NCIS Origins Cast: The NCIS universe is getting bigger with NCIS: Origins, coming to CBS in Fall 2024. This new prequel takes fans back to 1991, exploring how Leroy Jethro Gibbs became the legendary NCIS agent we know today.
Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs for years, will return as the narrator, while his son, Sean Harmon, is working behind the scenes. Fans can expect to see both new characters and familiar faces from the original series.
The show is led by David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, former writers of the main NCIS series. According to Monreal, working with the Harmons to tell Gibbs’ origin story is a dream come true.
With a mix of mystery, drama, and nostalgia, NCIS: Origins promises to dive deep into Gibbs’ early days—and fans can’t wait to meet the new cast.
Cast and characters
Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
In NCIS: Origins, Austin Stowell plays a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. This version of Gibbs is not the strong team leader you know. Instead, he is broken and struggling after losing his wife and child.
Stowell shared that before his first audition, he didn’t talk to Mark Harmon. Instead, he relied on the script by David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. These scenes helped him understand Gibbs’ pain and his search for identity.
When Stowell finally met Mark Harmon, he gave simple but powerful advice: “Trust yourself.” This guidance helped Stowell shape his version of Gibbs.
Get ready to see a new side of Gibbs—one that’s raw, emotional, and searching for meaning in NCIS: Origins.
Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez
In NCIS: Origins, Mariel Molino plays Special Agent Lala Dominguez. She’s a former Marine with a dark sense of humor. Dominguez is a new character, bringing a fresh and bold attitude to the team.
Molino grew up in San Diego, California, and started acting in 2015. Her first role was as a cheerleader on FOX’s Glee. Since then, she has appeared in TV shows and short films, including the 2021 short Lux Noctis.
Before joining NCIS: Origins, Molino starred as Carmen Sandoval in ABC’s The Promised Land in 2022. In 2023, she played Elena Santos in Freeform’s The Watchful Eye.
Get ready to see her bring wit and toughness to NCIS: Origins!
Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks
In NCIS: Origins, Kyle Schmid plays Mike Franks, Gibbs’ mentor. He’s the one who first called Gibbs “probie.” Franks is a proud Texan who loves his cowboy boots and has a thick mustache to match his tough personality.
He’s a natural leader with a strong moral code. Franks will do whatever it takes to find justice, no matter the cost. His bold attitude and sharp instincts make him a key figure in Gibbs’ journey.
Schmid brings charm and grit to this beloved character. Fans will see how Franks shapes Gibbs into the agent you know today.
Get ready to meet the man who taught Gibbs everything in NCIS: Origins!
Tyla Abercrombie as Mary Jo Sullivan
In NCIS: Origins, Tyla Abercrombie plays Mary Jo Sullivan. She is the Field Operation Support Officer and proudly calls herself “HSIC” (Head Secretary in Charge). Sullivan is smart, confident, and always in control of the office.
Abercrombie is best known for her role in The Chi. She has played Nina Williams in all six seasons of the show. In 2019, she appeared as Tamara Folsom in Proven Innocent. In 2020, she played Patty in Utopia.
Another major role before NCIS: Origins was Julia in NBC’s The Shrink. Abercrombie brings charm and strength to her new role.
Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs
Robert Taylor plays Jackson Gibbs in NCIS: Origins. He is Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ father, a role first played by Ralph Waite in the original NCIS series. Jackson is a strong and caring father who deeply influences Gibbs’ life.
Taylor is best known for starring in the TV series Longmire. He also appeared in the popular film The Matrix. His experience brings depth and warmth to the role of Jackson.
In NCIS: Origins, you will see the close but complex relationship between Jackson and his son. Their bond helps shape Gibbs into the agent you know today.
NCIS: Origins Supporting Cast & Characters
Mark Harmon as Narrator
Mark Harmon, who famously played Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the original NCIS series, returns to narrate NCIS: Origins, offering fans a deeper look into Gibbs’ early years.
Patrick Fischler as Cliff Walker
Patrick Fischler, known for Lost and Mad Men, plays Cliff Walker, the head of the NIS Pendleton office. As Special Agent in Charge, he brings authority and experience to the team.
Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs
Robert Taylor, best known for Longmire and The Matrix, takes on the role of Jackson Gibbs. As Leroy’s father, he plays a guiding yet complicated figure in Gibbs’ life.
Daniel Bellomy as Special Agent Granville “Granny” Dawson
Daniel Bellomy, known for FBI: International, plays Special Agent Granny Dawson. He’s a probationary agent and Evidence Custodian’s assistant, adding fresh energy to the team.
Caleb Martin Foote as Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf
Caleb Martin Foote, from American Horror Story, plays Randy Randolf. This charming “golden boy” helps Gibbs learn the ropes and keeps the team grounded.
Julian Black Antelope as Chief Medical Examiner Kai Blackrock
Julian Black Antelope, recognized for Tribal, plays Kai Blackrock. With deep ties to NIS, his expertise as Chief Medical Examiner brings crucial forensic insight to the investigations.
Bobby Moynihan as Woodrow “Woody” Browne
Bobby Moynihan, a Saturday Night Live alum, portrays Woody Browne. As the head of the NIS forensics lab, he adds humor while ensuring precision in every case.
Lori Petty as Dr. Lenora Friedman
Lori Petty, famous for A League of Their Own, plays Dr. Lenora Friedman. As a seasoned pathologist at the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office, her knowledge is invaluable to solving complex cases.
FAQs
Is Ducky in NCIS: Origins?
As of now, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard has not been confirmed for NCIS: Origins. Since the series is set in 1991, it’s unclear if Ducky, played by David McCallum, will appear. However, fans remain hopeful for a cameo or reference.
Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?
Mark Harmon left NCIS in Season 19 to focus on other projects and spend more time with his family. While he stepped away from his on-screen role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he remains involved as an executive producer and now narrates NCIS: Origins.
What happened to Gibbs’ daughter on NCIS?
Gibbs’ daughter, Kelly, tragically died in a car bombing along with his wife, Shannon. This heartbreaking event became a defining moment in Gibbs’ life, shaping his personality and dedication to justice.
Are there any original cast members on NCIS?
Yes! Mark Harmon, who played Gibbs, is returning to NCIS: Origins as the narrator. While no other original cast members have been confirmed, his presence ties the prequel to the beloved NCIS universe.
Why did McGee leave NCIS?
As of now, Timothy McGee, played by Sean Murray, has not left NCIS. He remains an important part of the team. Rumors occasionally circulate, but McGee continues to be a series regular.
Did Gibbs and Abby get along in real life?
Despite their close bond on-screen, Mark Harmon (Gibbs) and Pauley Perrette (Abby) reportedly had tension behind the scenes. This conflict led to Perrette’s exit from the show after Season 15, although both actors remain professional about their experiences.
Conclusion
NCIS: Origins brings you a fresh look at familiar stories. You will discover how Gibbs became the agent you know today. With Mark Harmon narrating, the series connects past and present.
The cast is full of talented actors who bring new life to beloved characters. You will meet Gibbs’ mentor, his father, and other key figures. Each character adds depth and helps shape Gibbs’ journey.
If you love NCIS, this prequel gives you exciting new details. It dives into Gibbs’ early life and the events that changed him. You will see his struggles, his growth, and his path to becoming a leader.
This series blends mystery, action, and heart, just like the original. NCIS: Origins promises to bring you drama and familiar faces. So, get ready to dive into the beginning of Gibbs’ story. You won’t want to miss a single moment!
