The NCIS Season 1 Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking 2024/2025 Updates On The Original Stars

The premiere of *NCIS* Season 1 in 2003 introduced television audiences to an unforgettable team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents, creating a procedural drama that would become one of the longest-running and most-watched shows in television history. The original lineup—led by the stoic Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs—set the standard for what a modern crime series could be, blending intense investigations with deep, character-driven storylines. Two decades later, the question remains: what happened to the actors who brought these iconic characters to life, and what are their latest career moves as of December 2025?

This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date information on the original *NCIS* Season 1 cast members, revealing their latest projects, career changes, and even the heartbreaking tribute paid to one of the show’s most beloved stars. From a major spin-off announcement to a permanent retirement from acting, the lives of these original cast members continue to evolve in surprising ways, keeping the legacy of the NCIS mothership alive.

The Original NCIS Season 1 Cast: A Complete Biography & Profile List

The foundation of *NCIS*'s immense success was built on the chemistry and talent of its inaugural cast. Here is a complete profile of the five main actors who defined the first season, including their full names, birth details, and key non-*NCIS* career highlights.

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• Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)
  • Full Name: Thomas Mark Harmon
  • Born: September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California, U.S.
  • Key Non-NCIS Roles: Dr. Robert Caldwell in *St. Elsewhere*, Agent Simon Donovan in *The West Wing*, and starring roles in films like *Summer School* and *The Presidio*. Harmon was also a college football quarterback at UCLA.
• Sasha Alexander (Caitlin "Kate" Todd)
  • Full Name: Suzana S. Drobnjaković
  • Born: May 17, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Key Non-NCIS Roles: Gretchen Witter in *Dawson's Creek* and Dr. Maura Isles in the hit TNT series *Rizzoli & Isles*.
• Michael Weatherly (Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo)
  • Full Name: Michael Manning Weatherly Jr.
  • Born: July 8, 1968, in New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Key Non-NCIS Roles: Logan Cale in *Dark Angel* and the lead role of Dr. Jason Bull in the CBS series *Bull*.
• Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto)
  • Full Name: Pauley Perrette
  • Born: March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Key Non-NCIS Roles: Guest roles in *Frasier* and *24*, and the lead role in the sitcom *Broke*. She is also a published writer and civil rights advocate.
• David McCallum (Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard)
  • Full Name: David Keith McCallum
  • Born: September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
  • Died: September 25, 2023, at age 90, in New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Key Non-NCIS Roles: Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s series *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.*, for which he received two Emmy nominations.

The Shocking Truth: Why Key NCIS Season 1 Stars Left the Show

While some of the original cast members, like Mark Harmon, enjoyed lengthy runs, the departures of others were pivotal and, in some cases, shocking events that reshaped the entire series. The unexpected exits are a major part of the NCIS lore and continue to fuel fan curiosity.

The Abrupt Exit of Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander)

Sasha Alexander’s character, Special Agent Kate Todd, was famously killed off in the dramatic Season 2 finale, "Twilight," a move that stunned viewers. This was one of the most memorable and traumatic moments in the show's history, as Kate was shot in the head by the villainous terrorist Ari Haswari.

The reason for the character's sudden death was Alexander's own request to be released from her contract. She reportedly found the demands of a 22-episode season schedule too physically and mentally taxing, explaining that she felt she needed to leave before she "burnt out."

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Pauley Perrette's Departure as Abby Sciuto

Pauley Perrette, who played the beloved forensic scientist Abby Sciuto for 15 seasons, announced her departure in 2017 and left the show in 2018. Her exit was widely reported to be the result of a workplace accident involving Mark Harmon’s dog on set, which led to an alleged physical altercation and a breakdown in their professional relationship. Perrette later confirmed that she would "never again" return to acting, effectively cementing her retirement from the screen in 2024.

Michael Weatherly’s exit after Season 13 was less contentious, as he chose to leave to pursue other opportunities, most notably the lead role in the series *Bull*. His character, Tony DiNozzo, left to care for his and Ziva David's daughter, Tali, a narrative that allowed for a future return.

Where Are They Now? The NCIS Season 1 Cast's Latest Projects in 2024/2025

The original NCIS cast members have all moved on to significant new ventures, with recent updates in 2024 and 2025 proving they remain highly active in the entertainment industry.

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Mark Harmon (Gibbs) - The Return of an Icon

While Mark Harmon officially stepped away from his on-screen role as Agent Gibbs in Season 19, he remains deeply involved in the *NCIS* universe. His latest and most significant project is the prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*, which explores the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

As of late 2024, Harmon serves as both the executive producer and the narrator for *Origins*, maintaining his influence on the franchise. Furthermore, in a highly anticipated move, it was announced he would reprise his role as Gibbs in a guest-star capacity for the November 2024 episode of *NCIS: Origins*, thrilling fans of the original NCIS mothership.

Michael Weatherly (DiNozzo) - Back in the Field

Michael Weatherly has had the most dramatic return to the franchise in 2024. After a guest appearance in the Season 21 tribute episode to David McCallum in February 2024, news broke of a major new project.

Weatherly is set to return to his role as Tony DiNozzo alongside Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) for a brand-new spin-off series, currently titled *NCIS: Tony & Ziva*. The show is set to follow the couple and their daughter on the run across Europe, providing a fresh, action-packed chapter for two of the most popular NCIS characters.

Sasha Alexander (Kate Todd) - A New Legal Role

Following her successful run on *Rizzoli & Isles*, Sasha Alexander has continued to build a diverse career. In a major update from April 2024, Alexander joined the cast of the hit Netflix legal drama, *The Lincoln Lawyer*, in a recurring role. Her casting proves her enduring appeal in procedural dramas, a testament to the foundation she built as Agent Kate Todd in the early NCIS seasons.

Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) - Permanent Retirement

For fans holding out hope for an Abby Sciuto return, Pauley Perrette delivered definitive news in October 2024: her retirement from acting is permanent. She has confirmed she will "never again" return to the screen, closing the door on any potential cameos in the NCIS universe.

However, Perrette has not left the entertainment industry entirely. She has shifted her focus to producing films, particularly documentaries, demonstrating her continued commitment to creative projects behind the camera.

David McCallum (Ducky Mallard) - A Lasting Legacy

The NCIS family mourned the loss of David McCallum, who passed away in September 2023 at the age of 90. McCallum was the last remaining original cast member to appear regularly on the show, having starred as the quirky and beloved Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard since the pilot episode.

The show paid a powerful tribute to McCallum and his character in the February 2024 episode, "The Stories We Leave Behind," which memorialized Ducky's passing and featured Michael Weatherly's surprise return. This emotional episode served as a fitting farewell to the actor who brought so much gravitas and warmth to the NCIS team.

Topical Authority and The Enduring NCIS Legacy

The original NCIS cast season 1 not only launched a successful television series but also created a massive, interconnected television universe. The 2024/2025 updates—including the launch of *NCIS: Origins* and the *Tony & Ziva* spin-off—demonstrate the incredible topical authority of the original show. The franchise continues to expand with new chapters, but the core appeal remains rooted in the five original characters and the actors who first brought them to life.

The enduring popularity of the show is a testament to the strong foundation laid by Gibbs, DiNozzo, Kate Todd, Abby Sciuto, and Ducky Mallard. As new spin-offs emerge, they only reinforce the iconic status of the original NCIS team and its place in television history.