When NCIS: Los Angeles cast Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J as Special Agents G. Callen and Sam Hanna, no one could’ve guessed their partnership would extend far beyond the screen. Thirteen years later, the pair aren’t just co-stars—they’re close friends and business collaborators. Together, they’ve co-created and executive produced the CBS dance competition Come Dance with Me, a show where talented kids team up with an untrained family member to compete for a $100,000 prize.
Their First Meeting
Chris O’Donnell shared that their first introduction was during the table read for the NCIS backdoor pilot in 2009. Initially, CBS proposed he take on the role solo, but when LL Cool J (real name James Todd Smith) was brought into the mix, plans shifted.
LL Cool J recalls their instant connection: “We came from different worlds, but had a lot of shared values—big families, love of music, long careers in the business.” That chemistry translated off-screen quickly.
Chris admitted, “I wasn’t sure what to call him—LL or something else—so I asked. He just said, ‘Call me Todd, cuz.’” Chris added with a laugh that Todd was listening to Don’t Stop Believin’ during that meeting and carried a constant sense of optimism.
From Colleagues to Brothers
Over more than a decade of filming, their friendship deepened. “When we’re on set, we see each other every day, and when we’re not, we’re texting or talking like family,” Chris said.
LL echoed this sentiment: “We’re like brothers. We joke a lot and share little sayings and quirks.” Chris laughed about LL’s way of brushing off things with lines like, “I don’t receive that.” LL, in turn, remembered Chris’s dad’s polite way of saying he needed the restroom: “I have to go conjure.”
Venturing Into Producing Together
So how did this on-screen duo turn into co-producers? Chris was introduced to the show idea by his friend Reinout Oerlemans from 3 Ball Productions. Although Chris knew little about unscripted television, the concept caught his eye—and he pitched it to LL.
LL responded, “I’ll do it if you do it.” The duo saw the potential in a feel-good, family-oriented dance show—especially during the pandemic when families were stuck at home and turning to dance challenges on TikTok and social media.
Behind the Scenes of Come Dance with Me
As producers, both men took on specific roles:
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LL Cool J worked closely with the team to ensure a wide variety of music genres were represented—from hip-hop and pop to country and dance—so that viewers from all backgrounds could enjoy the show.
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Chris O’Donnell brought his connections and experience with CBS to help shape the concept and bring it to life. Known for his detail-oriented nature on NCIS: LA, he applied that same focus to ensuring the show felt genuine.
They both emphasized that executive producing is more than a title—it’s about shaping the creative vision, managing production elements, and making decisions that impact every layer of the show.
Why Their Partnership Works
Chris reflected on their dynamic: “Actors can feel isolated. It’s rare to have a work partner you can really trust—someone who’s there for everything from scripts to life advice.”
LL added, “Chris balances my idealism with his grounded perspective. He’s taught me to put family first—he’ll literally run off set to be with his kids. And I’ve encouraged him to open up more to fans and the public.”
Both agreed that their friendship is built on trust, honesty, and a shared work ethic. They’ve never argued. As LL put it, “We just vibe. It works.”
