‘NCIS’ Stars: Where Are They Now?
Two decades in, ‘NCIS’ has grown into a whole universe, and its cast has branched into new shows, films, directing gigs, and life milestones. Some are still catching bad guys on Tuesday nights while others are steering spin-offs, producing movies, or taking a well-earned step back from acting. Here’s a quick catch-up on the faces fans know best and what they’re doing today. Consider this your one-stop refresher before you dive back into a new episode.
Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon stepped away from playing Leroy Jethro Gibbs but remains deeply involved with the franchise. He serves as an executive producer and provides narration on the prequel series ‘NCIS: Origins’. His behind-the-scenes role includes shaping storylines and guiding new cast members who play younger versions of familiar characters. He also participates in milestone celebrations for the franchise and continues to appear in special features tied to the series.
Michael Weatherly

Michael Weatherly returned to the role of Anthony DiNozzo in the 2025 streaming spin-off ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’. The series follows Tony and Ziva on the run and co-parenting Tali while untangling an international conspiracy. Weatherly also serves as an executive producer and helped develop the show’s direction with the creative team. He has been active in promotions and fan events tied to the spin-off’s weekly releases.
Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo reprised Ziva David for ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ after previously guesting on the flagship series. She is an executive producer on the spin-off and has been involved in shaping Ziva’s arc and the show’s European settings. De Pablo also co-hosted an official franchise rewatch podcast with Weatherly to revisit classic episodes. Her recent press appearances have focused on how the new series reconnects Ziva and Tony’s story for longtime fans.
Sean Murray

Sean Murray continues as Timothy McGee on ‘NCIS’ and is back for Season 23 in fall 2025. His character remains a senior field agent who mentors newer team members and bridges the show’s long history with current cases. Murray regularly features in cast interviews and network promos that highlight the season’s serialized arcs. He also participates in franchise crossover teases that link the main series with newer entries.
Brian Dietzen

Brian Dietzen remains on ‘NCIS’ as Chief Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer and continues to contribute as a writer. He co-wrote the 2024 tribute episode that honored David McCallum and has since collaborated on additional scripts. Dietzen appears at fan events to discuss the evolving medical stories and how they connect to larger season plots. He is a go-to voice for behind-the-scenes insights about the writers room.
Rocky Carroll

Rocky Carroll is back as Director Leon Vance and also directs episodes for the main series. His on-screen role has deepened with decisions that affect the team’s autonomy and the season’s serialized investigations. Carroll marks franchise milestones with the network and shares directing notes in interviews around midseason episodes. He continues to be a steady presence in crossover planning within the ‘NCIS’ universe.
Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama returns as Nick Torres with a storyline that threads personal stakes into Season 23’s cases. He actively promotes the show’s big arc that carries over from the Season 22 finale. Valderrama also participates in crossover buzz that connects ‘NCIS’ to ‘NCIS: Origins’. Off set, he supports franchise events and charity appearances tied to veteran and first-responder causes.
Katrina Law

Katrina Law remains part of the core team as Jessica Knight during the new season’s rollout. Her character’s future has been a frequent topic in interviews, with producers addressing concerns while keeping plot turns under wraps. Law has continued press duties for the series and attends fan conventions tied to franchise anniversaries. Personal life updates surfaced in 2025, but on screen she remains central to tactical operations and team dynamics.
Gary Cole

Gary Cole leads the team on ‘NCIS’ as Alden Parker and anchors the serialized storyline introduced at the end of Season 22. Season 23 explores the aftermath of a family tragedy that drives several early episodes. Cole has discussed Parker’s darker headspace and how the team keeps him grounded through high-risk cases. He also appears in press materials that tease connections to other shows in the franchise.
Diona Reasonover

Diona Reasonover continues as Kasie Hines, expanding the show’s forensic tech and cybersecurity angles. She appears in official aftershows and cast features that break down lab work and evidence sequences. Reasonover engages fans on social platforms with behind-the-scenes content about props and procedures. She remains active in outreach efforts that highlight STEM education and science careers.
Emily Wickersham

Emily Wickersham departed ‘NCIS’ in 2021 after eight seasons as Ellie Bishop. Since leaving, she has kept a low public profile, focusing on family life and select creative projects away from weekly television. Wickersham has discussed her decision to step back and how the timing aligned with personal milestones. She occasionally appears in franchise podcasts or interviews reflecting on her years with the show.
Pauley Perrette

Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto, has stated that she has retired from acting and does not plan to return. She has focused on advocacy and documentary work that aligns with her personal interests. Perrette occasionally updates fans about charitable projects and community initiatives. She remains one of the franchise’s most recognized alumni due to Abby’s impact on pop culture.
David McCallum

David McCallum, beloved as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, passed away in September 2023 at age 90. ‘NCIS’ honored him with a 2024 tribute episode that featured returning faces and a final case tied to Ducky’s files. The episode included archival moments and a eulogy that celebrated his decades-long connection to the show. The franchise continues to reference Ducky’s legacy across newer series and special features.
Sasha Alexander

Sasha Alexander, who portrayed Caitlin Todd in the early seasons, moved into directing, producing, and theater work. In 2025 she took on stage projects in Los Angeles while also developing lifestyle and conversation-driven content. Alexander maintains a strong presence on social platforms to share updates on creative ventures. She collaborates with partners on entrepreneurial efforts outside traditional television.
Lauren Holly

Lauren Holly, known as Director Jenny Shepard, has continued working in film and television while engaging with fans online. She has appeared in series and movies across the U.S. and Canada and supports arts and education initiatives. Holly discusses her time on ‘NCIS’ during interviews that revisit the show’s leadership arcs. She also contributes to panel events that examine women in law-enforcement dramas.
Maria Bello

Maria Bello, who played Jack Sloane, left ‘NCIS’ in 2021 and expanded her focus on producing and international film work. She helped develop ‘The Woman King’ and has continued to shepherd projects with global settings. Bello balances producing with acting appearances in new film and streaming titles. She also speaks at industry events about building opportunities for women behind the camera.
Share your favorite ‘NCIS’ memories and which cast member you want to see return or cross over next in the comments.


