Because NCIS is in its 15th season, we’re going to celebrate! Not very many shows really do have a shelf life, but we do have to applaud the brilliant writers and adoring characters. The female stars of NCIS in specific, and why is that? In strong roles that others can look up to and admire, we want to honor a show that puts women front and center. We thank the feminist heart of NCIS in a time of wild unrest – so we have pulled together the most memorable NCIS ladies and what they are doing off-script. For yourself, just take a look!
Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
And we’re starting with the one and only one, Abby Sciuto, the eccentric forensic scientist. Come on, fellas. There is no best approach for this list to kick off. The 48-year-old, other than acting, is also a published writer, singer, and a huge advocate for civil rights. Sadly, as she is set to leave the show at the end of season 15, we will have to wave farewell to our Caf-Pow chugging Abby. But when it comes to Abby, well, here’s what Perrette can say, “[I] wouldn’t call herself anything but Abby…What she represents is a smart, capable chick that cannot be reduced to a stereotype.” Preach, girl, preach.
Pauley Perrette As Abby Sciuto
Jennifer Esposito as Alexandra Quinn
Jennifer Esposito, a 44-year-old actress, and author, is noted for her movie roles in Crash, Summer of Sam, Don’t Say a Word, and Welcome to Collinwood. Well, then her TV works out there, Spin City, Samantha Who?, Mistresses, Blue Bloods, and, obviously, NCIS. Supporters were enthusiastic to follow Alex Quinn’s role with her sharp wit, quick mind, and massive talent – but Esposito only stuck around for one season.
Jennifer Esposito As Alexandra Quinn
Stephanie Mello as Cynthia Sumner
NCIS fans got to watch the technician Cynthia Sumner come into contact with Jethro Gibbs amusingly for over two seasons. Although she is no longer on the show, reruns are always a must. Stephanie Mello is an actress now with her name on more than 100 national TV commercials, so keep your eyes peeled!
Stephanie Mello As Cynthia Sumner
Emily Wickersham as Eleanor Bishop
Emily Wickersham is a new-bee to Hollywood, with her first major film in Gardener of Eden in 2007. In 2006, her first television appearance was with David Letterman on Late Night, where Wichersham got to play Jules for just one skit. In 2013, when our dear Cote de Pablo left the project, Wickersham was reintroduced as NSA Analyst Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop. (such a bittersweet feeling!).
Emily Wickersham As Eleanor Bishop
Liza Lapira as Michelle Lee
The stage, the film, the TV, Liza Lapira did it all. Mainly remembered as Kianna from the 2008 film 21, Ivy, Dollhouse assistant Topher Brink, and NCIS special agent Michelle Lee. Lapira presently has a primary role in the 9JKL series.
Liza Lapira As Michelle Lee
Scottie Thompson as Dr. Jeanne Benoit
There’s a movie, TV, and stage actress here now that needs little introduction. Since 2006, the 36-year-old actress has appeared in many shows, including Law & Order, Ugly Betty, Bones, Rizzoli and Isles, Graceland, The Blacklist, Grey’s Anatomy, and, to name a few, 12 Monkeys. She reprised her role as Dr. Jeanne Benoit in NCIS in 2015.
Scottie Thompson As Dr. Jeanne Benoit
Nina Foch as Mrs. Victoria Mallard
Hollywood was ruled by Nina Foch for six decades as a female lead whose roles displayed her as a cool, aloof sophisticate. Foch has 50 feature films to her name and over 100 television appearances. And she added to the list the role of the elderly mother of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard! Aside from acting, Foch also taught at the School of Cinematic Arts of the University of Southern California until her death in 2008.
Nina Foch As Mrs. Victoria Mallard
Tamara Taylor as Cassie Yates
Since 1991, 47-year-old Canadian actress Tamara Taylor has been killing it in Hollywood, and there’s a lot more to come. Although Taylor had a large number of guest appearances on NCIS, Numb3rs, Lost, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, and Dawson’s Creek, in 2006 she landed a major, recurring role on Bones. In February 2018, Taylor’s new show, Altered Carbon, came out.
