Skip to main content

NCIS has been on the air since 2003. There are many characters we’ve grown to love over the years. Here are our favorite NCIS characters.  

Tony DiNozzo

Mark Harmon, Sean Murray, and Michael Weatherly stand in the office on the set of 'NCIS.'
Pictured left to right: Mark Harmon, Sean Murray and Michael Weatherly | Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) sometimes referred to himself as “Very Special Agent” DiNozzo. He was indeed a very special character to those who have watched NCIS for years. His character was with the series since the beginning. During his time on the show, DiNozzo formed a bond and later a romantic relationship with fan-favorite Ziva David.

Ziva David

Before there was Torres and Bishop, we had Tony and Ziva. Ziva (played by Cote de Pablo) was a former Mossad officer who became a spunky NCIS special agent. She joined the team after the death of agent Caitlin Todd. It took some time for her teammates to get used to her, but their love and respect for her grew with each episode. Fans thought Ziva was killed, but she returned for a surprise appearance during NCIS Seasons 16 and 17. Tony and Ziva eventually had a daughter named Tali.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs

Related

What Is Former ‘NCIS’ and ‘SVU’ Star Diane Neal Doing Now? The Actress Made Headlines for the Most Disturbing Reasons

Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) will forever be our favorite NCIS character. He had a tough life, but he always managed to get the job done. Although Gibbs was rough around the edges, it was clear he truly cared for his team and wanted the best for them. Fans were devasted after Gibbs decided to leave NCIS during season 19. There were plenty of hints he was going to leave, but no one was prepared when the day came. McGee gave Gibbs a sad send-off before the boss stayed behind to start a new life in Alaska.

Although Gibbs is leading a calmer life away from the hustle and bustle of the agency, his team misses him terribly. Torres has been having a tough time adjusting to life without him.

Donald “Ducky” Mallard

Ducky (played by David McCallum) is a character we haven’t seen a lot in the last three seasons. Ever since he handed over the reins to Jimmy Palmer and took on the role as NCIS historian, it’s rare for him to be on the premises. Ducky had a very close relationship with Gibbs. Viewers were treated to a blast from the past and saw how Ducky and Gibbs met during NCIS Season 18 Episode 2 (titled “Everything Starts Somewhere”). Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of Ducky in upcoming episodes.

Jimmy Palmer

Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen) is a bright light in autopsy. He always has a smile and a positive word for everyone he meets. Jimmy started out as Ducky’s assistant but later took over as the chief medical examiner after Ducky’s semi-retirement.

Abby Sciuto

Abby Sciuto (played by Pauley Perrette) won the hearts of viewers during her 15-season tenure. She kept the lab running smoothly and helped the team get the information they needed to solve crimes. We last saw Abby during NCIS Season 15 Episode 24, titled “Date with Destiny.”

RELATED: ‘NCIS’: We Asked Pancho Demmings What Happened to Gerald Jackson, Ducky’s First Assistant

Follow Sheiresa Ngo on Twitter.

Best in Entertainment