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NCIS Star Joe Spano Steps Out With Meili
25 Feb
Summary
- Joe Spano attended the Hoppers premiere with adopted daughter Meili.
- He discussed not wanting to be an NCIS series regular.
- Spano and his wife adopted their daughters from China.

Actor Joe Spano, famous for his role as FBI Special Agent Tobias Fornell on NCIS, recently made a rare public appearance alongside his adopted daughter, Meili. The event was the premiere of the film Hoppers, where Spano will voice a character. This marked his first red carpet outing since October 2024.
Spano, who has been part of NCIS since 2003, previously explained on a podcast why he chose to remain a recurring guest rather than a series regular. He expressed concerns about losing oneself due to the demands of constant public perception and the pressures of being a full-time cast member.
Beyond his successful acting career, which began in theater in the '70s, Spano has a fulfilling home life. He met his wife, Joan Zerrien, at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Inspired by a documentary highlighting the needs of children in China, the couple decided to adopt their two daughters, Liana and Meili, from that country, seeking the opportunity to parent.
Joe Spano's appearance at the Hoppers premiere with Meili offers a glimpse into the private life of the veteran actor, balancing his distinguished career with his family.



