Yes—Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J are close friends off screen, not just co-stars on NCIS: Los Angeles. Their bond began during the 2009 table read for the show’s backdoor pilot and quickly grew into a partnership built on shared values, family life, and long careers in entertainment.
LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) has said their connection was instant, while O’Donnell recalls their easy chemistry and optimism from day one. Over 13 seasons, the two spent nearly every day together on set—and stayed in constant touch even when filming wrapped.
Their friendship eventually turned into a business partnership. Together, they co-created and executive produced CBS’s Come Dance with Me, a family-friendly dance competition pairing kids with untrained relatives. The idea appealed to both stars for its positive, inclusive message.
Both actors describe their relationship as brotherly, rooted in trust and mutual respect. As LL put it simply: “We just vibe. It works.”
