The Last Chapter: ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Cast Navigates an Emotional Farewell to 14 Years of Television History
After 14 seasons of high-stakes operations, intricate undercover missions, and a deep sense of family both on and off-screen, NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped production, culminating in a poignant series finale that aired in May 2023. For the cast and crew who had become a tight-knit unit over a decade and a half, the final day on set was, as expected, a profoundly “emotional” experience. Stars like Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen), LL Cool J (Sam Hanna), Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye), and Eric Christian Olsen (Marty Deeks) shared candid reflections on the bittersweet ending, consistently promising fans a “beautiful ending” that honored the characters and their enduring legacy.
The longevity of NCIS: LA was a remarkable feat in network television, allowing its cast to forge bonds that transcended their professional roles. Saying goodbye to such a significant chapter in their lives was never going to be easy, and the emotions ran high as “series wraps” were called for each actor. Their collective desire was to provide a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion for the millions of fans who had invested in their journeys, ensuring the characters they brought to life received the send-offs they deserved.
Chris O’Donnell: An Unexpected Wellspring of Emotion
For Chris O’Donnell, who led the series as the enigmatic G. Callen, the finality of the last day proved to be more overwhelming than he had anticipated. “The 14-year thing, we say it, it doesn’t seem real because it feels like we just started this and saying goodbye, it’s emotional,” O’Donnell told Entertainment Tonight at the series wrap party.
He described the moment his “series wrap” was called, admitting he found it difficult to speak to the crew. “I couldn’t — I had trouble speaking to our crew. You want to be eloquent and say something great. But the fact is, there was so much emotion, so much love for the people in the room. It was an amazing run. I’m just so grateful.” This raw honesty underscored the depth of his connection to the production and the people he worked with daily. O’Donnell’s sentiment perfectly encapsulated the shared feeling of gratitude for the opportunity and success of the show, coupled with the profound sadness of moving on.
LL Cool J: A Graduation and a Lasting Bond
LL Cool J, whose powerful portrayal of Sam Hanna resonated deeply with audiences, likened the final day to a “graduation.” He described the atmosphere as “bittersweet” but also filled with “a lot of gratitude.”
“Because we know that we put a lot of work in. We know that we put together a body of work, a body of art that people can watch and enjoy for many, many years to come,” he stated. What made LL Cool J’s experience particularly unique was his decision not to read the final script beforehand. He wanted to “play it scene by scene and let it surprise me a little bit,” a testament to his trust in the writing and his desire to experience the ending authentically as his character.
His moving speech to the cast and crew upon his wrap resonated deeply. Daniela Ruah recalled his words: “LL gave a great speech when he wrapped. He was like, ‘Look, just because this is over doesn’t mean we’re not friends. It doesn’t mean that we don’t talk to each other anymore. It doesn’t mean if you don’t have an idea to come to me with the idea.'” This powerful message highlighted the enduring bonds forged over 14 years, emphasizing that the professional ending would not sever their personal connections.
Eric Christian Olsen: Tears and the Fulfillment of Dreams
Eric Christian Olsen, the charismatic Marty Deeks, was also overcome with emotion on the final day. “I cried,” he admitted, revealing he gave “an impromptu speech.” His words reflected on the profound privilege of their work: “What I said, which is the fulfillment of dreams and that the reason that we chose this business was to come out here and tell stories and we got to do that. We got to tell 324 stories.”
Olsen’s reflections showcased the collective pride in the sheer volume of work and the impact it had on viewers worldwide. He also shared a relatable moment of realization on his drive home: “the first round of it really hit me, which is like, ‘I’m not going to be driving to work on NCIS: Los Angeles anymore.’ And that’s just a full cornucopia of emotions.” This speaks to the ingrained routine and identity that comes with being part of a long-running series.
Daniela Ruah: Tying Up Loose Ends with Personal Touches
Daniela Ruah, who brought Kensi Blye to life, focused on the writers’ commitment to providing closure. She promised that the finale would “wrap everything up on a personal note” for the characters. “We’re really tying up all those loose ends,” she explained, “and where we get some amazing moments and scenes that are way more personal for all the characters.”
Ruah’s insights pointed to the deliberate effort by showrunner R. Scott Gemmill and the writing team to craft endings that would satisfy long-time viewers. This included significant personal milestones, such as Callen and Anna’s wedding, Sam’s efforts to help his father, and the revelation of Kensi’s pregnancy – all designed to leave the characters in a “happy place.”
A “Beautiful Ending” Promised by the Architects of the Show
The sentiment of delivering a fulfilling conclusion was echoed by those behind the scenes as well. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill articulated the overarching goal: “It really was about trying to find a way to wrap up the series that would leave the fans feeling hopeful for the future of all our characters. And so we gave everyone what we figured was their version of happily ever after… at least for the time being.”
Gerald McRaney, who became a beloved regular as Admiral Kilbride, also lauded the writers’ efforts: “I think the writers did a very good job of wrapping this show up. They’ve always been good but a lot of the shows that I’ve seen here lately, when they come to an end, they just stop. This one has an ending and it has a beautiful ending.” This praise from within the cast reinforces the idea that the finale was carefully constructed to provide a sense of completion and satisfaction.
The Enduring Family and the Legacy of ‘NCIS: LA’
Beyond the individual emotional goodbyes, the cast repeatedly emphasized the familial nature of the set. This deep bond, cultivated over 14 years, was a key ingredient in the show’s success and will continue long after the cameras stopped rolling. “It’s like that bond from 14 years. You can’t just end because you hear the word, ‘That’s a wrap,'” Ruah noted. Many cast members are genuinely friends outside of work, and the connections forged will endure.
The legacy of NCIS: LA isn’t just about its compelling cases or dynamic action sequences; it’s about the characters, their growth, their relationships, and the powerful sense of family they created. The emotional final day on set underscored this profoundly, as the cast and crew collectively processed the end of an era, proud of the “body of art” they created and hopeful that its “beautiful ending” would resonate with fans for years to come.
Conclusion: A Fond Farewell, A Lasting Impact
The final day of filming for NCIS: Los Angeles was a truly emotional occasion for its dedicated cast and crew, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey. As stars like Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Eric Christian Olsen, and Daniela Ruah shared their heartfelt reflections, the overwhelming sentiment was one of immense gratitude for the opportunity, the success, and the deep bonds forged on set. Their collective promise of a “beautiful ending” was fulfilled in a finale that provided satisfying closure for beloved characters while hinting at continued adventures. The tears shed and the speeches delivered on that last day underscored the profound impact NCIS: LA had on those who created it, ensuring that its legacy as a show built on family, loyalty, and compelling storytelling will endure for a long time to come.
