“Behind the Scenes Secrets: NCIS Actors Reveal the Shocking Reasons Why Playing an Autopsy Dead Body is the Worst Experience – You Won’t Believe What They Endure!”

Portraying a dead body in an autopsy scene on the hit CBS show NCIS might seem like an easy task, but it’s often considered one of the most challenging jobs in television. NCIS, originally a spinoff of JAG, is currently in its 19th season and has seen various character changes over the years, with Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs recently leaving after Mark Harmon’s departure from the series regular role.

One constant in any NCIS episode, regardless of the cast, is the presence of a dead body or two. When these bodies are found under suspicious circumstances, the team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service assembles to work together to solve the case. After examining the crime scene, the deceased bodies are sent to the NCIS headquarters autopsy room for Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen) to perform his autopsy. While viewers might wonder if these corpses are fake or real, it might surprise them to learn that many of these “bodies” are portrayed by actual actors.

Although playing a corpse might appear straightforward, it’s a more complex and uncomfortable role than one might think. Over the years, some of the stars of the CBS show have shared that it’s a challenging part to get right. Lying on a cold metal table in the autopsy room isn’t just about “playing dead,” especially during long filming days.

Executive producer Mark Horowitz explained in a behind-the-scenes episode titled “Inside NCIS Autopsy: Bodies of Work” that some people are eager to play the role of a dead body on the show. While prosthetic bodies can look remarkably realistic, there’s something about real skin and the way light interacts with it, which makeup can replicate, that adds an extra layer of authenticity. This is particularly true for actors who weren’t specifically hired for this role as extras. For example, the memorable shock death of Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander) in season 2 made her appearance “from the grave” more memorable.

Horowitz admitted that he’s honest with potential candidates about the challenges they’ll face, saying, “I tell them, I am very upfront, I say it’s horrible, this is the worst job you’ll ever have… I try to root out the faint of heart as early as possible. And if they’re going to be in one of these sliding doors, we talk all about claustrophobia.”

Brian Dietzen, who plays Ducky’s successor, also shared his perspective on the less-than-welcoming environment. He pointed out that actors have to lie on a cold, nearly naked on a metal table with a hot light shining on their private areas while holding their breath and remaining completely still during filming.

David McCallum, who plays Ducky Mallard, echoed this sentiment during an interview. He emphasized the need to keep the actors warm, happy, and safe in this unusual role.

While it may sound like a challenging and unpleasant job, playing dead bodies on NCIS has even helped some actors conquer personal phobias. For instance, actor Walter Fauntleroy, who portrayed Petty Officer Lamar Finn in Season 13, overcame his claustrophobia while being moved in and out of the autopsy room’s cadaver drawer.

In summary, the role of portraying a deceased body on NCIS might be far from glamorous, but it’s one that requires actors to have a strong constitution and overcome various challenges, making it a unique and memorable experience for those involved.