The Israeli-American actress who brought mystery, magnetism, and more to NCIS: Los Angeles
💫 From Tel Aviv to Tinseltown
Bar Paly was born Varvara Alexandrovna Paly on April 29, 1985, in Nizhny Tagil, Russian SFSR (now Russia), and immigrated to Israel at age 9. With striking looks and a sharp wit, she began modeling in her teens before seamlessly transitioning into acting.
But behind her dazzling beauty is an actress with a real edge — and she proved it most memorably with her recurring role on NCIS: Los Angeles.
🔍 NCIS: Los Angeles — The Anna Kolcheck Era
Bar Paly first appeared on NCIS: Los Angeles in Season 5 as Anna Kolcheck, the daughter of Arkady Kolcheck, a former KGB operative and longtime contact of the OSP team.
Anna quickly became a fan favorite, known for her resourcefulness, boldness, and a compelling will-they-won’t-they romance with Callen (Chris O’Donnell). Her character was a skilled and gutsy agent in her own right, with occasional rogue tendencies and deep ties to both Russian and American intelligence networks.
🎤 “Anna is a survivor,” Paly once said in an interview. “She’s complex — she’s tough, but she’s also vulnerable, and that’s what makes her interesting to play.”
Over multiple seasons, Anna was involved in some of the show’s most intense plotlines — from covert missions to going on the run, even temporarily splitting from Callen over their diverging loyalties. Her relationship with Callen added emotional depth to the show’s often high-octane pace.
📺 Career Highlights Beyond NCIS
While NCIS: LA brought her recurring recognition, Bar Paly has built a diverse acting portfolio:
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🎥 “Pain & Gain” (2013) – Paly starred opposite Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg in this outrageous action-comedy directed by Michael Bay.
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🎥 “Million Dollar Arm” (2014) – She appeared in this sports drama starring Jon Hamm, blending drama and heartwarming inspiration.
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📺 “iZombie,” “CSI: NY,” and “Jean-Claude Van Johnson” – Guest roles that showcased her range in genre storytelling.
Before acting took center stage, Paly also had a successful international modeling career, appearing in magazines like Maxim, Esquire, and GQ.
🌍 Real Life & Representation
A naturalized U.S. citizen, Paly has spoken openly about her journey from the former Soviet Union to Israel and ultimately Hollywood — a cultural blend that’s influenced both her worldview and the roles she pursues.
She’s also an advocate for greater representation of Eastern European and immigrant women in film and television, often challenging the stereotypes such characters face.
💬 Final Cut
Bar Paly’s portrayal of Anna Kolcheck helped elevate NCIS: LA’s spy-heavy storylines with emotional complexity and a femme-fatale twist. With charisma, cultural depth, and undeniable talent, she remains a standout in the series’ legacy — and a name to watch for whatever comes next.
✨ “I love characters who are bold and unpredictable. That’s what makes them — and life — exciting.”
— Bar Paly
