For over two decades, NCIS has been a dominant force in television, crafting a legacy built on compelling cases, procedural precision, and, most importantly, its unforgettable characters. The Major Case Response Team (MCRT) in D.C. became a chosen family for millions of viewers, anchored by the stoic Leroy Jethro Gibbs and populated by a rotating cast of brilliant, quirky, and fiercely loyal agents.
As the show has evolved through the years, many beloved stars have stepped away from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, leaving fans to wonder: What happened when they traded their NCIS badges for new roles?
From the original MCRT of the early 2000s to the foundational members who defined the series for a decade, let’s track the careers of the NCIS cast through the decades and find out where these iconic actors are now.
The Core Anchor: Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon)
Mark Harmon spent nearly 20 seasons as the team’s stone-faced leader, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. His character’s quiet intensity, strict rules, and unwavering moral compass defined the show’s tone until his emotional retirement in Season 19.
Where is Mark Harmon Now?
Harmon hasn’t strayed far from the NCIS universe. After retiring his badge and heading to a peaceful life in Alaska, the actor stepped into an Executive Producer role for the flagship show and its spinoffs. Crucially, he is the narrator and a key creative force behind NCIS: Origins, the upcoming prequel series focusing on a young Gibbs.
This move has kept Harmon connected to the franchise while allowing him to maintain a less demanding, off-screen role, ensuring his legacy continues to shape the universe he helped build. He has successfully transitioned from the face of the show to the guardian of its past and future.
The Flirtatious Duo: Tony DiNozzo & Ziva David (Michael Weatherly & Cote de Pablo)
The “Tiva” dynamic—the witty banter, the intense chemistry, and the long-simmering “will-they-won’t-they” romance—defined a generation of NCIS storytelling. Michael Weatherly (Tony) left in Season 13, followed by Cote de Pablo (Ziva) in Season 11, though she returned for a handful of episodes in Season 17.
Where are Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo Now?
After his departure, Michael Weatherly starred as the title character in the CBS legal drama Bull for six seasons, proving his leading man chops outside of NCIS.
Cote de Pablo pursued various film and television projects, notably in The 33 and the mini-series The Dovekeepers.
However, their most significant recent move is their long-awaited reunion on screen. They have reprised their roles for the new Paramount+ European-set spin-off, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The series sees the fan-favorite couple on the run across Europe with their daughter, Tali, finally giving fans the deep dive into their family life they always wanted. They are also co-producing the series, cementing their creative control over their iconic characters’ future.
The Science Squad: Abby Sciuto & Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard
The forensic science division was the emotional heart of the team, offering eccentricity and brilliance in equal measure. Pauley Perrette played the gothic forensic scientist Abby Sciuto until her Season 15 departure, while the brilliant medical examiner David McCallum (Ducky) was a foundational part of the show until his passing in 2023.
Where are Pauley Perrette and David McCallum Now?
Following her exit from NCIS, Pauley Perrette returned to CBS for the comedy series Broke, which ran for one season in 2020. Since then, she has largely stepped away from the public eye, dedicating her time to various social causes and enjoying a well-deserved break from the grueling demands of network television.
The legendary David McCallum remained with NCIS in a recurring role as the team’s official historian until his passing. His final appearance was a heartfelt tribute during the Season 21 premiere, where the team mourned Ducky’s passing. McCallum’s extensive career, which included the classic spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., left an indelible mark on television history.
The Second Generation MCRT: Bishop, Torres, & Reeves
The MCRT saw a significant turnover in the mid-to-late seasons, introducing new agents who had to prove their worth to Gibbs and the audience.
- Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham): Joined in Season 11 to fill the void left by Ziva, leaving in Season 18 to pursue an undercover career.
- Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama): The energetic agent arrived in Season 14 and became a staple of the team, known for his undercover history and loyalty.
- Clayton Reeves (Duane Henry): The MI6 officer was a recurring presence until his character was tragically killed off in Season 15, an event that led to Abby’s departure.
Where Are They Now?
Emily Wickersham has taken a noticeable break from acting since leaving NCIS. She has focused on her personal life and is active on social media, sharing updates about her family and artistic pursuits.
Wilmer Valderrama continues to star on the flagship NCIS series as Special Agent Nick Torres, making him one of the longest-serving current cast members. He has also branched out into producing, serving as an executive producer on the Disney animated series Encanto and other projects.
Duane Henry has continued his career in film and television after his character’s untimely end, taking on roles in projects like the Netflix action film The Gray Man, showcasing his versatility beyond the procedural world.
The Enduring Ensemble: McGee & Vance
Two actors represent the remarkable stability and evolution of the show: Sean Murray and Rocky Carroll.
Sean Murray has been with the show since Season 1 as Timothy McGee, rising from a junior agent to the Senior Field Agent and the true intellectual heart of the MCRT. Rocky Carroll joined in Season 5 as Director Leon Vance and has been the unwavering head of the agency ever since.
Where Are Sean Murray and Rocky Carroll Now?
Both Sean Murray and Rocky Carroll are still central figures on the main NCIS series. They represent the current-day MCRT, carrying the torch passed down by Gibbs and DiNozzo.
- Sean Murray remains the longest continuously serving field agent and has now stepped up to fill the leadership gap.
- Rocky Carroll has also taken on directing duties for the show, contributing to its creative output both in front of and behind the camera, and frequently appears across the expanded NCIS universe, including the spin-offs.
Their enduring presence is a testament to the franchise’s ability to maintain its core identity even as the team around them changes. As the NCIS universe continues to expand with new series like Tony & Ziva and Origins, the careers of these iconic actors prove that for some, the journey in the MCRT truly is for life.
