NCIS: Hawaii star Vanessa Lachey is enjoying her break from filming the hit CBS show and revealed on Saturday that her youngest son visited the movie theater – in his pajamas! The actress, who stars as Jane Tennant on the hit show, lives with her husband Nick and their three children in Hawaii and she gave fans a look into her time off which involved spending a day with her “free spirit” son Phoenix. “My #3 and free spirit,” Vanessa captioned the picture which showed the six-year-old in his Super Marios Brothers pajamas and making the “rock on” sign with his hands. “He went to see Super Marios Movie like this, in jammies! Love him so much!” Vanessa added.
Nick and Vanessa married in 2011 and are parents to three children: sons Camden, 10, and Phoenix, 6, and daughter Brooklyn, eight. The family moved to Hawaii in 2021 when Vanessa was cast in the series which is a spin-off of NCIS. Season two wrapped filming earlier in March 2022, and Vanessa shared a sweet photo of her co-stars Alex Tarrant, Tori Anderson, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami and Noah Mills, penning a heartwarming tribute to her TV “family.” “THAT’S A WRAP! Season 2 @ncishawaiicbs! This cast and crew have become my family!” Vanessa captioned the snap, thanking her castmates and all of their “guest stars, our show runners, producers, writers and over 300 of the BEST DAMN CREW in the world (who always have smiles on their faces).”
Ever wondered what happens after the cameras stop rolling? Vanessa Lachey, the dynamic leading lady of NCIS: Hawaii, offers a rare, heartfelt peek into her life after the second season of the hit series wrapped. Fans have seen her dominate the screen as Special Agent Jane Tennant—but there’s so much more to Vanessa’s story once the director yells, “Cut!” Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Vanessa’s post-show life, from family moments to personal growth, career shifts, and what’s next for the actress who’s quickly become a fan favorite in the NCIS universe.
Vanessa Lachey’s Post-Season Two World: What Changed?
Vanessa’s world didn’t slow down when the show paused. In fact, it got even more real. Think less tactical gear and car chases, more kids’ birthday parties and self-reflection.
Life After Jane Tennant: Stepping Out of Character
Playing Jane Tennant is intense. She’s fierce, tactical, and always five steps ahead. But Vanessa admits slipping out of that headspace took time.
Mentally Unwinding from a Demanding Role
“It’s not easy to just stop being Jane,” Vanessa said in an Instagram Live. After long filming days, she had to learn how to decompress—mentally and emotionally.
Rediscovering Vanessa the Mom, Wife, and Friend
Without the daily grind of filming, she shifted focus back to her family. And yes, she’s definitely the cool mom—but also the firm one when it comes to screen time rules.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Vanessa Lachey
Morning Chaos to Family Bonding
Instead of early call times, Vanessa now wakes up to lunchbox duty and school drop-offs. It’s messy, loud, and full of love.
Life in Hawaii Off-Camera
Even though NCIS: Hawaii is filmed in paradise, it turns out the off-set life is just as beautiful. Vanessa and her family made the most of beach days, farmer’s markets, and sunset hikes.
How the Show Impacted Her Real Life
Personal Growth Through Playing Jane
Vanessa credits the character with making her stronger in real life. “Jane taught me to trust my instincts,” she shared.
Role Model for Her Kids
Her children now see her not just as ‘mom,’ but as someone making a difference on and off-screen.
The Bond with the NCIS: Hawaii Cast
A Cast That Feels Like Family
The cast has become an extended family. Vanessa often shares candid photos and funny moments from the set on her socials.
Off-Camera Friendships That Stick
Group hangouts didn’t end with filming. From karaoke nights to luaus, they’ve stayed connected.
Social Media: Her Window to the Fans
Vanessa is super active on Instagram, offering fans glimpses of her daily life and sneak peeks into future projects.
Candid Posts, Real Emotions
She’s not afraid to be vulnerable. From sharing her struggles to celebrating little wins, her posts are always real.
Upcoming Projects: What’s Next for Vanessa?
Teasing Season 3 (Without Spoilers!)
While keeping tight-lipped on specifics, Vanessa hinted that season 3 will bring “even more depth” to her character.
Outside of NCIS: Hosting & Producing
She’s also eyeing other creative roles, including producing and hosting. Fans of Love Is Blind, stay tuned!
Vanessa’s Self-Care Rituals After Filming
Skin Care & Quiet Time
After months in makeup and under the sun, Vanessa prioritizes skincare and meditation.
Daily Journaling & Gratitude
Writing in a gratitude journal is her go-to for mental balance.
Family Life in Focus
Mom Life Is No Joke
Between karate practice, school plays, and managing homework, Vanessa is deep in the parenting trenches.
Finding Balance
She’s still working on that balance (aren’t we all?), but she’s honest about the journey.
Lessons Learned from Season Two
Vanessa says season two taught her to be fearless, stay grounded, and lead with empathy—both on and off screen.
Fans React: What They’re Saying
Social media erupted with support and love. Fans appreciate Vanessa’s transparency, humor, and ability to keep it real.
How Her Role Inspired Others
Many women have reached out to say they felt empowered watching Jane Tennant lead a team on NCIS: Hawaii. Vanessa embraces that responsibility.
What Vanessa Wants You to Know
In her words:
“Behind every strong woman on screen, there’s a real person learning and growing. I’m just grateful I get to do this and share it with all of you.”
The Future of NCIS: Hawaii and Vanessa’s Role
Season 3 promises more twists, more character development, and deeper emotional storytelling. And yes, Vanessa’s all in.
Conclusion: Beyond the Badge – Vanessa’s Next Chapter
Vanessa Lachey’s post-NCIS: Hawaii life is full of laughter, love, and new challenges. While fans adore her as Jane Tennant, it’s Vanessa’s real-life grit, grace, and goofiness that makes her truly magnetic. Whether she’s leading a task force or leading her kids through morning chaos, she’s doing it all with heart.
The cameras may have stopped for now, but Vanessa’s story is far from over—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
