For 15 seasons, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) has dominated as one of the most popular action police procedural series on TV in an ever-growing genre. Since beginning in 2003, it has become a ratings darling and has spawned two spin-offs which are gaining their own fanbases thanks to the popularity of the original show. A lot goes into a series of its size, and the cast becomes like family after spending so much time together. Check out 10 things you never knew about NCIS:
10. Playing Themselves
It is always important for actors and actresses to be convincing when playing a character, and that is always easier when they can really connect with the character they portray. As a result, NCIS uses a lot of the actor’s own histories and qualities for that of the characters. For example, Pauley Perrette, who plays Abby, really did graduate from college with a degree in Forensics, and was born in New Orleans, just as Abby was. Producers have said many times that many of Abby’s qualities, interests and personality are really just Perrette “playing herself.” Meanwhile, Michael Weatherly, who plays Tony DiNozzo, was was disinherited from his family’s fortune just like his character. Apparently his dad didn’t like that he was going to pursue an acting career!
Mary Evans Picture Library
