, with plenty of celebrity guest stars and regular cast members who have come and gone since the show’s debut.
David McCallum – Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
Veteran actor David McCallum, who plays Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, has been a fan favorite since the show’s inception, and it’s difficult to imagine the show without him! Fans were relieved to learn that he would not be leaving the show in its 18th season. The show’s Chief Medical Examiner and historian have been acting since the 1960s and have worked as a musician, voice-over actor, and in the original series, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David McCallum Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
Joe Spano – Tobias Fornell
Joe Spano first appeared on NCIS in the pilot episode, playing FBI agent Tobias Fornell, who worked alongside the NCIS team. He left the FBI in season 15 and began working as a private investigator instead. Even if it was only for one episode, he would return to the show in season 19 and reprise his role. He’s also known for his role as Lt. Henry Goldblume in the 1980s cop show Hill Street Blues, as well as appearances in Apollo 13, The X-Files, and NYPD Blue.
Joe Spano Tobias Fornell
Tamara Taylor – Cassie Yates
Tamara Taylor, who played Cassie Yates on NCIS for a few episodes, left an indelible impression on viewers due to her outstanding acting abilities. Although, when she starred as Dr. Camille Saroyan in another popular TV show, Bones, she had a lot more screen time. Tamara wanted to be an actress when she was in high school, so she dropped out with her mother’s permission. She then went on to star in 3lbs and The Titan on the Tracks, which pretty much sealed her fate!
Tamara Taylor Cassie Yates
Lauren Holly – Director Jenny Shepard
Following Sasha Alexander’s departure from NCIS in the second season, the show’s producers hired Lauren Holly and cast her in the pivotal role of Director Jenny Shepard. Lauren admits that she was “bored” with her character’s arc by the time she was killed off in 2008. Fortunately, she had established a name for herself by that time and had landed her Canadian drama series, Motive. Holly has recently appeared as a guest star on shows such as Lucifer, the Good Witch, and Designated Survivor. Doesn’t she look a lot different now than she did on NCIS?
Lauren Holly Director Jenny Shepard
Sarah Jane Morris – EJ Barrett
She is best known for her role as Julia Walker in the drama Brothers & Sisters, but she has a long list of notable projects and credits under her belt, including Seven Pounds, Body of Proof, Coyote Ugly, Grey’s Anatomy, and Mad Men. Sarah had played Special Agent Erica Jane “EJ” Barrett on NCIS since 2011, but her future on the show was uncertain after her recurring character was shot on-screen and presumed dead. After a few months, the producers brought her back, surprising the show’s fans, who were overjoyed to see her alive!
Sarah Jane Morris EJ Barrett
Jamie Murray – Julia Foster-Yates
Jaime Murray, an English actress, was cast in NCIS in 2009 to play Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Julia “Jules” Foster-Yates, who, to be honest, irritated some of the regular team members on the force. That could explain why her character was never seen again on the show! Jaime has since appeared as a guest star on shows like Warehouse 13, The Originals, The Mentalist, Dexter, and Hustle. It appears that starring in NCIS was her lucky break, eh?
Jamie Murray Julia Foster Yates
Troian Bellisario – Sarah McGee
Troian Bellisario began her acting career at the age of three when she appeared in her father’s film The Last Rites. Her father, Donald Bellisario, was once associated with NCIS, so she continued to act in projects like First Monday, Quantum Leap, and, of course, a guest role on the show! Troian played Sarah McGee, the sister of another main character on the show, Special Agent Timothy McGee, back in the day. Troian would go on to star in the hit ABC drama Pretty Little Liars, catapulting her career to new heights.
Troian Bellisario Sarah McGee
Joel Gretsch – Stan Burley
Actor Joel Gretsch has appeared on several popular television shows, and his resume is enough to make even the most seasoned television actors envious! He has appeared in Saved by the Bell, Melrose Place, Friends, CSI: Miami, Burn Notice, and JAG, as well as playing Special Agent Stan Burley on NCIS from 2003 to 2015. Joel is one of the few television stars who aren’t afraid to take on minor roles and make them his own. This is why he is still working in the entertainment industry today!
Joel Gretsch Stan Burley
Kiara Muhammad – Kayla Vance
Kiara Muhammad began her career as a child performer by posing in Reebok photoshoots. Guest appearances on popular television shows such as Hannah Montana, Mike & Molly, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hart of Dixie, and, of course, NCIS has taken up the majority of her career. Kayla Vance was played by Little Kiara in four episodes in 2012, but she did not reprise her role after that. She now works as a voice actress for children’s shows such as The Doc Files and Sofia the First.
