For twelve seasons, Barrett Foa charmed NCIS: Los Angeles viewers as the quirky and indispensable tech operator Eric Beale. From his initial role in the Ops Center to his surprising forays into field work, Eric became a beloved member of the team. However, after his character departed in the Season 12 finale to embark on a new venture in Tokyo with Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith), fans have often wondered if and when Foa might return to the franchise. While the door was seemingly left open, Foa’s burgeoning new life and career path strongly suggest that an NCIS comeback isn’t currently on his radar.
Curtain Up on a New Act: Foa’s Return to His First Love
While NCIS: Los Angeles provided Foa with a significant platform and a dedicated fanbase, his true passion lies in the world of live theatre. Throughout his time on the show, Foa consistently returned to the stage during hiatuses, showcasing his talents in various productions. He boasts an impressive theatrical resume, including Broadway roles in Mamma Mia! and Avenue Q, as well as originating roles in off-Broadway productions. This deep-seated love for the stage and the immediate connection with a live audience has always been a driving force in his career.
From Ops to the Stage: Embracing Diverse Roles
Since his departure from NCIS: Los Angeles in 2021, Foa has fully immersed himself in his theatrical pursuits. He has taken on challenging and diverse roles, demonstrating his range and commitment to live performance. Notably, he starred as Prior Walter in Tony Kushner’s acclaimed play Angels in America, a demanding role that garnered him critical praise. This return to complex and layered characters on stage appears to be fulfilling a creative need that perhaps wasn’t always met within the procedural format of NCIS: Los Angeles.
A New Leading Role: Becoming the First Gentleman
Adding another exciting dimension to his post-NCIS life, Foa has landed a significant recurring role in the upcoming Netflix mystery drama series The Residence. Produced by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland, the series is a “screwball whodunnit” set in the White House. Foa will portray Elliot Morgan, the First Gentleman of the United States. This marks Foa’s first major television role since leaving NCIS: Los Angeles and signifies a new chapter in his on-screen career, taking him away from the familiar world of NCIS and into a completely different genre and character.
Finding Fulfillment Off-Screen: Contributing to the Arts Community
Beyond acting, Foa has also dedicated his time and talents to community causes and non-profit theatre organizations. He has been involved with Project Shaw, a concert reading series of George Bernard Shaw’s plays, and has also served on the board of Every Day Action, a non-profit focused on reducing food waste on film sets. This commitment to giving back to the arts community and engaging in meaningful off-screen endeavors further illustrates a life that extends beyond the realm of mainstream television.
A Satisfying Conclusion (For Now): Eric Beale’s Tokyo Adventure
While fans undoubtedly miss Eric Beale’s quirky brilliance in the Ops Center, his departure was given a satisfying narrative conclusion. His move to Tokyo with Nell to pursue new opportunities provided a sense of closure for their characters’ arcs. While the showrunners have mentioned leaving the door open for potential returns, Foa’s active engagement in new and fulfilling projects suggests that revisiting his role as Eric Beale isn’t a priority at this time. His focus appears to be firmly set on exploring new creative avenues and embracing the opportunities that his post-NCIS life has presented.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Well Underway
Barrett Foa’s departure from NCIS: Los Angeles marked the end of an era for fans who loved his portrayal of Eric Beale. However, Foa’s vibrant and thriving new life, characterized by a return to his theatrical roots and exciting new television ventures like The Residence, clearly indicates a fulfilling and busy schedule that likely doesn’t leave room for an NCIS comeback in the near future. While the possibility of a future guest appearance can never be entirely ruled out, Foa’s current trajectory suggests that he is enthusiastically embracing a new chapter in his career, much to the delight of his longtime supporters who appreciate his talent across various platforms.
