After more than a decade playing Nell Jones on NCIS: Los Angeles, Renée Felice Smith has officially closed the chapter on her time with the beloved CBS procedural. In the Season 12 finale, Nell made a pivotal choice: rather than accept Hetty’s vacant operations manager role full-time, she chose to step away from NCIS entirely—accepting Eric Beale’s invitation to co-lead his global tech initiative in Tokyo. The decision marked not just a turning point for her character, but also a heartfelt farewell for Smith, who’s been part of the show since Season 2.
Saying Goodbye — Officially
“Yes, this is goodbye,” Smith confirmed in a candid interview. “Nell has made her exit.” Reflecting on her 11 seasons with the show, she likened her time on NCIS: LA to a “little film school,” noting how it gave her space to grow creatively. Since wrapping, Smith has directed a feature film, co-authored a children’s book, and is developing television projects. “It’s surreal,” she said. “I was here longer than I was in school!”
Why Nell Needed to Leave
Although Nell briefly departed in Season 11, her return in Season 12 came at Hetty’s request. Smith believes Nell needed that final chapter to truly understand what she wanted. “She had to honor Hetty’s wish, but also come to terms with what she needs for herself,” Smith explained. “Nell has always made the ‘smart’ choice—she played it safe. But now she’s ready to take a leap and see what life outside NCIS has to offer.”
Though uncertain about the Tokyo job, Smith said it gives Nell the freedom and distance she needs to finally answer the question: “What does she want?” This new journey marks the beginning of Nell putting herself first.
Could Nell and Eric Rekindle Their Romance?
While Nell and Eric (Barrett Foa) vowed their Tokyo adventure would remain “strictly business,” Smith isn’t ruling out romance. “It’s definitely possible,” she said with a laugh. “They respect each other deeply, especially intellectually. And that’s a strong foundation for any relationship.”
A Bittersweet Farewell with Hetty
Smith’s final day on set was also the first time she shared a scene with Linda Hunt (Hetty) since the pandemic began. “It was incredibly emotional,” Smith said. “That scene was our last day filming, and it was the perfect, bittersweet sendoff. Hetty was Nell’s mentor—and Linda is mine in real life. Watching her work is like taking a masterclass.”
Favorite Moments On and Off Screen
From action-packed missions to heartfelt character moments, Smith has plenty of standout memories from her time on NCIS: LA:
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Wearing the iconic elf ears in holiday episodes
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The mistletoe scene with Eric Beale
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Riding in Hetty’s Jaguar
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Action scenes with Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), especially during Daniela Ruah’s maternity leave
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A particularly intense scene with Sam (LL Cool J) that showed Nell’s rarely-seen stern side
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“Kill House” episode, which deepened her character’s dynamic with Kensi
Smith also had high praise for Gerald McRaney (Kilbride), calling him a “bulletproof scene partner” and “an absolute legend.” Their interactions on screen brought out new layers in Nell, especially as Kilbride challenged her to make tough career choices.
Her Relationship with Daniela Ruah (Kensi)
One of Smith’s favorite dynamics on the show was with Daniela Ruah, who plays Kensi. “We have such mutual appreciation as actors and friends,” she said. “That connection translated into every scene we shared. I treasure our on-screen bond just as much as our off-screen one.”
Ruah, in fact, has spoken fondly of Smith as well, especially the moment in Kill House when Kensi affectionately embraced Nell—an unscripted gesture that left a lasting impression on both actresses.
A Personal Journey Beyond Acting
Outside the show, Smith has co-written a children’s book, Hugo and the Impossible Thing, inspired by her real-life dog Hugo’s battle with a brain tumor. “He overcame what everyone told us was impossible,” she said. “We wanted to reframe the word ‘impossible’ for kids and adults alike—it just means something hasn’t been done yet. But it’s not undoable.”
What’s Next?
With new creative projects on the horizon, including television development and writing, Smith is charting her own course. While Nell may have left NCIS behind, Smith hints the door is never fully closed. “The door’s always open for Nell. But for now, I think she’s finally ready to fly.”
NCIS: Los Angeles ended its 13th season in Fall 2021. While Nell’s story may have reached a pause, her legacy as one of the show’s most beloved characters continues to resonate with fans around the world
