Home / Arts and Entertainment / NCIS Star Dietzen Recalls Early Nerves & Support
NCIS Star Dietzen Recalls Early Nerves & Support
11 Oct
Summary
- Brian Dietzen joined NCIS in 2004 during its first season.
- Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly helped Dietzen with lines.
- Pauley Perrette used taped lines to assist Dietzen.
Brian Dietzen, a staple on NCIS since its first season in 2004, revealed the challenges and support he received during his early days on the show. Joining as Jimmy Palmer, Dietzen experienced considerable nerves as the series gained popularity.
A specific instance highlighted the pressure when co-creator Donald P. Bellisario presented Dietzen with two pages of dense medical jargon for a Season 2 episode, leaving little time for rehearsal.
To aid Dietzen, veteran actors Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly offered to help him prepare. Additionally, Pauley Perrette taped his lines to the bottom of the camera, enabling him to deliver them perfectly on his first take.
This early support underscored the strong, family-like bond among the NCIS cast, which Dietzen believes contributes to actors' long tenures on the series. The show, currently in its 24th season in the 2026 TV schedule, continues to air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.
