NCIS might be about solving military-related crimes, but audiences have stuck around for 22 seasons because of the show’s cast of characters (and their love stories). Fans mourned alongside Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) when Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander) was killed in season 2, and rejoiced when he and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) finally became an item in season 10. Meanwhile, viewers spent years rooting for a Tim McGee (Sean Murray) and Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) romance before he married Delilah Fielding (Margo Harshman) in season 14.
More recently, fans were devastated when Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) betrayed Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) in season 18, and they’re now watching the love story between him and Robin Knight (Lilan Bowden) unfold in season 22 — with new episodes airing every Monday on CBS. Off-screen, many of the NCIS cast members (past and present) have maintained long-lasting relationships. Mark Harmon, who left the show in 2021, has been married to Pam Dawber since 1987, while Brian Dietzen and his wife, Kelly Dietzen, have been going strong since 2004.
Here’s everything to know about the real-life partners of the NCIS cast.
Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber
Mark Harmon, who played special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS from 2003 to 2021, has been married to his wife, Pam Dawber, for nearly four decades. “I’m proud to be married, and I’m proud of who I’m married to,” Harmon told PEOPLE in 2019. “I’m just so proud of her.” The couple, who wed in 1987, share two sons: Sean and Ty. Notably, Sean has appeared in several NCIS episodes as a younger version of Gibbs.
When TV Crime Fighters Go Home to Real Love
Ever wondered what happens when the tough, no-nonsense agents from NCIS clock out for the day? Do they go home to dramatic lives like their TV characters, or are they living surprisingly normal love stories? Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of both—and some of these relationships are seriously heartwarming.
In this deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real-life partners of the NCIS cast, including one incredible couple that’s been married for nearly 40 years. If you love celebrity relationships, long-lasting Hollywood marriages, and behind-the-scenes TV secrets, you’re in the right place.
Why Fans Are Obsessed with the Real Lives of the NCIS Cast
Let’s be honest: NCIS isn’t just about crime-solving. It’s about character chemistry, loyalty, and those emotional moments that hook us episode after episode.
Here’s why fans care so much about the stars’ real partners:
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We get emotionally invested in the characters.
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We want to know if their real lives are as intense.
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Long Hollywood marriages give us hope that love can last.
And yes, there’s one love story here that feels straight out of a movie.
Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber – Nearly 40 Years of Hollywood Love
How Mark Harmon Met Pam Dawber
Mark Harmon, the legendary face of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, found his real-life partner in actress Pam Dawber back in the 1980s. Pam was already famous for her role on Mork & Mindy when their paths crossed.
They married in 1987, and yes—that puts them right on track to nearly 40 years of marriage. In Hollywood terms, that’s basically a miracle.
Why Their Marriage Has Lasted So Long
So what’s their secret?
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They keep their private life private.
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They stayed away from Hollywood drama.
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They focused on family over fame.
They raised two sons and kept their relationship grounded despite massive fame.
Cote de Pablo’s Real-Life Love Story
Is Cote de Pablo Married?
Cote de Pablo, who played the iconic Ziva David, is extremely private about her love life. Unlike many Hollywood stars, she chooses discretion over headlines.
While rumors have linked her to various industry figures, she has never publicly confirmed a long-term spouse.
Why Fans Respect Her Privacy
Fans actually admire her for this. In a world of oversharing, her silence feels powerful. It shows that not every love story needs to live on social media.
Michael Weatherly and Bojana Janković’s Real Romance
From On-Screen Charm to Real-Life Marriage
Michael Weatherly, known as the witty Tony DiNozzo, is married to physician Bojana Janković. Their relationship feels refreshingly normal.
They tied the knot in 2009 and have built a low-key family life together.
What Makes Their Relationship Special
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A balance of Hollywood and real-world careers
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Strong family values
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Mutual respect and privacy
Pauley Perrette’s Journey to Finding Real Love
A Complicated Road to Happiness
Pauley Perrette, aka Abby Sciuto, has had a challenging romantic history. She was previously married and later spoke openly about surviving domestic abuse.
How She Rebuilt Her Life
Her story is not just about romance—it’s about strength, healing, and rediscovering happiness on her own terms. Fans admire her resilience and honesty.
Sean Murray and Carrie James – A Quietly Strong Marriage
Love Away from the Spotlight
Sean Murray, who plays Timothy McGee, married Carrie James in 2006. Unlike most celebrity couples, they keep things extremely low-key.
They focus on:
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Family life
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Wellness and mindfulness
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Staying out of tabloid culture
Wilmer Valderrama and His Love Life Spotlight
From High-Profile Dating to Family Man
Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick Torres, was once known for dating high-profile celebrities. But in recent years, he’s shifted toward a quieter, more meaningful life.
He is now a proud father and partner, embracing family-first living.
Brian Dietzen and Kelly Dietzen – Real Love Behind Dr. Palmer
Marriage That Feels Real, Not “Hollywood”
Brian Dietzen, Dr. Jimmy Palmer on the show, is married to Kelly Dietzen. Their relationship feels grounded, supportive, and refreshingly drama-free.
They prioritize:
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Raising their children
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Supporting each other’s careers
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Maintaining real-life balance
How Long-Lasting Celebrity Marriages Beat the Odds
The Reality of Hollywood Relationships
Let’s face it—most Hollywood marriages don’t last. Fame, pressure, and busy schedules make things difficult.
But the NCIS cast shows us that lasting love is possible with:
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Clear boundaries
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Honest communication
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Strong family foundations
What These Real-Life Relationships Teach Us About Love
Love Doesn’t Need to Be Loud to Be Real
Not every relationship needs to be flashy to be strong. Many of these couples avoid the spotlight and focus on what really matters.
Simple Habits That Make Relationships Last
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Respect
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Loyalty
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Privacy
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Shared goals
Why the “Nearly 40 Years” Marriage Matters So Much
There’s something deeply inspiring about a couple surviving decades of marriage in Hollywood. Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber represent stability, patience, and partnership in a world that rarely slows down.
Their story gives fans hope that real love can survive fame, chaos, and time itself.
The Secret Lives Fans Never See
Behind the red carpets and camera flashes, these actors live normal lives:
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School runs
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Grocery shopping
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Family dinners
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Weekend routines
And honestly, that’s what makes their stories so relatable.
How Fans React to NCIS Cast Love Stories
Fans flood social media with admiration, especially for long-lasting couples. Comments often describe these relationships as “goals” and “proof that love still exists in Hollywood.”
Final Thoughts on the Real-Life Partners of the “NCIS” Cast
The cast of NCIS doesn’t just solve crimes—they show us what real commitment looks like. From quiet, private romances to nearly 40-year marriages, these love stories remind us that real connection isn’t built on headlines. It’s built on trust, patience, and showing up every single day.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the real-life partners of the NCIS cast prove that love in Hollywood doesn’t have to be chaotic or short-lived. Some couples thrive through privacy, others through shared values, and some through simply choosing each other every day. And that nearly 40-year marriage? That’s not just impressive—it’s inspiring.
