When you’ve been on the air for over two decades, things are bound to get a little tricky. The NCIS universe—which spans multiple spinoffs, thousands of cases, and hundreds of guest stars—has a little secret: many of its actors have worn more than one hat.
While in most TV shows, seeing the same face pop up as different characters would ruin continuity, the NCIS franchise has perfected the art of recycling talent. Some actors returned years later as brand-new characters, others crossed into spinoffs, and a few even managed to play wildly different roles without most viewers noticing.
Here’s a deep dive into 10 actors who pulled double (or triple) duty in the world of Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, and beyond—and why fans still love spotting them.
10. Sean Murray — From JAG to McGee
Long before he was the computer-whiz Special Agent Timothy McGee, Sean Murray had already strolled through the NCIS universe. In JAG—the show that birthed NCIS—Murray played Ensign Terry Guitry in season 4, then Danny Walden across five episodes in season 6. Just a few years later, he reemerged as McGee, a character who would go on to anchor NCIS for 20+ years.
Fun fact? His stepfather, Donald P. Bellisario, was the creator of both JAG and NCIS, making Murray’s leap into the franchise a little bit of family destiny.
9. Tom Schanley — The Ultimate Franchise Nomad
If there were an award for most NCIS appearances across spinoffs, Tom Schanley would win it. He’s been in JAG, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i.
From playing a shady CIA officer in the flagship series to portraying “Crazy Sam” in Hawai’i, Schanley is a chameleon who blends into every corner of the franchise. He even returned in NCIS season 22 as CIA Officer Conrad—proving no role is too small or too sinister for him to tackle.
8. Diany Rodriguez — From Bit Part to Leading Lady
Rodriguez’s first brush with the franchise was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo as DHS Agent Garcia in NCIS: New Orleans. But her biggest break came with NCIS: Origins, where she took on the role of Special Agent Vera Strickland—Mike Franks’ former partner.
Strickland had been mentioned briefly in NCIS season 11, but Rodriguez brought the character back to life in the prequel series. A perfect example of how even a minor character can grow into a major presence with the right spinoff.
7. Patrick Fischler — The Franchise’s Secret Spy
Fans of Lost and Mad Men already know Patrick Fischler’s face, but NCIS fans have seen it multiple times. He first appeared in NCIS: Hawai’i as CIA Inspector General Glenn Smith, then resurfaced in NCIS: Origins as Special Agent Cliff Wheeler.
Before that? Fischler also guested in NCIS itself back in season 5. If you thought he looked familiar while grilling Tennant in Hawai’i, your instincts weren’t wrong.
6. Michael Nouri — The Many Lives of Eli David
As Ziva’s father Eli David, Michael Nouri left an unforgettable mark on NCIS. His storyline came to a heartbreaking close in season 10 when Eli died in a tragic shootout. But Nouri didn’t leave the franchise entirely.
He later showed up in NCIS: New Orleans as Jason Campbell and even in Hawaii Five-0 (which shares crossover DNA with NCIS) as Oscar Hirsch. His ability to slip between intense authority figures makes him one of the most versatile alumni of the show.
5. Liza Lapira — The Agent and the Mole
Liza Lapira’s Special Agent Michelle Lee was once part of Gibbs’ team in seasons 4 and 6. Initially a lawyer, she later became infamous as the mole leaking classified intel. In a shocking twist, she sacrificed herself in a standoff with Gibbs—a dramatic end for a fan-favorite.
Years later, Lapira returned to the franchise as a completely different character: Araminta Jax in NCIS: New Orleans. Two very different lives, one unforgettable actress.
4. John Getz — Pentagon Insider, Twice Over
John Getz is one of those actors you recognize immediately, and NCIS used that familiarity to its advantage. In season 7, he played Walter Kane, a Pentagon employee. Fast-forward to season 22, and Getz was back again—this time as Thomas Butler, a retired double agent with a Cold War past.
The clever recycling of his Pentagon ties made both roles feel eerily connected, even though they weren’t supposed to be.
3. Scottie Thompson — DiNozzo’s Love and a Spinoff Guest
As Jeanne Benoit, Scottie Thompson became one of Tony DiNozzo’s most memorable love interests. Their romance was heartfelt, tragic, and unforgettable, especially when her true identity as the daughter of arms dealer René Benoit was revealed.
But after her departure from NCIS, Thompson resurfaced in NCIS: Los Angeles as Sarah Raines. While it wasn’t as impactful as her time opposite Michael Weatherly, fans loved seeing her return to the universe.
2. Joe Spano — The Face of Tobias Fornell
Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell is practically part of the NCIS family. From adversary to Gibbs’ closest friend, the FBI agent’s long-running appearances gave fans one of the most consistent non-main characters in the series. He even popped up in NCIS: New Orleans.
But before Fornell? Spano played Navy Captain Jack Murphy in JAG. It’s a subtle piece of trivia that makes his transition to FBI agent all the more fun for longtime fans.
1. Muse Watson — From Admiral to Mike Franks
Before becoming Gibbs’ gruff mentor Mike Franks, Muse Watson had already appeared in JAG as Admiral Arthur Fessenden. But his true NCIS legacy came in season 3, when Franks was introduced.
Even after Franks’ death, Watson continued to appear as Gibbs’ ghostly conscience, offering advice when Gibbs needed it most. Now, with Kyle Schmid taking on a younger version of Franks in NCIS: Origins, Watson’s influence lives on.
The Bottom Line
The NCIS universe has always been about more than solving cases—it’s about characters, relationships, and the small connections fans love to discover. By bringing actors back in new roles, the franchise not only rewards loyal viewers but also keeps its storytelling fresh after two decades on the air.
So the next time you’re binging NCIS or one of its spinoffs, keep your eyes peeled—you never know when a familiar face might reappear with a brand-new identity.
