The immensely popular crime drama NCIS feels as if it’s been around forever , and for good reason. As of this year, NCIS is officially the third-longest-running live-action series on TV.
Over the years, many characters have come and gone . Yet somehow, the show has still managed to hold on to some of our near and dear favorites .
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Then: Sasha Alexander as Caitlin Todd
Sasha played Special Agent Caitlin Todd to perfection for the show’s first two seasons. Fans were made to believe that the reason for Sasha’s departure was due to the show’s demanding work schedule .
Now: Sasha Alexander
Sasha has continued to work and has made several TV appearances in shows like Rizzoli and Isles as well as Shameless . Most recently, she voiced Adeline Wilson in the DCAU’s Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons .
Then: Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
The character Abby Sciuto helped to prove to the world that you could work in a crime lab and still have an undying love for Goth music and fashion. Her departure was easily one of the hardest to overcome.
Now: Pauly Perrette
It was later revealed that the reason for Pauly’s exit from NCIS came after a brutal confrontation between her and Mark Harmon . She has since retired from the world of acting, yet maintains an active presence on social media.
Then: Michael Weatherly as Anthony ‘Tony’ DiNozzo
Tony DiNozzo was arguably the most popular and beloved character in NCIS ‘ history. He appeared in the first 13 seasons of the show before going his own way. Allegedly, Weatherly missed the on-screen chemistry with his former co-star, Cote de Pablo.
Now: Michael Weatherly
Shortly after departing from NCIS , Michael nabbed a recurring role on Bull . In 2018, he was accused of sexual harassment by his co-star, Eliza Dushku. CBS and Eliza settled for $9.5 million USD, and she was later written out of the show.
Then: Duane Henry as Clayton Reeves
Although the former MI6 International Desk Agent Clayton Reeves was only around for three seasons, he managed to make a profound impact on fans of NCIS. The character was killed off shortly after the tragic death of showrunner, Gary Glasberg .
Now: Duane Henry
Since Duane said his goodbyes to the NCIS team, his acting prospects seem to have largely dried up. He had a very minor role in 2019’s Captain Marvel , but since that time has hardly worked as an actor at all.
Then: Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
Cote will always be remembered for her ferocious portrayal of former Israeli Mossad officer Special Agent Ziva David, from seasons 3 to 11. When Cote began to feel that her character wasn’t getting the respect she deserved , she took a giant step backward.
Now: Cote de Pablo
Nowadays, Cote’s acting career has all but ground to a halt, and has not appeared in any projects for more than three years . The last time she had a starring role in film or television was 2015’s The 33 , opposite Antonio Banderas.
Then: Emily Wickersham as Eleanor Bishop
Emily was cast as Special Agent Eleanor Bishop from seasons 11 to 18. She appeared in a total of 172 episodes and inexplicably decided to leave the show — citing no reason for her departure .
Now: Emily Wickersham
Since leaving NCIS , Emily hasn’t booked any subsequent acting roles. Prior to that, she appeared in Gone , as well as Remember Me opposite Robert Pattinson. She does, however, maintain an active presence on Instagram and across social media.
Then: Jennifer Esposito as Alexandra Quinn
Jennifer played Special Agent Alexandra Quinn for a single season and was fired from the show due to creative differences. Since then, she’s had memorable roles in Law & Order: SVU as well as The Boys.
Then: Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
The world was first introduced to Leroy Jethro Gibbs back in 2003, during a two-episode stint on JAG . That following September, the spin-off NCIS was born and Harmon went on to star in the series for 19 seasons.
Now: Mark Harmon
Although he is still signed on as an executive producer, Harmon won’t be in the upcoming 20th season of NCIS in a starring capacity. The reasons for his decision to step back are unknown, although after nearly two decades of work — he’s more than earned himself a rest.
