How a musical theater star became one of NCIS: LA’s most beloved tech geniuses.
Barrett Foa never set out to be a TV star. In fact, long before he became Eric Beale—the quirky, brainy tech op on NCIS: Los Angeles—Foa was stealing hearts eight shows a week on Broadway. With his golden voice, sharp comedic timing, and disarming charm, it’s no surprise he became a fan favorite in two very different worlds: the stage and the screen.
Born for the Spotlight
Raised in Manhattan, Barrett Conrad Foa grew up immersed in culture, creativity, and civic engagement. His parents, community organizers and philanthropists, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts. That passion blossomed during his years at the prestigious Dalton School and summer stints at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he discovered a home among fellow “theater kids.”
“Finally, I was surrounded by people who were obsessed with something no one else back home understood,” Foa once said. “Other weirdos like me!”
That passion led him to the University of Michigan’s top-tier musical theatre program—and to London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he dove deep into Shakespeare.
Curtain Up: A Broadway Star Is Born
Foa’s stage résumé reads like a who’s who of musical hits: Mamma Mia!, Avenue Q, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He originated lead roles Off-Broadway and dazzled regional audiences with performances in Sweet Charity, Camelot, and The Music Man. In 2014, he starred in Jonathan Tolins’ acclaimed one-man show Buyer & Cellar, proving his versatility and charisma in an intimate solo performance.
Hollywood Beckons
In the late 2000s, friends urged Foa to take a leap into TV—and Los Angeles welcomed him with open arms. After small roles on Numb3rs, Entourage, and The Closer, he landed the role that would change everything: Eric Beale on NCIS: Los Angeles.
What began as a minor recurring role quickly expanded. Producers rewrote a part just for him. By mid-Season 1, he was a series regular—and fans couldn’t get enough of the lovable tech wizard with the surfer wardrobe and genius IQ.
Beale was more than comic relief. Over 12 seasons, viewers watched him grow from keyboard hero to full-on field agent. Whether decoding enemy cyber systems or navigating awkward office flirtations, Beale brought a unique heartbeat to the action-packed series.
Life Beyond the Screen
Though he wrapped his NCIS: LA journey in 2021, Foa’s creative spark hasn’t dimmed. He continues to perform live, headline benefits, and develop musical projects like For the Record: John Hughes, which celebrates the iconic ’80s director’s filmography through music and storytelling.
He also made headlines in 2019 when he publicly came out as gay, saying, “It was time. I’m proud of who I am.” That same year, he charmed audiences again with a guest role as Will’s love interest on Will & Grace.
His passion for storytelling continues in 2025, with a brand-new role in Netflix’s political mystery The Residence, where he plays Elliot Morgan across eight episodes.
The Real Barrett
Off-camera, Foa is as multidimensional as his characters—an artist, activist, and animal lover. He’s supported Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Actors’ Fund, and hosted benefit cabarets for causes close to his heart. He’s also something of a real estate adventurer, having flipped stylish homes in LA’s hottest neighborhoods, from Silver Lake to Beachwood Canyon.
A Legacy of Joy and Intelligence
Foa’s departure from NCIS: LA left a hole in fans’ hearts, but also reminded us of the power of reinvention. Whether he’s voicing a puppet on Broadway or unraveling a military mystery on primetime TV, Barrett Foa brings intelligence, warmth, and just the right amount of quirk to every role.
“I’m used to having a live connection with an audience,” Foa once said. “There’s more of an immediate personal touch.”
And perhaps that’s what defines Barrett Foa best: no matter the stage—Broadway, a soundstage, or even your living room—his performances always feel personal, genuine, and joyfully unforgettable.
