Before she won an Oscar and returned as a full-blown scream queen, Jamie Lee Curtis made a memorable stop in the world of NCIS. Appearing in five episodes during Season 9 (2011–2012), Curtis played Dr. Samantha Ryan, a brilliant psychologist with the Department of Defense’s PsyOps Division — and one of the few people who could truly go toe-to-toe with Gibbs.
Who Was Dr. Samantha Ryan?
Cool, sharp, and impossible to intimidate, Dr. Ryan specialized in reading people — a talent that instantly intrigued (and occasionally irritated) Gibbs. Their professional tension quickly turned into one of the season’s standout flirtations, giving viewers a rare glimpse into Gibbs’ softer side.
Her Impact on the Season
During her arc, Ryan assisted the NCIS team on several high-stakes cases, often using her psychological insight to guide investigations in unconventional ways. She also became one of the more significant romantic interests Gibbs had in the later seasons — a relationship marked by mutual respect, sharp banter, and that signature Gibbs intensity.
Why Fans Remember Her
Despite a short run, Curtis’ character left a lasting impression. Samantha Ryan brought mystery, humor, and emotional depth — and her chemistry with Gibbs is still considered one of the strongest of his late-series romances.
A brief appearance, yes — but a standout one.
