5 Jaw-Dropping Facts You Never Knew About NCIS Star Emily Wickersham!

Emily Wickersham, who has been captivating audiences as NSA analyst Ellie Bishop on NCIS since 2013, has had a varied career in television and film. In addition to her role on NCIS, she’s also appeared in popular shows like Gossip Girl and The Bridge, as well as in the movie I Am Number Four. Here are five quick facts about the talented actress:

Early Life

Born on April 26, 1984, in Mamaroneck, New York, Wickersham spent two years at Muhlenberg College before leaving to pursue a career in acting.

Family Heritage

Wickersham’s striking features reflect her diverse heritage. On her mother’s side, she has Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry from Russia and Austria-Hungary, while her father’s lineage includes Swedish and Canadian roots.

First Big Break

Her first significant recurring TV role came in The Sopranos, where she portrayed Rhiannon Flammer in four episodes.

College Trouble

During an appearance on the Rachael Ray Show, Wickersham shared a humorous anecdote about getting into trouble for using a fake ID to buy beer at a pub—a mishap that even landed her on the cover of her college newspaper.

From Recurring to Regular

Wickersham joined NCIS in Season 11 as a recurring character, initially filling the gap left by Cote de Pablo’s Ziva David. Her character, Ellie Bishop, quickly became a series regular, and she was instrumental in uncovering the truth about Ziva’s possible survival.