The next time NCIS: Los Angeles‘ LL Cool J (Sam) sees his face on the cover of a magazine, don’t blame him if he’s a little skeptical. The CBS procedural is currently airing its seventh season, and Monday’s episode centers on the team investigating a Peruvian massacre from 20 years ago after a rumored survivor is facing new threats.
LL Cool J spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about what’s next for Sam and Callen’s (Chris O’Donnell) partnership, all the pranks he has fallen for on set — no, not every magazine cover he’s appeared on is available on newsstands — and which of his castmembers would emerge victorious on Lip Sync Battle, the Spike competition series that he hosts. We’ve seen Callen having a tough time and going off the grid to start the season. What will his relationship be like with Sam after that? It puts Sam in a tough spot because he has to choose between listening to his boss and taking orders, and supporting his partner. And I think that that definitely has an effect on their relationship moving forward. But we’ll see where it goes. It sounds like there’s some big stuff for Sam coming up this season.
Yeah, we learn about his family. We delve a little deeper into his personal life. We find out more about what makes him tick. One little tidbit is how he turned down a football scholarship in order to join the Navy, and why he did that, so there’s some interesting stuff that comes up.
When you think of NCIS: Los Angeles, it’s hard not to picture LL Cool J as Sam Hanna—the strong, disciplined, yet deeply human federal agent. Over the years, fans have watched Sam endure loss, pain, and personal struggles while continuing to fight for justice. But beyond the intense storylines, LL Cool J has also shared the lighter side of filming, including the hilarious pranks that often broke up the seriousness on set.
This article takes you deep into LL Cool J’s thoughts on playing Sam Hanna, how tough storylines shaped his character, and the funny behind-the-scenes moments that kept the cast bonded.
LL Cool J and His Legendary NCIS: LA Role
LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith, brought more than just star power to NCIS: Los Angeles. He became the emotional anchor of the show, balancing toughness with vulnerability. His portrayal of Sam Hanna made him one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
The Tough Storylines That Shaped Sam Hanna
Sam’s Emotional Depth
From losing his wife Michelle to grappling with family responsibilities, Sam’s storylines were some of the most gut-wrenching in the show. LL Cool J once admitted that these arcs required him to dig deep emotionally, connecting his personal life with the character’s struggles.
The Strength of Brotherhood with Callen
Sam’s bond with G. Callen (played by Chris O’Donnell) was another focal point. Their partnership wasn’t just about solving cases—it mirrored the brotherhood of real-life Navy SEALs and FBI agents. LL Cool J explained that playing these moments required balancing stoicism with vulnerability.
How LL Cool J Prepared for Sam’s Dark Moments
Personal Connection
LL Cool J often pulled from his own experiences of resilience and family values to embody Sam. This made the performance authentic and relatable to audiences.
Physical Demands
Playing Sam wasn’t just emotionally heavy—it was physically challenging. LL Cool J trained to keep up with the demands of action-packed sequences, proving that his dedication went beyond dialogue.
Pranks Behind the Scenes: Lightening the Mood
The Cast’s Playful Side
Even though NCIS: Los Angeles dealt with heavy plots, the atmosphere on set wasn’t always serious. LL Cool J shared how the cast loved pulling pranks on each other, creating a sense of family.
Falling for Pranks
Believe it or not, the usually unshakable LL Cool J wasn’t immune to being the target of jokes. From harmless scares to playful setups, he admitted that these pranks kept morale high and stress low during long filming days.
Balancing Intensity with Humor
While Sam carried the weight of difficult stories, LL Cool J emphasized that laughter behind the scenes kept the show sustainable for 14 seasons. Without that balance, the heaviness might have overwhelmed the cast.
LL Cool J’s Reflections on the Show’s Legacy
Impact on Viewers
Fans often reached out to LL Cool J to share how Sam’s resilience inspired them. For many, Sam’s ability to face loss and still push forward mirrored their own challenges in real life.
Longevity of NCIS: LA
LL Cool J credited the show’s success to its ability to mix action, heart, and humor. The writing allowed characters like Sam to be layered, giving audiences more than just surface-level crime-solving.
Why Sam Hanna Remains a Fan Favorite
Sam wasn’t just a tough federal agent. He was a father, a husband, a loyal friend, and a man of integrity. LL Cool J’s performance ensured fans saw every side of him—making Sam relatable even in the most extreme circumstances.
Lessons LL Cool J Learned from Playing Sam
Resilience and Strength
Sam’s ability to rise after tragedy taught LL Cool J lessons about perseverance that he applied in his own life.
Importance of Brotherhood
The show reinforced the value of loyalty and trust, something LL Cool J believes extends beyond television into real relationships.
The Human Side of LL Cool J
While fans know him as a rap legend and TV star, LL Cool J revealed that playing Sam Hanna allowed him to explore emotions rarely seen in his music career. It was a role that showed his vulnerability as much as his toughness.
Fans’ Reaction to LL Cool J’s Insights
When LL Cool J opened up about tough storylines and on-set pranks, fans flooded social media with appreciation. Many said it deepened their love for both the actor and the character.
The Future of LL Cool J Beyond NCIS: LA
Though NCIS: Los Angeles ended, LL Cool J continues to leave his mark in music, acting, and philanthropy. His journey with Sam Hanna may be complete, but his influence in entertainment remains powerful.
Conclusion
LL Cool J’s portrayal of Sam Hanna was more than just a role—it was a journey of strength, loss, humor, and resilience. While the storylines tested Sam to his core, the laughter behind the scenes reminded everyone that even in tough times, joy is essential. As LL Cool J reflected on his time in NCIS: Los Angeles, fans were reminded why both he and his character remain unforgettable.