Kiara Muhammad Kayla Vance
Alicia Copola – Amy Rand
The actress Alicia Coppola got her started on MTV, where she hosted a game show called Remote Control. She quickly moved on to television and film roles in films like Why Women Kill, National Treasure, and Black Widow. Alicia has previously appeared in crime dramas such as CSI and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, where she played a cannibal killer. She kept her streak going by guest-starring in NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, where she played FBI agent Amy Rand and contributed her expertise to the NCIS team.
Alicia Copola Amy Rand
Diane Neal – Casey Novak
Diane Neal landed a great role in Law & Order: SVU’s fifth season, and she’ll be playing Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak for the first time. In the show’s sixth season, her character would be resurrected. She had a troubled storyline in NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans, where she joined the force after serving in Iraq and losing a loved one. Her character and Agent Leroy Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) shared a lot of similarities in the show.
Diane Neal Casey Novak
Jamie Lee Curtis – Dr. Samantha Ryan
What haven’t we seen actress Jamie Lee Curtis in lately? She’s appeared in everything from cult classics like Freaky Friday to Hollywood blockbusters like True Lies, and she’s even played a scream queen in several Halloween films! That’s why fans were ecstatic to see the BAFTA and Golden Globe winner play Dr. Samantha Ryan in five NCIS episodes, as the plot’s driving force. She simply returned to being a Hollywood A-lister after her arc on the show ended!
Jamie Lee Curtis Dr. Samantha Ryan
Duane Henry – Henry Reeves
Duane Henry, a British actor, first appeared in the NCIS universe in the 13th season as Henry Reeves, an MI6 agent. He appeared to be quite popular, as he was brought back for Season 14, but he was then written off the show once more. It’s nothing personal; they simply killed off his character because the producers couldn’t figure out how to move his plot forward! Duane went on to star in Captain Marvel, W.E., and other films. A Gingerbread Romance, a Hallmark movie.
Duane Henry Henry Reeves
Meredith Eaton – Carol Wilson
Before being cast in NCIS as CDC researcher and lab technician Carol Wilson, the 4-foot-tall actress had already appeared in several crime dramas such as Boston Legal, CSI, and Family Law. She’s also appeared in Battle Creek, House, NYPD Blue, and the reboot of MacGyver. Meredith was a fan favorite on NCIS, and she reprised her role in the spin-off NCIS: New Orleans. Meredith continues to act in films and television shows as a guest star.
Meredith Eaton Carol Wilson
Cote De Pablo – Zita David
Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo, a beautiful Chilean actress, was one of the show’s standout characters. Ziva was a former Israeli Mossad agent who joined the regular cast in season 3 and left in season 11, much to the disappointment of her fans and the show’s producers! She went on to star in The Dovekeepers, The 33, Seneca, and Prototype shortly after leaving the show. In 2019, she returned to NCIS for a few episodes to reprise her role.
Cote De Pablo Zita David
Pauley Perrette – Abby Sciuto
Pauley Perrette played forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS for 15 seasons and quickly became a fan favorite, despite her intimidating goth look! However, she abruptly exited the show. Pauley would later reveal that she left the show due to harassment she had received from the show’s lead, Mark Harmon! When she left the show, she burned her bridges with CBS and went on to work on the sitcom Deadline, which was canceled after its first season. Pauley announced in 2020 that she was leaving Hollywood and retiring!
Pauley Perrette Abby Sciuto
Mark Harmon – Leroy Gibbs
Agent Leroy Gibbs is played by Mark Harmon, who also serves as the series lead. He is constantly assisting his younger coworkers with their professional and personal lives. Because Mark has been on the show for so long, there have been rumors about his difficult personality, including the fact that he forced showrunner Donald Bellisario to leave and had inappropriate behavior with co-star Pauley Paulette, who also left the show. According to the latest rumors, he is leaving the show!
Mark Harmon Leroy Gibbs
Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah – Kensi Blye
Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah, a stunning actress and model, began her career in the entertainment industry as a teen, appearing in Portuguese soap operas! She landed a big role in Jardins Proibidos when she was 16 years old, and she was soon studying acting in London. Daniel was then cast as Special Agent Kensi Blye in NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009, and later appeared in a crossover episode with Hawaii Five-O. She is no longer on the cast list of the show, but she is still doing well for herself, even co-hosting the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon.
Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah Kensi Blye
Brian Dietzen – Jimmy Palmer
Many new faces were introduced on NCIS a year after it premiered, and one of those new faces was actor Brian Dietzen, who was cast in the role of Dr. Jimmy Palmer. His beloved character has been promoted from recurring to regular cast member since 2012! And boy, has he endured, as he continues to host the show to this day. He’s also appeared in Equus, Waiting for Godot, and From Justin to Kelly, among other films.
Brian Dietzen Jimmy Palmer
Millie Bobby Brown – Extra
Millie Bobby Brown made her television debut in 2013 with the fantasy series Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and went on to star in a slew of other shows including Intruders, Modern, and her most well-known television role to date, Stranger Things. Millie is on her way to becoming a movie actress thanks to Enola Holmes, but she also appeared as the daughter of a murder victim in a guest role on NCIS. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role as a child actress is a notch in the young performer’s hat!
Millie Bobby Brown Extra
Jessica Steen – Paula Cassidy
Jessica Steen, who came from Canada to play Special Agent Paula Cassidy on the show for the first four seasons, was overjoyed to be cast in the role. However, when her character was killed off in Season 4, it was the end of the road for her. Jessica returned to Canada and starred in Flashpoint, Republic of Doyle, and Heartland, a popular Canadian television drama set in the prairies. Steen attributes her time on NCIS to giving her career the boost it needed at the time.
Jessica Steen Paula Cassidy
Weronika Rosati – Rivka David
Despite her youth, Polish-born actress Weronika Rosati was cast in NCIS as Rivka David, the mother of Ziva and Tali David. She only appeared in one episode at first, with a lot of make-up on to make her look older, but she would return in episodes about Ziva’s memories. Weronika is a well-known actress in Poland, and after making her film debut in Pitbull, she was cast in a minor role in David Lynch’s Inland Empire.
Weronika Rosati Rivka David
Juliette Angelo – Emily Fornell
Juliette Angelo, who has appeared on NCIS several times as Emily Fornell, the daughter of ex-FBI Agent Tobias Fornell, has grown up in front of the camera. But she hasn’t appeared on the show since 2016. She had already appeared in the shows Malibu County and Mad Men before joining NCIS. She has also appeared on stage in productions such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Mary Poppins.
Juliette Angelo Emily Fornell
Margo Harshman – Delilah Fielding
Margo Harshman’s grandmother encouraged her to enter beauty pageants when she was just two years old! She landed her breakthrough role in The Elf Who Didn’t Believe after years of studying the piano, acting, dancing, and gymnastics. In 2013, she portrayed Delilah Fielding, a wheelchair-bound US Department of Defense intelligence analyst who was married to Special Agent Timothy McGee. Margo went on to star in films such as The Center of the Universe and Run of the House after leaving the show.
Margo Harshman Delilah Fielding
Mary Mouser – Kelly Gibbs
Mary Mouser, a child performer, had the kind of early-career that most actors wish for! She appeared in Scrubs, Monk, King of Queens, CSI, and One Life to Live as a child and a teen. On NCIS, she played Kelly Gibbs, the daughter of the main character Gibbs, in a recurring role. She’s gotten some meaty roles in shows like Body of Proof, Frenemies, Netflix’s Cobra Kai, and Mind Field now that she’s all grown up.
Mary Mouser Kelly Gibbs
Pancho Demmings – Gerald Jackson
Actor Pancho Demmings was a part of the original cast list from season one, and he played Gerald Jackson on the show regularly before leaving abruptly. He played Ducky’s assistant medical examiner before being shot and injured by a villain, and then simply vanished. Pancho did not go on the record to explain why he left the show, but he did land better roles on shows like CSI, Bones, 24, and General Hospital.
Pancho Demmings Gerald Jackson
Maria Bello – Jacqueline Sloane
Mario Bello is a well-known actress who has appeared in television shows and films such as Coyote Ugly, Grown Ups 1 & 2, and ER. She also joined the cast of NCIS in 2017, playing Dr. Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane. But, after four years on the show, she left in 2021, bidding Gibbs and his team farewell. Even though she had no acting projects following her departure from NCIS, Bello was busy writing the script for the film The Woman King, which is her big screenwriting debut!