Tamara Taylor As Cassie Yates
Jessica Steen as Paula Cassidy
The Canadian film and TV actress, Jessica Steen, is next up. For her roles in Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future, Homefront, Armageddon, NCIS, Flashpoint, and Heartland, Steen is best known. At 51, as far as the big screen is concerned, Steen is still going strong.
Jessica Steen As Paula Cassidy
Maria Bello as Jackie Sloane
Ahem, no introduction is required for Maria Bello. The point is that you know Bello, whether you know her from ER, Coyote Ugly, Touch, or Goliath. Special Agent Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Sloane, especially if you’re an NCIS fan, is near and dear to your heart. Bello is a massive champion for humanitarian efforts outside of Hollywood.
Maria Bello As Jackie Sloane
Weronika Rosati as Rivka David
The Polish actress Weronika Rosati may have made her debut in Polish soap operas, but over the years, she has definitely branched out. Especially with her role as Rivka Davis, Tali’s and Ziva David’s mother. In True Detective, Supernatural, and The Detour, Rosati recently appeared.
Weronika Rosati As Rivka David
Juliette Angelo as Emily Fornell
Meet Emily Fornell, Special Agent Tobias Fornell’s teenage daughter. Let’s shift focus, though, from her NCIS. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Juliette Angelo made her Broadway debut at eight years old. Angelo had Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins on Broadway, too.
Juliette Angelo As Emily Fornell
Alicia Coppola as Lieutenant Commander Faith Coleman
49-year-old Alicia Coppola is up next! While Coppola may have started her TV career as a hostess on an MTV game show, Remote Control, she has come pretty far. She has been starring since then, appearing in Trinity, Star Trek: Voyager, JAG, Monk, Bones, and Jericho. In Teen Wolf, The Young and the Restless, and Designated Survivor, her most recent roles were
Alicia Coppola As Lieutenant Commander Faith Coleman
Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Samantha Ryan
You already know everything you need to know when you see the name Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis has been racking up awards thanks to her amazing roles in film and television since 1977. With a list of her most famous roles, we won’t bother you. Surely, you’ve seen them all. Although it is her most recent role to die for in Scream Queens.
Jamie Lee Curtis As Dr. Samantha Ryan
Margo Harshman as Delilah Fielding
Even Stevens, The Big Bang Theory, and now NCIS—Margo Harshman, 31, is doing well for herself. Those are her most famed shows, of course, although there are plenty of others. We’re confident there is much more to come from Harshman. For now, though, we’ll look at her character as the D.O.D. and Timothy McGee’s wife’s wheelchair-bound intelligence analyst.
Margo Harshman As Delilah Fielding
Jacqueline Obradors as Paloma Reynosa
Jacqueline Obradors is up next, with films like Six Days, Seven Nights, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and Unstoppable to her name. Even though Obradors is best known as Det. Rita Ortiz of NYPD Blue for her TV role. She performed the recurring role of Paloma Reynosa in NCIS in 2010.
Jacqueline Obradors As Paloma Reynosa
Meredith Eaton as Carol Wilson
Now she is called a “short-stature actress” by Meredith Eaton – probably because she is 4 feet (1.2 m) tall! Eaton is known for her roles in Family Law as Emily Resnick and in Boston Legal as Bethany Horowitz. On <i<NCIS and its spin-off NCIS: New Orleans, Eaton played the part of Carol Wilson for six seasons.
Meredith Eaton As Carol Wilson
Diane Neal as CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin
Granted to most, Casey Novak from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will always be Diane Neal. But the room for growth is always there! Since 2009, Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Abigail Borin has been portrayed by Neal on NCIS and its spin-off NCIS: New Orleans. In The Following and Blue Bloods, Neal’s most recent roles were.
Diane Neal As CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin
Rena Sofer as Margaret Allison Hart
For her many roles in daytime TV, episodic appearances, and made-for-television movies, 49-year-old actress Rena Sofer is probably most famous. In 1995, Sofer won a Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lois Cerullo in the General Hospital soap opera. Her last TV role, however, was on Chicago PD in 2014, and she still has a primary role in The Bold and the Beautiful.
