For over 15 years, Rocky Carroll has portrayed Director Leon Vance with a rare mix of strength, calm, and emotional depth. And now more than ever, fans are recognizing just how essential he is to NCIS.
Vance isn’t just the boss—he’s a protector, a father, a former field agent, and a moral compass in a show filled with grey areas. Whether he’s guiding the team, defending national security, or dealing with threats to his own family, Vance brings balance and realism to a series that has seen so many changes.
“I don’t say this enough, but Vance is the glue holding it all together,” one fan wrote. “And Rocky Carroll deserves more credit.”
With increasing threats in the new season and his involvement hinted in Tony & Ziva, Carroll is proving once again that the best leadership isn’t loud—it’s steady, wise, and deeply human.