Maria Bello Jacqueline Sloane
Rocky Carroll – Keith Wilkes
Rocky Carroll is an American actor and director who has played Joey Emerson on Roc, Dr. Keith Wilkes in Chicago Hope, and the top boss in NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans. Rocky has now appeared in over 300 episodes of NCIS as Leon Vance, the organization’s Director. Even though he is the place’s leader, he has gradually become a member of the team. Carroll claims that he thought he’d only be on the show for two seasons, but he’s now on his 15th!
Rocky Carroll Keith Wilkes
Stephanie Mello – Cynthia Summer
Stephanie Mello appeared in the film Co-incidence before joining the cast of NCIS, and she also had a recurring role in the teen drama Growing Pains. Cynthia Sumner, an MTAC Tech who was introduced in the third season of NCIS, was played by Mello. She rose through the ranks to become Director Shepard’s assistant, but her relationship with Gibbs was strained. Mello’s character mysteriously vanished by season 5, and she never explained why she left the show so abruptly. She has since moved on to doing bit parts in other TV shows and is rarely seen.
Stephanie Mello Cynthia Summer
Catherin Bell – Sarah MacKenzie
Catherine Bell, a British-American actress, dropped out of school in her sophomore year to pursue modeling opportunities in Japan, and when she returned to the United States, she set her sights on becoming an actress. She went on to star in shows like JAG, Law & Order, and Army Wives. Acting as Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie paid off for her, as she was able to land even bigger projects. She went on to star in the film The Good Witch, as well as all subsequent films and television shows in the franchise.
Catherin Bell Sarah MacKenzie
Abigail Breslin – Sandy
Many famous actors have appeared in an episode or two of NCIS, and fans have no idea who they are! Abigail Breslin, a tiny little child performer who was one of the cutest around, was one of these stars! Abigail was cast in NCIS to play Sandy, a visually challenged child before she became famous for her role in 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine. Since then, her career has taken off, with roles in blockbusters like Signs, My Sister’s Keeper, and the two Zombieland films.
Abigail Breslin Sandy
Susanna Thompson – Hollis Mann
Susanna Thomson made her acting debut in the drama The Book of Daniel in 2006, and the following year, she appeared as Army Lieutenant Colonel Hollis Mann on NCIS as one of Agent Gibbs’ love interests. Her big break came much later, when she was cast in four different roles in the science fiction series Star Trek and the film Star Trek: Voyager. She also starred as psychiatrist Dr. Greta Heints in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
Susanna Thompson Hollis Mann
Marisol Nichols – Zoe Keates
Marisol’s guest appearance as ATF Special Agent Zoe Keates and the girlfriend of NCIS team member Anthony D. DiNozzo could be considered a “celebrity” gig because she had already established a name for herself by then, having appeared on Beverly Hills, 90210, Vegas Vacation, and Scream II. On NCIS, she played ATF Special Agent Zoe Keates and was the girlfriend of NCIS team member Anthony D. DiNozzo. You may have recently seen her on the shows GCB and Teen Wolf on MTV, as well as in actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s music video for the song “I Want Somebody.”
Marisol Nichols Zoe Keates
Jacqueline Obradors – Paloma Reynosa
When Jacqueline Obradors made a three-episode guest appearance on NCIS, she was already well-known in the industry for her roles in Six Days, Seven Nights, NYPD Blue, and A Man Apart, as well as voice work in Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Paloma Reynosa, an unlikely narcotics cartel ringleader, was her character! She kept the NCIS team on their toes and kept them one step ahead of them until Paloma was murdered by her brother!
Jacqueline Obradors Paloma Reynosa
Claudia Black – Extra
Claudia Black, like many other Australian artists, began her career in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. She rose to fame after appearing in several seasons of Farscape and Stargate SG-1. She then made a guest appearance on NCIS as a tattooed, bike-riding narcotics dealer in an episode. She is currently working on voice-over projects for video games such as Call of Duty and animated shows such as Rick and Morty.
Claudia Black Extra
Darby Stanchfield – Shannon Gibbs
Darby Stanchfield made her television debut with the show Diagnoses: Murder after honing her acting skills on stage. She also appeared in the films The Picture of Dorian Gray and Waitress. Then she was cast as Shannon Gibbs, Jethro Gibbs’ deceased wife, who appeared in his NCIS memories on occasion. Her time on the show was brief, and she rose to prominence after portraying Abby Whelan in the political drama Scandal. We saw her in Gladiator Wanted and The Noise after that.
