NCIS Origins Cast: Complete List of Main Actors, Supporting Characters and Guest Stars

The NCIS: Origins cast features Austin Stowell as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, Mariel Molino as Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes, Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland, and Caleb Foote as Bernard “Randy” Randolf. Mark Harmon also returns as the older Gibbs, narrating the series and appearing onscreen throughout Season 3.

NCIS: Origins premiered on October 14, 2024, and follows Gibbs during his early career as a federal investigator in 1991. The prequel introduces the colleagues, mentors, and personal relationships that shaped the character before the original NCIS series.

The NCIS: Origins cast also includes recurring actors and familiar franchise performers. Here’s a complete guide to the main characters, supporting roles, notable guest stars, and Season 3 casting developments.

NCIS: Origins Main Cast and Characters

The show’s central ensemble features six actors portraying members of the investigative team, alongside Mark Harmon as the older Gibbs.

Actor	Character	Role
Austin Stowell	Leroy Jethro Gibbs	Young special agent
Kyle Schmid	Mike Franks	Team leader and Gibbs’ mentor
Mariel Molino	Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez	Special agent
Tyla Abercrumbie	Mary Jo Hayes	Field operations support officer
Diany Rodriguez	Vera Strickland	Special agent
Caleb Foote	Bernard “Randy” Randolf	Special agent
Mark Harmon	Older Leroy Jethro Gibbs	Narrator and present-day Gibbs

These seven performers form the principal lineup. Each character contributes to Gibbs’ professional development or connects his early experiences to the established franchise.

Meet the NCIS: Origins Actors and Characters

Austin Stowell as Leroy Jethro Gibbs

Austin Stowell leads the NCIS: Origins cast as a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the character made famous by Mark Harmon.

The story begins in 1991, when Gibbs joins the Naval Investigative Service after suffering devastating personal losses. Unlike the confident team leader audiences know from the original series, this version is still developing his investigative abilities and professional judgment.

His relationships with Franks, Lala, and his fellow agents reveal how his early experiences influence the man he eventually becomes.

Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks

Kyle Schmid portrays Mike Franks, an experienced supervisory special agent who leads the investigative team at Camp Pendleton.

Franks recognizes Gibbs’ potential and becomes an important mentor, although their working relationship is not always easy. His unconventional methods and demanding personality frequently challenge the younger agent.

The character previously appeared in the original NCIS, where Muse Watson portrayed the older Mike Franks.

Mariel Molino as Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez

Mariel Molino plays Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez, a capable special agent whose relationship with Gibbs becomes a central part of the series.

Lala is determined, outspoken, and confident in her investigative abilities. Although she and Gibbs sometimes disagree professionally, their connection gradually becomes more personal.

Her character has independent storylines and responsibilities, making her more than simply a romantic interest in Gibbs’ early life.

Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes

Tyla Abercrumbie portrays Mary Jo Hayes, the team’s field operations support officer.

Mary Jo helps coordinate everyday office activities and provides administrative support to the investigators. Her experience and understanding of the workplace make her an important part of the team.

She also brings humor, warmth, and practical perspective to an environment regularly dealing with difficult criminal investigations.

Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland

Diany Rodriguez plays Vera Strickland, a resourceful special agent known for her analytical approach to investigations.

Vera contributes investigative experience, careful observation, and a strong understanding of evidence. Her methods complement the different personalities working under Franks.

Longtime franchise viewers may recognize the character from the original series, where Roma Maffia portrayed an older Vera Strickland.

Caleb Foote as Bernard “Randy” Randolf

Caleb Foote portrays Bernard “Randy” Randolf, another special agent working alongside Gibbs.

Randy brings a friendly, approachable personality to the team while remaining committed to his investigative responsibilities. His interactions with colleagues provide occasional lighter moments without diminishing the seriousness of their work.

His presence also helps illustrate the different personalities and professional backgrounds within Franks’ investigative unit.

Mark Harmon as Older Leroy Jethro Gibbs

Mark Harmon connects the prequel to the original series through his portrayal of the older Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Initially, Harmon primarily narrated the story, reflecting on events from Gibbs’ earlier life. He also made limited on-screen appearances before returning in a larger capacity.

In Season 3, Harmon appears throughout the season as part of a present-day mystery connected to Gibbs’ past. He also serves as an executive producer.

NCIS: Origins Supporting Cast and Recurring Characters

Beyond the principal investigators, the NCIS: Origins cast list includes several recurring performers who portray supervisors, forensic specialists, relatives, and other people connected to the team.

Actor	Character	Role
Patrick Fischler	Cliff Wheeler	Special agent in charge
Bobby Moynihan	Woodrow “Woody” Browne	Forensic specialist
Michael Harney	Richard Kowalski	Evidence custodian
Tonantzin Carmelo	Tish Kwa’la	Mike Franks’ romantic partner
Julian Black Antelope	Dr. Témet Téngalkat	Medical examiner
Daniel Bellomy	Herman “Herm” Daniels	NIS agent
Ely Henry	Philip Elertson	Chemist

Patrick Fischler’s Cliff Wheeler provides supervisory oversight, while Bobby Moynihan’s Woody Browne contributes forensic expertise and occasional humor.

Tonantzin Carmelo’s Tish Kwa’la plays a significant role in Frank’s personal life, helping viewers understand the character beyond his demanding position as team leader.

These supporting characters appear at different points in the series and should not be confused with the regular main cast.

Notable NCIS: Origins Guest Stars

Several recognizable performers have appeared in guest roles, including actors with established connections to the original franchise.

Adam Campbell as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard: Campbell reprises his portrayal of a younger Ducky, introducing another familiar character into Gibbs’ early career.

Philip Winchester as Mason Franks: Winchester portrays Mike Franks’ estranged brother, bringing additional family history into the storyline.

Kathleen Kenny as Diane: Kenny portrays Diane, whose relationship with Gibbs becomes important to his personal history.

Sean Harmon as Casey Bloom: Sean Harmon, who previously portrayed young Gibbs in the original series, appears as FBI agent Casey Bloom in Season 3.

Michael Weatherly as Anthony DiNozzo: Weatherly reprises Tony DiNozzo in the October 20, 2026, episode, “Return of the Mack,” reuniting onscreen with Mark Harmon’s Gibbs.

These guest appearances create connections between the prequel and the wider franchise without changing the show’s principal ensemble.

NCIS: Origins Season 3 Cast Updates

Season 3 premiered on October 6, 2026, retaining the established NCIS: Origins cast of Austin Stowell, Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, and Caleb Foote.

The biggest development involves Mark Harmon’s expanded on-screen role. Rather than appearing only occasionally, the older Gibbs participates in a continuing present-day storyline connected to events from his early career.

The season also includes returning franchise characters and guest appearances, including Michael Weatherly’s reunion with Harmon.

Conclusion

The NCIS: Origins cast combines a talented principal ensemble with supporting performers and familiar franchise faces. Austin Stowell anchors the series as young Gibbs, while Kyle Schmid, Mariel Molino, and the other main actors establish the professional relationships that shape his early career.

Mark Harmon’s expanded Season 3 involvement strengthens the connection to the original series, while recurring characters and guest stars provide additional insight into Gibbs’ past.

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