Introduction: A Star-Studded Crime Scene
NCIS has been a staple of network TV for over two decades, and while we all know and love the core team, you might be surprised to learn how many big-name celebrities have passed through for a quick cameo or a short guest role.
From future A-listers to now-famous Marvel stars, the show’s case files are full of early (and sometimes shocking) appearances. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with 10 stars you totally forgot guest-starred on NCIS.
10 Celebrities You Totally Missed on NCIS
1. Zac Efron – “Twisted Sister” (Season 4, Episode 9)
Before High School Musical made him a household name, Zac Efron appeared on NCIS as Danny, a troubled teen caught in the middle of a murder investigation involving his Marine half-brother. Baby-faced and serious, this role was a far cry from singing on rooftops.
2. Millie Bobby Brown – “Parental Guidance Suggested” (Season 12, Episode 6)
Yes — Stranger Things’ Eleven had her start on NCIS. Millie played a young girl named Rachel Barnes whose mother was murdered. Even as a child actress, her emotional range was impressive.
3. Michael B. Jordan – “Dead and Unburied” (Season 4, Episode 4)
Long before Black Panther or Creed, Jordan appeared briefly on NCIS. His role was small, but his intensity was there even back then — a sign of things to come for this future star.
4. Jamie Lee Curtis – Multiple Episodes (Season 9)
Unlike the others on this list, Jamie Lee Curtis had a recurring role as Dr. Samantha Ryan, a love interest for Gibbs. Her presence brought sharp wit and real chemistry — and fans still talk about it.
5. Jesse Plemons – “Blowback” (Season 4, Episode 14)
The Breaking Bad and Friday Night Lights actor appeared as Kyle Grayson, a hacker caught in a web of espionage. His appearance was brief but added a memorable twist to the episode’s climax.
6. Abigail Breslin – “See No Evil” (Season 2, Episode 1)
The future Little Miss Sunshine star played Katie Vickers, a young girl held hostage. Even as a kid, her performance was gripping — and a chilling way to kick off the season.
7. Dave Bautista – “One Shot, One Kill” (Season 1, Episode 13)
Yes, Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Drax made an early TV appearance on NCIS. Bautista played a bouncer in a brief fight scene — blink and you might miss it, but his presence was unmistakable.
8. Sterling K. Brown – “Seek” (Season 10, Episode 18)
Before winning an Emmy for This Is Us, Brown portrayed Marine Gunnery Sgt. Oscar Green, a grieving father determined to uncover the truth behind his wife’s death.
9. Kevin Alejandro – “Driven” (Season 4, Episode 11)
The Lucifer and Arrow star played Detective Sullivan, part of a case involving a high-tech car and a mysterious death. Alejandro brought his signature intensity to the episode.
10. Troian Bellisario – Multiple Episodes (Seasons 4–5)
She’s best known for Pretty Little Liars, but Troian is also the real-life daughter of NCIS star Donald Bellisario, the show’s creator. She guest-starred as Sarah McGee, Tim McGee’s younger sister, adding depth and emotional stakes to his backstory.
Honorable Mentions You Might’ve Missed
Aaron Paul – Early Uncredited Role
Rumors persist that Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul had a tiny uncredited part in NCIS before his big break — but die-hard fans still debate the validity.
Bellamy Young – “A Desperate Man” (Season 9, Episode 13)
The future Scandal star had a memorable appearance as the vengeful wife of a murder victim, showing off her acting chops well before becoming Mellie Grant.
Why NCIS Is a Celebrity Launchpad
1. It’s Been Around Forever
With over 450 episodes and counting, NCIS has been an opportunity machine for actors on the rise — or those looking to break into drama from smaller roles.
2. Wide Variety of Roles
From crime victims to suspects, witnesses, soldiers, and scientists, the show’s flexible format lets actors try on emotional, intense, or even villainous personas in one-off episodes.
3. A Platform for Young Talent
Casting directors frequently scout rising stars and child actors — and clearly, NCIS has served as a proving ground for now-iconic performers.
Conclusion: You’ve Seen More Celebs on NCIS Than You Realized
Whether it was a quick cameo, a one-off villain, or a short emotional arc, NCIS has quietly become a playground for future Hollywood stars. So next time you’re binging old episodes, pay close attention — you might just catch a now-famous face before the fame.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Which major celebrities had recurring roles on NCIS?
A1: Jamie Lee Curtis and Robert Wagner are two standout recurring guests. Curtis played Dr. Samantha Ryan; Wagner portrayed Anthony DiNozzo Sr.
Q2: Has any MCU star appeared on NCIS?
A2: Yes! Michael B. Jordan and Dave Bautista both had early appearances before hitting it big in the Marvel universe.
Q3: Who’s the youngest famous guest star on NCIS?
A3: Likely Millie Bobby Brown or Abigail Breslin — both appeared as children in emotionally heavy episodes.
Q4: Are there any cameos by NCIS cast members in other spinoffs?
A4: Yes, crossovers between NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai’i feature many cameos from franchise regulars.
Q5: Are guest stars on NCIS always credited?
A5: Not always — some actors had uncredited roles early in their careers, especially in minor background parts.
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Surprised by some of these hidden guest stars? Share this with your fellow NCIS fans and challenge them to spot these celebs during their next rewatch!