Rena Sofer As Margaret Allison Hart
Michelle Pierce as Breena Slater
She landed a few television roles as soon as Michelle Pierce graduated from UCLA. Such as CSI: NY, Days of Our Lives, Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives, CSI: Miami, Rules of Engagement, and many more. Pierce debuted on NCIS as a recurring character in 2010. Pierce plays Jimmy Palmer’s girlfriend (now wife), played by Brian Dietzen.
Michelle Pierce As Breena Slater
Penny Johnson Jerald as Joanne Torrence
Penny Johnson Jerald, 56, is recognized for quite a few roles that she has played. Such as Beverly Barnes on The Larry Sanders Show, Deep Space Nine, Sherry Palmer on 24, and Captain Victoria “Iron” Gates on Castle: Kasidy Yates on Star Trek. Jerald is currently playing the part of Dr. Claire Finn in The Orville.
Penny Johnson Jerald As Joanne Torrence
Clare Carey as Ann Gibbs
While Clare Carey has acted in many movies, alongside Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, she is remembered fondly as Kelly Fox on Coach and as Macy Carlson on So Little Time. Carey acted the role of the mother of Jethro Gibbs, and in NCIS: New Orleans, she played a special charter, Anne Boudreau, a militia villain.
Clare Carey As Ann Gibbs
Susanna Thompson as Lt. Col. Hollis Mann
Susanna Thompson is loved by many, owing to her roles in Little Giants, Ghosts of Mississippi, Random Hearts, and Dragonfly. And then, in Once and Again, Arrow, and Timeless, there are her TV roles. From 2006 to 2015 on NCIS, Thompson appeared in eight episodes as Army Lt. Col. Hollis Mann.
Susanna Thompson As Lt. Col. Hollis Mann
Sarah Jane Morris as NCIS Special Agent Erica Jane ‘EJ’ Barrett
Currently, Sarah Jane Morris is best known for playing in Brothers & Sisters as Julia Walker. She has been playing the role of Special Agent Erica Jane Barrett on NCIS since 2011. Her last television role on Grey’s Anatomy was in 2016.
Sarah Jane Morris As NCIS Special Agent Erica Jane EJ Barrett
Lindsay Wagner as Barbara
If you did not notice Lindsay Wagner as The Bionic Woman’s Jaime Sommers, then you were living beneath a rock. It was that show that really propelled the career of Wagner to grandeur. Since 1971, she has been acting and recently had a guest role as the mom of Alex Karev on Grey’s Anatomy. Wagner played the mother of Eleanor Bishop in NCIS season 13, (played by Emily Wickersham).
Lindsay Wagner As Barbara
Lily Tomlin as Penelope Langston
What has not been achieved in her career by the legendary Lily Tomlin? I mean, she’s an accomplished comedian, actress, writer, singer, and producer. And yes, to back up her extraordinary career, she has a long, long list of accolades. Tomlin appeared in NCIS, titled “The Penelope Papers” once she made her return to TV – she played Penelope Langston, Agent Timothy McGee’s (Sean Murray) grandmother.
Lily Tomlin As Penelope Langston
Abigail Breslin as Sandy Watson
Abigail Breslin got her start in commercials at just three years old. The remainder is history. She played a blind girl who was abducted in the 2004 episode, ‘See No Evil.’ She is currently starring in Scream Queens and the film Dirty Dancing on TV.
Abigail Breslin As Sandy Watson
Louise Lombard as Special Agent Lara Macy
The English actress Louise Lombard is known for portraying in The House of Eliott as Evangeline Eliott and in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Sofia Curtis. Lombard played Special Agent Lara Macy on NCIS in a two-part episode.
Louise Lombard As Special Agent Lara Macy
Jaime Ray Newman as Lt. Cmdr. Melanie Burke
This 42-year old actress and singer appeared as Lt. Cmdr. Melanie Burke for two episodes in 2011. Veronica Mars, Eastwick, Eureka, Red Widow, Mind Games, Wicked City, and most recently, The Punisher, although we know her best from General Hospital.
