Rocky Carroll joined NCIS in season five as Assistant Director Leon Vance, initially appearing in just four episodes. However, his role expanded, making him one of the show’s enduring characters. The actor credits his former Chicago Hope co-star, Mark Harmon, for helping him land the part.
“I only knew one person connected to NCIS, but it was the perfect person,” Rocky told me.” “If Harmon hadn’t vouched for me and said, ‘I know this guy, we work well together,’ it wouldn’t have happened.”
Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons before retiring in 2021, played a key role in convincing the network and producers to cast Rocky.
Though Rocky expected the role to be brief, he cited the audience’s favorable response as the reason for his extended stay. “If the audience hadn’t responded, it would’ve ended after four episodes,” he told me.
Rocky became the third actor to portray the NCIS director, following Alan Dale and Lauren Holly. Beyond acting, he has directed episodes of NCIS and appeared in spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
Reflecting on his time at CBS, he expressed gratitude for the network’s confidence in him, stating, “It was a real feather in my cap when the network said, ‘We know and trust you with this role.'”
Summing up his experience, Rocky joked, “I go to my grave saying I was Harmon-approved.”
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to NCIS.