NCIS” has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2003, and the fan-favorite drama shows no signs of slowing down. The CBS series follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they tackle various crimes.
The first season of “NCIS” featured lead actors Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, and David McCallum. Over the course of 21 seasons, the cast has evolved with several actors coming and going.
Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs, exited the series in October 2021 after 18 seasons. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in August 2022, Harmon reflected on his departure, stating, “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did.” He added that Gibbs is still part of the NCIS universe, living in Alaska as far as he knows.
Mark Harmon
Harmon starred as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 18 seasons until his departure in October 2021. Following his exit, CBS announced a prequel, “NCIS: Origins,” which will explore the life of a young Gibbs. While Harmon will not portray Gibbs, he will narrate the series and serve as an executive producer.
Sasha Alexander
Alexander played Special Agent Caitlin Todd from 2003 to 2005 and returned for guest appearances in 2012 and 2015. Post-NCIS, she starred in TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles” from 2010 to 2016 and “Shameless” from 2015 to 2016. Alexander married director Edoardo Ponti in 2007, and they have two children, Lucia and Leonardo.
Michael Weatherly
Weatherly, who portrayed “Very” Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, left NCIS in May 2016 after 13 years to star in the legal drama “Bull,” which aired from 2016 to 2022. In December 2018, the New York Times reported that Weatherly’s “Bull” co-star Eliza Dushku received a $9.5 million settlement from CBS after alleging he made sexually suggestive comments. Weatherly apologized, and the show continued for three more seasons. In February 2024, Weatherly returned to NCIS for an episode honoring the late David McCallum and announced his role in a new NCIS spinoff.
Pauley Perrette
Perrette left her role as Abby Sciuto in 2017 after 15 seasons. Following her exit, she claimed to have experienced “multiple physical assaults” on the set of one of her shows. In May 2018, she tweeted about the incidents, expressing her frustration with the situation. CBS responded, stating they worked with her to resolve the issue and emphasized their commitment to a safe work environment. After leaving NCIS, Perrette starred in the 2020 sitcom “Broke.”
Cote de Pablo
De Pablo, who played Ziva David, left NCIS in 2013 after starring from season 3 to season 10. She returned as a recurring character in season 17, airing from 2019 to 2020. Post-NCIS, de Pablo starred in the film “The 33” and the miniseries “The Dovekeepers.” In February 2024, she announced her return to the NCIS franchise in a new spinoff series.
Emily Wickersham
Wickersham, who played NSA analyst Eleanor Bishop, left NCIS in 2021 after 8 seasons. She has since taken a break from acting to focus on raising her son, Cassius, born in December 2021 with partner James Badge Dale.
Jennifer Esposito
Esposito, who played Alexandra “Alex” Quinn, left NCIS after one season in 2017. She has since appeared in shows like “Blindspot,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Boys,” and “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,” and in films such as “Speed Kills,” “Mary,” “Mob Town,” “Somewhere in Queens,” and “Fresh Kills.” Esposito married Jesper Vesterstrøm in 2020.
Duane Henry
Henry, who played agent Henry Reeves, left NCIS in 2018 after two seasons. He explained that the decision was made because neither he nor the producers knew how to develop his character following the death of NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg in 2016. Since leaving, Henry has appeared in “A Gingerbread Romance” and “Captain Marvel.”
Maria Bello
Bello, who played Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane, left NCIS in 2021 after four seasons. She recently starred in the 2023 film “Beef.”