Rocky Carroll, who joined NCIS during its fifth season and has been a constant presence since then, occupies the third-longest tenure among current cast members, following Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen. In the show, his character Leon Vance assumed the director role midway through Season 5, becoming the primary authority figure ever since. With NCIS Season 22 airing now on the 2025 TV schedule, marking Carroll’s 18th season on the show, he shared with TopMob what keeps him enthusiastic about continuing his involvement in the series.
During our interview, we discussed Vance’s directorial role in “Baker’s Men,” his feelings towards Deputy Director LaRoche, and the possibility of Vance’s girlfriend rejoining the scene. I was also curious to know what motivates Rocky Carroll to continue working on NCIS>. He began by sharing:
It’s quite rare in my line of work to have stayed with a single show for nearly two decades. Many of the team members, particularly those on the crew, and I go way back to our time on JAG. Interestingly, I hadn’t known exactly when I began directing until people asked, “What season did you start directing?” I often responded, “I can’t remember, they all seem to blend together.” However, since season 12, having worked both in front of and behind the camera, I’ve built unique bonds not just with the cast, but also with the crew, which is quite special.
Indeed, let me remind you all that NCIS originated from JAG, airing from 1995 to 2005, and like the entire NCIS universe, it’s available for streaming on Paramount+. It’s truly astounding to see crew members who have made a name for themselves in this procedural world, but that doesn’t diminish the impressive achievements of Rocky Carroll on this very show. In “Baker’s Man”, he reached his 25th time directing on NCIS, giving him an intimate understanding of the talented individuals behind the scenes.
Working as an actor on a TV show means there are numerous individuals working off-screen, such as post-production, special effects, wardrobe, and many more. Although I recognize these people because I interact with them, I don’t often get to witness their daily tasks up close. Remarkably, my role allows me not only to collaborate with the on-camera talent but also with those working behind the scenes.
Rocky Carroll made his directorial debut on NCIS during the Season 12 episode titled “We Build, We Fight.” This opportunity has enabled him to expand his professional horizons, as he’s now contributing significantly both in front of and behind the camera. Towards the end of our chat, he mentioned that he will be directing another episode scheduled for Season 22.
I’ve built strong relationships with individuals in the art, postproduction, and editing departments, as I collaborate with them frequently. This upcoming Monday, I return to Santa Clarita not as an actor, but as a director. My day will consist of six hours attending department meetings and planning the next episode. It’s these connections and the creative process that energize me and keep me engaged in this role.
Over the years, Rocky Carroll’s character Leon Vance on NCIS has accomplished much, including forming a resilient bond with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs following tragic events and developing an unusual rapport with Gary Cole’s Alden Parker as he found personal growth. However, acting is just one aspect of Carroll’s role on NCIS; he also delights in directing and working alongside others behind the scenes. It’s heartening to see that this diverse skill set has brought him great satisfaction and a desire to keep contributing to one of television’s most successful broadcast programs.
On Mondays at 9 PM Eastern Time, catch new installments of NCIS on CBS. In the upcoming period, we’ll find out whether there will be a Season 23 or not. If it does happen, it’s likely that Rocky Carroll will continue his remarkable run in the series.
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2025-02-18 22:07