Darby Stanchfield Shannon Gibbs
Sarah Clarke – Tess Monroe
Sarah Clarke had already established herself as Nina Myers on the action show 24 when she first appeared on NCIS as a guest star. In the 2008 film Twilight, she played Bella Swan’s mother! NCIS teased her return after a guest appearance, but her character, FBI Special Agent Tess Monroe, would only be a recurring role. Since then, you’ve probably seen her on shows like Trust Me, Covert Affairs, and Bosch on Amazon.
Sarah Clarke Tess Monroe
Laura San Giacomo – Grace Confalone
Laura San Giacomo has made several guest appearances on NCIS as Dr. Grace Confalone, but she has remained a minor character in the series. In the show, she became Gibbs’ confidante and someone he went to for advice. Laura is rarely seen in movies or on TV these days, but her two most popular projects are Pretty Woman (where she played Julia Roberts’ best friend) and Just Shoot Me!, a comedy show. We hope to see her on NCIS or elsewhere soon!
Laura San Giacomo Grace Confalone
Penny Johnson Jerald – Joenna Torrence
Penny Johnson Jerald reprised her recurring role of Department Official Joanne Torrence in one of NCIS’s milestone shows, the 150th episode, alongside many other stars. In addition to her appearances in October Road, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, 24, The 4400, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Orville, Penny has also starred in another popular television show, Castle, for four seasons as captain Victoria Gates. Celeste’s Dream, a 2020 film, was her most recent appearance.
Penny Johnson Jerald Joenna Torrence
Lily Tomlin – Penelope Langston
Lily Tomlin is an award-winning actress, comedian, writer, and producer who has worked in the entertainment industry since the 1960s. Tea with Mussolini, Grandma, and the Netflix series Grace and Frankie starred the Emmy, SAG, and Grammy award-winning actress alongside Jane Fonda. Fans were delighted to see Lily in the 9th season of NCIS in 2011 as Penelope Langston, the grandmother of NCIS Agent Timothy McGee. Since then, she hasn’t appeared on the show.
Lily Tomlin Penelope Langston
Louise Lombard – Lauren Hunter
It’s easy to become attached to television shows and their characters, and Lauren Hunter, played by actress Louise Lombard, was one such character on NCIS. Even though she was only on the show for two episodes, her sudden and fiery death left fans heartbroken because they were invested in her! They will, however, be able to see her in the 2020 film After We Collided. Hidalgo, Casualty, CSI, The Mentalist, and How to Get Away with Murder are just a few of her previous projects.
Louise Lombard Lauren Hunter
Clare Carey – Ann Gibbs
Clare Carey began her acting career in the late 1980s and has since made numerous guest appearances on major television shows such as Point Pleasant, Coach, Jericho, and So Little Time. She was an on-again, off-again member of the NCIS cast, where she played Ann Gibbs. When she was called back for NCIS: New Orleans and cast as Anne Boudreau, she played her cards right. Clare continues to act professionally and has a happy family with her husband Seth Seaberg and their two children.
Clare Carey Ann Gibbs
Mary Stuart Masterson – Jenne Flemming
Before joining NCIS in 2017, Mary Stuart Masterson was already a well-known and prolific actress. She’d previously appeared in the shows Blindspot and Nine, as well as the films Skin, Chances Are, and Green Fried Tomatoes. She played Maryland Congresswoman Jenna Flemming on NCIS, and she was a member of the House Counterterrorism Subcommittee on the show. She is so taken with Gibbs that she offers to make him the new Director of NCIS, and we all know how that turned out!
Mary Stuart Masterson Jenne Flemming
Michelle Pierce – Breena Palmer
Michelle Pierce landed roles in Days of Our Lives, CSI: NY, Desperate Housewives, and Criminal Minds shortly after graduating from UCLA. Michelle was cast in the role of Breena Palmer, the wife of NCIS lead Jimmy Palmer, and had all the makings of a regular role after only a few appearances. Breena’s role was cut short in a sad storyline, and she was tragically killed off after receiving COVID-19, leaving Jimmy to care for their daughter alone. Michelle will undoubtedly appear in more new television projects in the future.
Michelle Pierce Breena Palmer
Catherine Dent – Danielle Sofer
Catherine Dent was well-known for her role as Danielle “Danny” Sofer on the television drama The Shield long before she was considered for a role on NCIS. She rose to prominence after appearing as a guest star in several other television shows, including Arrow, Outcast, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., among many others. Dent only appeared in two episodes of NCIS as Officer Danny Sofer, but he left an indelible impression on the show’s viewers.