Jaime Ray Newman As Lt. Cmdr. Melanie Burke
Jaime Murray as Julia Foster-Yates
The English actress Jamie Murray is next up. For her roles in Hustle, Dexter, Spartacus: Arena Gods, Ringer, Warehouse 13, Defiance, Once Upon a Time, and The Originals, she has been well established. She had quite a special appearance on NCIS in 2009 as ICE Agent Julia Foster-Yates.
Jaime Murray As Julia Foster Yates
Troian Bellisario as Sarah McGee
You look at the daughter of Donald P. Bellisario and Deborah Pratt, the producers. Yes, that’s why they looked so familiar with her last name! NCIS was created by her father! Troian made her acting debut at just three years of age and is killing it. You might have recently caught her on the popular show Pretty Little Liars. She played McGee’s sister on NCIS – funny enough, and her real-life stepbrother is Sean Murray.
Troian Bellisario As Sarah McGee
Mary Stuart Masterson as Congresswoman Jenna Flemming
Congresswoman Jenna Flemming was played by actress and director Mary Stuart Masterson for three episodes. In the movies At Close Range, Some Kind of Wonderful, Chances Are, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Benny & Joon, she is noted for her work. Currently, on Blindspot, she plays FBI Director Eleanor Hirst.
Mary Stuart Masterson As Congresswoman Jenna Flemming
Catherine Dent as Whitney Sharp
Best known as Danielle “Danny” Sofer in the series The Shield, Catherine Dent also appeared on NCIS for two episodes. In fact, she has made many appearances on popular television shows – we won’t list them all as they run a mile long. She has a recurring role on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and just appeared on Arrow.
Catherine Dent As Whitney Sharp
Laura San Giacomo as Dr. Grace Confalone
Maya Gallo from Just Shoot Me! had a recurring role on NCIS as Dr. Grace Confalone. Laura San Giacomo is also known for her roles as Cynthia in Sex, Lies, and Videotape and as Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman. She did also star as Rhetta Rodriguez on Saving Grace. Recently she appeared on Grey’s Anatomy.
Laura San Giacomo As Dr. Grace Confalone
Zoe McLellan as Agent Meredith Brody
Best known as Petty Officer Jennifer Coates in JAG, Lisa George in Dirty Sexy Money, and Meredith Brody in NCIS: New Orleans. Zoe McLellan is now a series regular in Designated Survivor as White House Counsel Kendra Daynes.
Zoe McLellan As Agent Meredith Brody
Melinda McGraw as Diane Sterling
When it comes to movies, Melinda McGraw is known for parts in Albino Alligator, Wrongfully Accused, and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. Moreover, the 54-year-old is known for her television appearances in The Commish, The X-Files, and Mad Men. In NCIS, she plays Diane Sterling, the ex-wife of Leroy Jethro Gibbs and also Tobias Fornell.
Melinda McGraw As Diane Sterling
Sarah Clarke as Tess Monroe
First of all, Sarah Clarke will always be the traitor Nina Myers on 24 to most of us. Although you probably recognize her as Renée Dwyer, Bella Swan’s mother, in the film Twilight, Erin McGuire on Trust Me, and CIA Agent Lena Smith on Covert Affairs. Currently, she stars as Eleanor Wish in Bosch.
Sarah Clarke As Tess Monroe
Virginia Williams as Leah Ramsey
With a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Fordham University, Virginia Williams then studied Shakespeare at Oxford University and at the British American Drama Academy in London. See, she’s more than just an actress. Williams made her acting debut in 1995 on the soap opera One Life to Live. She had a guest role on NCIS as Leah Ramsey, and she recently played C.J., Steve’s love interest in Fuller House.
Virginia Williams As Leah Ramsey
CCH Pounder as Dr. Loretta Wade
1979 is when this Guyanese American actress made her debut on the big screen. Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (AKA CCH) has appeared and starred in multiple films, made-for-TV films, TV miniseries, plays, and shows. You probably recognize her from ER, The Shield, Avatar, Warehouse 13, Sons of Anarchy, and most recently NCIS: New Orleans.
