Introduction: The Off-Screen Families of NCIS: Tony and Ziva
When NCIS: Tony and Ziva was announced, fans were thrilled to see Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo return as one of TV’s most iconic couples. While the new spinoff dives into undercover missions and emotional reunions, the actors behind the characters lead equally compelling lives off-screen.
Many of the show’s stars are parents, balancing Hollywood careers with raising children. Curious about the families of your favorite NCIS faces? Here’s a look at the real-life kids connected to the Tony and Ziva cast and the wider NCIS universe.
Michael Weatherly: Proud Dad of Three
Michael Weatherly, forever beloved as Tony DiNozzo, is just as devoted to fatherhood as he is to his craft.
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August Weatherly – His oldest son, born during his first marriage, has grown up largely away from the spotlight in Los Angeles.
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Liam and Olivia Weatherly – With his wife, physician Bojana Jankovic, Weatherly welcomed two more children. He often shares lighthearted stories about Liam and Olivia, describing them as energetic, curious, and endlessly grounding.
Cote de Pablo: A Private Star Keeping Family Close
Unlike her co-star, Cote de Pablo remains famously private. She hasn’t shared details about whether she has children, and that secrecy has fueled fan speculation for years. What is clear is her devotion to family values, something she brings powerfully to her portrayal of Ziva David, both as an agent and a mother on-screen.
Mark Harmon’s Legacy: A Family Away from the Spotlight
Though Mark Harmon won’t appear in the spinoff, his presence is inseparable from NCIS history. Off-screen, Harmon and his wife, actress Pam Dawber, raised two sons.
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Sean Harmon – Stepped into the franchise directly, portraying a young Gibbs in flashbacks.
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Ty Harmon – Chose a quieter life outside Hollywood.
Harmon and Dawber made a conscious choice to give their kids a normal upbringing, away from constant cameras.
Wilmer Valderrama: Fatherhood and NCIS Connections
Wilmer Valderrama, who played Agent Nick Torres, became a dad in 2021 when he and fiancée Amanda Pacheco welcomed their daughter:
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Nakano Oceana Valderrama – Frequently featured on his social media, where Valderrama gushes about fatherhood. Fans often say he radiates the same protective energy off-screen as he did in his NCIS role.
Sasha Alexander: Balancing Career and Kids
Sasha Alexander (Agent Caitlin Todd) also has a family of her own with husband Edoardo Ponti, son of screen legend Sophia Loren.
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Lucia and Leonardo Ponti – Lucia shares her mom’s artistic streak, while younger brother Leonardo keeps a lower profile. Alexander’s family snapshots highlight a warm, close-knit household.
Pauley Perrette: A Different Kind of Parenting Path
Pauley Perrette, unforgettable as Abby Sciuto, does not have children. Instead, she has long championed children’s rights and safety through her activism, becoming a maternal figure in a different but equally impactful way.
Sean Murray: Raising Kids While Growing Up NCIS
Sean Murray (Timothy McGee) has been with NCIS since the early days, growing into both a seasoned actor and a proud dad.
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Caitlyn and River Murray – His daughter Caitlyn even made a cameo as McGee’s daughter on the show, creating one of the sweetest meta-moments for longtime fans.
Why Fans Love Learning About NCIS Families
NCIS has always been about family — both chosen and biological. Learning about the actors’ children adds another layer to that theme, making the stars feel more relatable and human. From Weatherly’s anecdotes to Murray’s family cameos, fans see that their favorite agents are parents and role models in real life, too.
Conclusion: The Families That Keep NCIS Grounded
At its core, NCIS has always celebrated loyalty, love, and the bonds that hold people together. The off-screen families of the Tony and Ziva cast reflect those same values. Whether raising kids in Hollywood or shielding them from fame, these actors remind us that family is what keeps the NCIS universe — on screen and off — truly alive.