Catherine Dent Danielle Sofer
Zoe McLellan – Jennifer Coates
Actress Zoe McLellan teamed up with the cast of the lawyer procedural show JAG to play Petty Officer Jennifer Coates, a recurring character who would later become a regular during the final season. She made guest appearances on The Mentalist and House before starring in NCIS as Special Agent Meredith Brody. She then landed a lead role in NCIS: New Orleans for the first two seasons before leaving after the third season. Zoe had a successful career, appearing in shows like Star Trek: Voyager, Dungeons and Dragons, and Designated Survivor.
Zoe McLellan Jennifer Coates
Jaime Ray Newman – Chaplain Burke
Jaime Ray Newman is best known for her roles in General Hospital, Veronica Mars, Eastwick, Skin, and Stargate Atlantis. When Jaime was cast in NCIS as a Navy Lieutenant Commander Chaplain Burke working as a Navy Yard chaplain, she was fresh off the boat from her brief CSI: NY appearance (for which she received a lot of love from the fans). She aided the team in their investigation into a mysterious military plane crash. She went on to guest star in the supernatural television show Grimm after her time on NCIS.
Jaime Ray Newman Chaplain Burke
Melinda McGraw – Diane Sterling
Melinda McGraw’s first major role was in The Commish, and she went on to play Agent Scully’s sister in The X-Files, a popular sci-fi show. She appeared as a guest on NCIS in the ninth and twelfth seasons, teaming up with her two ex-husbands, NCIS team members Tobias and Gibbs, to catch her third husband! She went on to star in the shows Crisis and State of Affairs after that recurring role. Her film credits, however, are even more impressive, as she has appeared in blockbusters such as The Dark Knight and The Pursuit of Happyness.
Melinda McGraw Diane Sterling
CCH Pounder – Loretta Wade
Loretta Wade, the team’s coroner, was played by CCH Pounder, who provides crucial information to the NCIS team for forensics and autopsies. Onscreen, the Harvard graduate moved to New Orleans after finishing medical school and then went on to star in NCIS: New Orleans. Pounder has appeared in several shows and films, including Avatar 2, Women in Prison, Sons of Anarchy, The Shield, and E.R., in addition to NCIS: New Orleans.
CCH Pounder Loretta Wade
Paula Newsome – Jackie Vance
We’ve already met Director Leon Vance on NCIS, and for ten years, he returned home to his happy family every night. Jackie Vance, his wife’s character, was played by actress Paula Newsome, and she was killed off in the tenth season because he was too happy at home! Paula went on to guest star in How to Get Away with Murder, Cougar Town, and Castle after her time on NCIS. In two seasons of Chicago Med, she played CeCe, a much more substantial role.
Paula Newsome Jackie Vance
Sasha Alexander – Caitlin Todd
The name of the lovely actress Sasha Alexander, who has been a part of the series since its inception, can be found on the original cast list. Unfortunately, she would leave the show in its second season, requesting to be let go because she was working too hard! Sasha got her own popular show after leaving NCIS, the cop drama Rizzoli & Isles, and has also appeared on Law & Order: SVU, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shameless.
Sasha Alexander Caitlin Todd
Jennifer Esposito – Alex Quinn
Jennifer Esposito, an American actress, is better known for her work on television than in films, but she has starred in several notable films. She has also appeared in Law and Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, and Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, in addition to the films Crash, Taxi, and Summer of Sam. How could we forget that she also appeared on NCIS, even if her time on the show was brief but memorable? She joined the cast as Alex Quinn in 2016, but her character was killed off by the end of the season.
Jennifer Esposito Alex Quinn
Eric Christian Olsen – Marty Deeks
On the hit, CBS show NCIS: Los Angeles, actor Eric Christian Olsen has played Marty Deeks since the show’s first season in 2009. His sense of humor and cute relationship with Kensi (played by his real wife, Daniela Ruah) on the show was a hit, despite being chastised for his “unprofessional” looking long curly blond hair. He recently debunked rumors that he was leaving the show and has decided to stay. In fact, for the show’s 11th season, he has written an episode. The Hot Chick and Dumb and Dumber are two of his earlier films.
