When NCIS first hit the small screens back in 2003, no one could have guessed it would become a whole empire with a bunch of spinoffs and drama. Now in its 22nd season, the show has given us crime-solving, explosions, fun banter, and a cast of characters fans still talk about decades later. But where are the original stars now? Let’s pay them a visit.
1. Cote de Pablo (Ziva David)
Though she didn’t join until season 3, Cote de Pablo’s Ziva quickly became a fan favorite. After a break between seasons 11 and 17, she returned briefly, and now she’s back in a big way with NCIS: Tony & Ziva. She also co-hosted the Off Duty podcast, keeping fans connected while gearing up for her on-screen return.
2. Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd)
After her shocking exit in season 2, Sasha Alexander has been very busy. In 2023, she popped up on Law & Order as Congresswoman Kristin Bartell and made a one-episode appearance on The Morning Show. She also joined the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast, sparking rumors she might direct or cameo in the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff. No confirmation yet, but fans are keeping their fingers crossed.
3. Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto)
Abby’s adorable pigtails and not-so-adorable goth demeanor made her unforgettable, but Pauley Perrette has mostly stepped away from acting since leaving in 2018 after a clash with Mark Harmon. She starred in the CBS comedy Broke for one season and directed the documentary Citizen Lane. These days, she’s more focused on activism, speaking out on LGBTQ+ and social issues.
Perrette also revealed in an interview she had a stroke in 2021, but don’t worry, she’s all good now. Pauley Perrette has officially closed the curtain on her acting career—and she’s not looking back. Her words make it clear—“never again” step into another role.
“I’m not ungrateful for the benefits that it gave to me,” she reflected. “But I’m a different person now and I want to be here for it – the good and the bad and the painful. I want to be me all the time, and it takes a good amount of courage for me to say that to myself but it’s authentically how I feel.”
4. David McCallum (Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard)
David McCallum was a core part of NCIS for 20 long seasons, but sadly, the beloved actor passed away in September 2023 at 90. His career spanned from The Great Escape all the way to The Man From U.N.C.L.E., to lending his unique voice to video game characters, including NCIS’s own Ducky. In February 2024, the show aired a moving tribute episode celebrating his life and legacy, reminding fans why he was such a cherished part of the NCIS family.
5. Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer)
Starting as Ducky’s assistant in season 1, Brian Dietzen worked his way up to fan-favorite status. By season 10, he was a series regular, and by season 19, he was co-writing episodes, proving he’s just as talented behind the camera. Dietzen has also popped up on NCIS: Hawaii and NCIS: New Orleans, making sure the name Jimmy Palmer stretches across the whole franchise. In 2020, Brian experienced a dual embolic stroke but thankfully made a full recovery.
6. Michael Weatherly (Anthony DiNozzo)
The fan-favorite agent DiNozzo said goodbye in 2016 but made a surprise comeback in February 2024 for the emotional tribute episode honoring David McCallum. And now Weatherly will headline NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside Cote de Pablo, reuniting the beloved duo at last. Like many other NCIS stars, he also hosted the Off Duty podcast, giving fans behind-the-scenes stories until its last episode in November 2024.
7. Sean Murray (Timothy McGee)
From a recurring guest star in season 1 to the lead in season 20, Sean Murray has become the steady heartbeat of NCIS. With over two decades on the show, he’s now the longest-running cast member and shows no signs of slowing down. Aside from occasional guest spots elsewhere, NCIS is his bread and butter. Fans love him for that!
8. Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)
The heart and soul of NCIS for nearly two decades, Mark Harmon may have stepped back from the spotlight, but retire he did not. NCIS fans will see him soon in the Freaky Friday sequel—Freakier Friday (on Disney+), reprising his role as Ryan opposite Jamie Lee Curtis. For NCIS diehards, Harmon hasn’t gone far, as his velvety voice can be heard narrating NCIS: Origins, and he’s still flexing his producer muscles. By the way, that’s a gig he started way back in 2008 with the original series and just kept it running in the background all these years.