CCH Pounder As Dr. Loretta Wade
Mary Mouser as Kelly Gibbs
At 21, Mary Mouser is living the life of a Hollywood actress. Naturally, most fans know her as Lacey Fleming from Body of Proof. Or maybe it’s thanks to her most recent role as Karen Grant, Fitz and Mellie’s daughter on the hit TV show Scandal. Mouser also had the recurring role on NCIS as Kelly, Jethro Gibbs’ daughter.
Mary Mouser As Kelly Gibbs
Darby Stanchfield as Shannon Gibbs
Currently, Darby Stanchfield is best recognized for her killer role of Abby Whelan in the political drama Scandal. Although before this, she was known as April Green from Jericho and as Helen Bishop from Mad Men. From 2006 to 2012, she appeared as Shannon Gibbs, the first wife of Jethro Gibbs.
Darby Stanchfield As Shannon Gibbs
Connie Jackson as Elaine
Actress and producer Connie Jackson is known for having appeared in NCIS, How to Get Away with Murder, and My Name Is Lamar.
Connie Jackson As Elaine
Kiara Muhammad as Kayla Vance
Child actress and singer Kiara Muhammad is best known for her role in the animated television series Doc McStuffins, and she is the voice of Doc McStuffins. In 2012, she appeared on NCIS as Kayla Vance, the daughter of Leon Vance, the Director of the NCIS.
Kiara Muhammad As Kayla Vance
Wendy Makkena as Dr. Rachel Cranston
59-year-old actress Wendy Makkena made her debut in 1986 on the television series Santa Barbara. She has appeared in a few movies, but television is her niche. Makkena has a recurring role on NCIS as Dr. Rachel Cranston.
Wendy Makkena As Dr. Rachel Cranston
Jackie Geary as Agent Susan Grady
A graduate of Barnard College, Jackie Geary is an actress and director. Geary is known for her works on 13 Reasons Why, White House Down, and NCIS. Her recurring role on NCIS as Agent Susan Grady followed a woman who is always after Sean Murray’s character Agent Tim McGee.
Jackie Geary As Agent Susan Grady
Paula Newsome as Jackie Vance
That’s right, Paula Newsome plays the wife of the Director of the NCIS, Leon Vance. Newsome is well known for her many roles on television – The New Adventures of Old Christine, Bones, Parenthood, Drop Dead Diva, Grey’s Anatomy, Suits, Castle, and How to Get Away with Murder are some of her more known roles.
Paula Newsome As Jackie Vance
Renée Felice Smith as Nell Jones
Since NCIS: Los Angeles started in 2012, Renée Felice Smith has been portraying Nell Jones, an NCIS analyst. The 33-year-old actress only began her career in 2008, and two years later, she lands a pretty impressive role! She recently appeared on an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Renée Felice Smith As Nell Jones
Nia Long as Assistant Director Shay Mosley
The actress Nia Long is known for her roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch. Although her gigs in films are far more well known. On NCIS: Los Angeles, she has the main role of Executive Assistant Director Shay Mosley.
Nia Long As Assistant Director Shay Mosley
Bar Paly as Anna Kolcheck
Meet Bar Paly, the USSR-born Israeli-American model, and actress. She got her start in Hollywood back in 2003 in the film Zehirut Matzlema. She has appeared in a number of film and television shows, such as CSI: NY, Pain & Gain, How I Met Your Mother and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Paly has a recurring role on NCIS: Los Angeles.
Bar Paly As Anna Kolcheck
Elizabeth Bogush as Joelle Taylor
40-year-old actress Elizabeth Bogush has appeared on many television shows. Including Scrubs, Beverly Hills, 90210, Everybody Loves Raymond, How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory. Plus, she does the commercials for the text messaging service KGB. She had a recurring role on NCIS: Los Angeles as Joelle Taylor.
Elizabeth Bogush As Joelle Taylor