NCIS has been a staple of viewing for, what feels like, forever, and with its numerous spin-offs, the NCIS universe is vast. You’d be forgiven for thinking you know everything about the show, but did you know that some actors have popped up in NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and even JAG (the show that started it all!) as completely different characters? Prepare to have your mind blown!
It’s a common practice in long-running franchises to bring back familiar faces, but NCIS takes it to another level. This isn’t just about background actors; we’re talking about performers with significant roles, sometimes even interacting with the main cast in completely different contexts.
Why Does This Happen?
You might be wondering why producers do this. Sometimes it’s a testament to an actor’s talent, their ability to embody diverse characters so convincingly that you don’t even realize it’s the same person. Other times, it could be a scheduling quirk, or simply a desire to bring back a beloved performer for a new storyline.
Here are a few notable examples:
- Tom Schanley: This actor holds a special place in the NCIS universe. He has appeared in JAG, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans.
- Michael Nouri: Best known to NCIS fans as Ziva David’s father, Eli David, Nouri also appeared in NCIS: New Orleans and Hawaii Five-0 in different roles.
- And many more actors have taken on multiple roles within the franchise.
The Impact on Viewers
For casual viewers, this can lead to moments of confusion (“Wait, haven’t I seen him before?”). But for die-hard fans, it’s a fun trivia fact that adds another layer of complexity to the NCIS lore. It also speaks to the interconnected nature of these shows.