Eric Christian Olsen Marty Deeks
Jackie Geary – Susan Grady
Jackie Geary went on to become an actress and a director after graduating from Barnard College. She played Agent Susan Grady on NCIS, a character who appeared on and off throughout the series and was seen tracing a lady who always seemed to be after Agent Tim McGee, played by actor Sean Murray. She has also appeared as Amber Foley in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and as a guest star on Rizzoli & Isles and Bones. She’s also appeared in a few films, including White House Down and Polar Opposites.
Jackie Geary Susan Grady
Renee Felice Smith – Nell Jones
Since the premiere of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009, actress Renée Felice Smith has played the role of NCIS analyst Nell Jones. She had only been acting for a year, in 2008, when she landed an incredible role on such a popular show! Nell’s character was written off the show after 11 years and many different story arcs because Renée decided to leave after 11 years and seasons. If you can’t remember where you last saw her, she was in an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the 2017 film The Relationtrip.
Renee Felice Smith Nell Jones
Connie Jackson – Elaine
Connie Jackson is not only an attractive actress, but she is also a successful producer. Connie would join the cast of NCIS as Elaine, a waitress who was frequently seen with the lead character, Agent Gibbs, at the diner where he frequented. In addition to NCIS, she has appeared in numerous television commercials, appeared as a guest on How to Get Away with Murder, and was a backing vocalist on Phil Collins’ 2004 world tour! My Name is Lamar, an award-winning short film, was produced by her in 2017.
Connie Jackson Elaine
Nina Foch – Victoria Mallard
Nina Foch ruled the roost as a leading actress in Hollywood for six glorious decades, mostly as a cool, aloof sophisticate. Foch’s name can be found in the credits of at least 50 feature films and over 100 television shows where she has appeared as a guest star. My Name Is Julia Ross and An American in Paris are among her film credits, and she recently added the elderly character of Dr. “Ducky” Mallard’s sassy mother to the list! Nina loved teaching students at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, which she did until she died in 2008 from natural causes.
Nina Foch Victoria Mallard
Virginia Williams – Leah Ramsey
Actress Virginia Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from Fordham University and went on to study Shakespeare at Oxford University and the British American Drama Academy in London. She has some impressive credentials, so she’s more than just a pretty face and starlet. In 1995, Williams made her big-screen debut in the long-running soap opera One Life to Live. She was cast as Leah Ramsey in a guest role on NCIS. She was most recently seen in the reboot of Full House, Fuller House, as C.J., Steve’s love interest.
Virginia Williams Leah Ramsey
Brigid Brannagh – Catherine Reynolds
Brigid Brannagh appeared in only one episode of NCIS as Catherine Reynolds when Gibbs and Kate met her at a mental hospital where she was admitted. She was a suspect until she was killed off at the end of the episode! Brigid has an impressive resume as an actress, having appeared in several other shows such as CSI and Legacy. Pamela Moran, a recurring character on Army Wives for six seasons, was one of her most well-known roles. She was most recently seen in the Hallmark film Crush on You and the independent film Not That Funny.
Brigid Brannagh Catherine Reynolds
Wendy Makkena – Rachel Cranston
Wendy Makkena started her career in the show business in 1986 when she starred in the television show Santa Barbara. Although she has appeared in minor roles in a few commercial films, she is best known for her work on television shows. She had a small role in NCIS as Dr. Rachel Cranston, a psychologist tasked with conducting one-on-one interviews with the entire NCIS team. She turned out to be the sister of Agent Kate Todd, who appeared in the first two seasons of the show. Sister Mary Robert in the 1992 cult classic Sister Act is one of her most memorable roles.
Wendy Makkena Rachel Cranston
Wilmer Valderrama – Nicholas Torres
He is an Emmy-nominated actor, producer, and activist best known for his role as Fez on the Emmy-nominated series That ’70s Show. Wilmer portrayed Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres on NCIS from 2016 to 2021, and his ‘bromance’ with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Gibbs has become legendary on the show! He recently left the show and has a long list of credits, including roles in films like Larry Crowne and television shows like Minority Report, Raising Hope, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Wilmer Valderrama Nicholas Torres
Linda Hunt – Henrietta Lange
Linda Hunt is an Oscar-nominated actress who is best known for her roles in films such as The Year of Living Dangerously, Stranger Than Fiction, and Kindergarten Cop. She’s also no stranger to television, having appeared in shows like The Practice and Space Rangers before landing the role of Henrietta “Hetty” Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles. She has been playing this role since 2009, and she continues to play it regularly when the storyline calls for it.
