As the NCIS universe gears up to mark a major milestone, Vanessa Lachey is opening up about how the moment holds extra significance in her life. On Monday, April 15, NCIS will be celebrating its 1,000th episode, followed by NCIS: Hawai’i airing the franchise’s 1,001st episode. Lachey, 43, currently leads the Hawaii-based series, starring as Jane Tennant, whom she has portrayed since the show debuted in September 2021. “It’s just a beautiful franchise to be a part of,” Lachey tells PEOPLE. “We are hitting 1,000 episodes on April 15th, which not very many scripted primetime shows can say that. And I am just honored to come on in some capacity to add to that.”
According to Lachey, the season 3 episode won’t just serve as a reminder of how far the franchise has come and to “kick off the next 1,000” — it’ll also be a way for her to reflect on her own past. Calling the episode a “full-circle moment,” Lachey explains, “It dips into my mother who abandoned me. It is a very emotional episode, it is a very deep episode.” “It’s actually Daniela Ruah, the actress on NCIS: LA, directed it,” Lachey continues. “A lot of stuff happens, and I’m nervous. I’m always going to be nervous.”
Those nerves, she says, often rise up due to her background on television, which previously consisted of light-hearted roles or gigs. “I came from hosting and comedy acting, and this show has allowed me to really dive into some depth,” she says of NCIS: Hawai’i. “And this episode, specifically with Dani directing, I think has got some really great stuff that I hope the fans love and take to.”
Lachey also admits it was “hard” to have a storyline on the show mirror such a difficult moment in her life. “It was crazy to be walking that line,” says the actress, who also currently co-hosts Love Is Blind with husband Nick. “It’s so literal, because looking at this person that’s playing my abandoned mother, while I’m thinking of the literal woman who abandoned me, and then, [the director says], ‘Cut, bye, Vanessa. Great job, see you on Monday.’ Getting on a plane, going to Love Is Blind.”
When TV Becomes Therapy
When we think of crime dramas like NCIS: Hawai’i, we often think of thrilling plot twists, action-packed investigations, and witty banter between agents. But for Vanessa Lachey—who plays Special Agent Jane Tennant—the show recently offered something much deeper: healing. In a touching revelation, Lachey shared that a particular episode struck a deeply personal chord, unlocking emotions she hadn’t expected and giving her the space to process them. Let’s dive into how a scripted drama turned into an unexpected journey of self-discovery and recovery for the NCIS: Hawai’i star.
Who Is Vanessa Lachey?
A Brief Look at Her Career
Vanessa Lachey isn’t new to the spotlight. From winning Miss Teen USA in 1998 to hosting major shows like Love Is Blind, she’s worn many hats—actress, model, host, wife, and mom. But her role as Jane Tennant in NCIS: Hawai’i marked a new milestone. She became the first female lead in the NCIS franchise, a position that has redefined her career.
The Power of Representation
Lachey has often spoken about what it means to be a woman of color in a lead role. For many viewers, her presence in NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just entertainment—it’s representation that matters.
The Episode That Hit Close to Home
A Plot That Mirrors Real Life
In a recent interview, Vanessa revealed that a new episode of NCIS: Hawai’i brought up emotions tied to her own childhood and family history. While she didn’t detail the exact storyline, her tone was raw and vulnerable. She described it as “allowing me a lot of healing,” a phrase that speaks volumes.
Art Imitating Life
The blurred lines between fiction and reality are nothing new for actors. But in Lachey’s case, the parallels were so strong that filming certain scenes felt therapeutic, almost like peeling back layers of her past with each take.
Healing Through Performance
Acting as Emotional Catharsis
Acting can be a form of emotional release, especially when the storyline mirrors something the actor has lived through. For Vanessa, portraying Jane Tennant became more than just a job—it became a safe space to confront old wounds.
“It’s Okay to Feel This”
Vanessa admitted that she had to remind herself that it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to break. It’s okay to feel. This kind of vulnerability is rare in Hollywood, and it’s why fans are connecting with her on a whole new level.
NCIS: Hawai’i—More Than Just a Show
Representation and Real Stories
This episode isn’t just a turning point for Vanessa—it’s a shift in how shows like NCIS are written. Incorporating real-life themes, trauma, and healing makes the storylines more authentic and resonant.
A New Era of Storytelling
Gone are the days when crime procedurals stuck to cold cases and action scenes. Now, we’re seeing deeper dives into characters’ mental health, childhood trauma, and emotional resilience—and it’s exactly what audiences crave.
Vanessa’s Childhood: A Wound Still Healing
From Abandonment to Empowerment
Vanessa Lachey has previously spoken about growing up without her mom after her parents’ divorce. Her mother left when she was just 9, an emotional scar she’s carried into adulthood. It’s no surprise, then, that an episode touching on parental abandonment or reconciliation would hit her so hard.
H3: Using Her Platform for Good
Instead of hiding her pain, Vanessa uses her platform to advocate for healing, family unity, and understanding your past to grow from it.
The Psychology Behind Emotional Triggers on Set
Why Acting Can Unleash Buried Emotions
Actors often say they “go there” emotionally. But when your character’s life starts to mirror your own, it becomes less about pretending and more about reliving.
The Power of Vulnerability in Hollywood
Hollywood often rewards tough exteriors. But Vanessa’s emotional honesty has done the opposite—it’s made her more relatable, more inspiring, and more powerful.
Fan Reactions—They Felt It Too
Social Media Erupted
Fans immediately noticed Vanessa’s emotional delivery in the episode. Twitter threads and Instagram posts poured in praising her for her raw and moving performance.
When Viewers Heal with You
Some fans even shared their own stories of parental estrangement or childhood trauma. In essence, Vanessa’s moment of healing became a collective experience.
What This Means for Future Episodes
More Personal Storylines Ahead?
With this episode opening such a personal door for both the actress and the character, fans are curious—will the writers dig deeper into Jane Tennant’s past? Could we see more emotionally complex storylines?
Lachey’s Growing Influence on the Show
As a lead actress and vocal advocate for deeper storytelling, Vanessa may have a hand in shaping where NCIS: Hawai’i goes next—and that’s exciting.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Cast Support Was Key
Vanessa shared that the support from her cast and crew helped her through the emotional scenes. Everyone on set understood the gravity of the moment and gave her the space to process and perform.
A Family On and Off Screen
Much like her character leads a tight-knit team on screen, Vanessa feels a genuine bond with her castmates, calling them her second family.
Self-Discovery Through Storytelling
Growth Beyond the Screen
Sometimes, growth happens in unexpected places. For Vanessa, it wasn’t a therapy session or a deep conversation—it was a scene on a beach, a script in hand, and a camera rolling.
When the Role Finds You
Some roles are chosen. Others find you. In this case, Jane Tennant found Vanessa—and helped her rediscover parts of herself she didn’t know were missing.
The Importance of Talking About Trauma
Breaking the Silence
By opening up about her personal connection to the episode, Vanessa has started a much-needed dialogue about trauma, abandonment, and healing.
Using the Spotlight for Healing
Instead of glamorizing the past or brushing over the pain, she’s using her platform to encourage others to speak up and seek support.
Conclusion: A Story That Stays With You
Vanessa Lachey’s emotional journey through this NCIS: Hawai’i episode is more than just a behind-the-scenes tidbit—it’s a reminder of how art, emotion, and personal history often collide in powerful ways. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply someone who appreciates a raw, human moment on screen, her story is a beacon of resilience and vulnerability.
When television dares to get real, healing happens—not just for the characters, but for the actors and the audience too.