Linda Hunt Henrietta Lange
Carla Gallo – Melissa Wheeler Fox
Carla Gallo was a character actress who appeared in several television shows, including Californication, Bones, Undeclared, and several Judd Apatow productions. She appeared in one episode of NCIS as Melissa Wheeler Fox, the daughter of an ex-Navy officer who died 17 years ago in a mysterious fire. The episode would feature a shocking reveal, as the show did frequently! Neighbors, Get Him to the Greek, and We Bought a Zoo are among Carlo’s more recent film credits.
Carla Gallo Melissa Wheeler Fox
Scottie Thompson – Jeanne Benoit
Scottie Thompson is best known for her role as Dr. Jeanne Benoit on NCIS, in which she was betrayed by the show’s lead, Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly). She left the show in 2016 and only returned in 2020 to play a different role in the spin-off series NCIS: Los Angeles. Meanwhile, she appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Castle, Graceland, 12 Monkeys, and The Blacklist, among other shows.
Scottie Thompson Jeanne Benoit
Michael Weatherly – Anthony DiNozzo Jr.
Michael Weatherly portrayed the oh-so-charming and handsome Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS for 13 seasons. Because he was a main character on the show and played Agent Gibbs’ right-hand man, he got a lot of screen time, unlike some of the other characters. Weatherly left NCIS in 2016 and went on to work on a new show on the same network, Bull. In 2020, he will reprise his role as Tony DiNozzo on Bull for its fifth season. Michael admits that this was a welcome change for him after spending so much time on NCIS!
Michael Weatherly Anthony DiNozzo Jr.
Marco Sanchez – Alejandro Rivera
Before joining NCIS in the recurring role of Alejandro Rivera, who works for the Mexican Justice Department and is a liaison for a DC task force, mingling with many of the NCIS team members, actor Marco Sanchez had already appeared in Steven Spielberg’s Sea Quest DSV and Walker, Texas Ranger. Marco has appeared in episodes of Dollhouse, The Client List, 24, Desperate Housewives, The Mentalist, and Bones since then, as well as in the films Star Trek Into the Darkness and The Rookie. In addition, he established his own production company.
Marco Sanchez Alejandro Rivera
China Anne McClain – Delilah Vance
Delilah Vance, the daughter of Director Vance and his wife, was played by a young China Anne McClain on NCIS. They paint a picture of a very happy family that is perfect in every way. Although her time on the show was brief, it opened many doors for her, and she was cast as a child actress in Disney shows such as A.N.T Farm, Jonas, and Hannah Montana. China, who is in her early twenties, has already appeared in the films Blood Brothers, Black Lightning, and the Descendent. Disney kids go a long way!
China Anne McClain Delilah Vance
Julie Benz – Denise Johnson
Julie Marie Benz Orosco, also known as Julie Benz, is best known for her roles as Darla on Angel and Buffy the Vampire Hunter, as well as Rita Bennett on Dexter. She appeared in one episode of NCIS as Denise Johnson, the wife of a deceased Navy Seal whose death was being investigated by the NCIS. Julie went on to play roles in Desperate Housewives, Hawaii Five-O, and No Ordinary Family on television. She is happily married to her current husband, a television producer.
Julie Benz Denise Johnson
Matt Jones – Ned Dorneget
In the ninth season of NCIS, Matt Jones was cast as under-probation agent Ned Dorneget, a recurring character. He gained a lot of popularity in only 6 episodes. However, in the season 12 finale episode, he is tragically killed by a bomb! Matt moved on to supporting roles on Breaking Bad, Mom, The Office, and Let’s Get Physical. He even returned to CBS to star in Bob Hearts Abishola, a sitcom. He also has a role in the animated series F Is for Family, in which he voices a character.
Matt Jones Ned Dorneget
Robert Wagner – Anthony DiNozzo Sr.
When Robert Wagner joined NCIS, he was one of the few living Hollywood legends who had graced the small screen. He has a long and illustrious career that includes roles in shows like Hart to Hart and films like The Towering Inferno and Titanic from 1953. He portrayed Anthony DiNozzo Sr., Michael Weatherly’s father, on NCIS. Between 2010 and 2019, he appeared in 13 episodes before disappearing from the show. The show’s producers stated that they would love to have Robert return, but due to the pandemic and his advanced age (he’s 91! ), they decided to give him a break until it was safe to do so.
Robert Wagner Anthony DiNozzo Sr.