Cast of NCIS: Los Angeles: Full List, Characters & FAQs

If you have ever caught yourself wondering what happened to Deeks or how Kensi connects to Deeks’ real-life brother, you are not alone—the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles carried 14 seasons of undercover ops and personal drama, and behind the scenes their relationships are just as tangled. Here is the cast list, who stayed until the finale, and which star earned the most per episode.

Seasons: 14 ·
Episodes: 322 ·
Main Cast Members: 8 ·
Original Run: 2009–2023 ·
Network: CBS

Five key facts, one point: the show’s basic identifiers are well documented, though the exact net worth of its cast is harder to pin down.

Why Did Deeks Leave NCIS?

Marty Deeks Character Overview

Marty Deeks joined the Office of Special Projects as a liaison officer in season 2 and quickly became a core team member. He was portrayed by Eric Christian Olsen, who first appeared in a recurring capacity in season 1 before being promoted to a main cast member.

Eric Christian Olsen’s Role on the Show

Olsen remained a series regular from season 2 through the finale in season 14. The character did not leave; Deeks was present in the final episode, “New Beginnings,” which aired on May 21, 2023.

Deeks’ Status in the Series Finale

By the end of the series, Deeks and Kensi were married and expecting a child. The character’s arc concluded on a positive note, with no departure from the show. The implication: the question “Why did Deeks leave?” stems from a misconception; the actor stayed the entire series.

Why Did Kensi Leave NCIS: LA?

Kensi Blye Character Background

Kensi Blye, played by Daniela Ruah, appeared in the very first episode of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009. She was one of the two original female leads, alongside Linda Hunt’s Hetty Lange.

Daniela Ruah’s Tenure

Ruah was a main cast member for all 14 seasons. She did not leave the show; the character was written into the finale as a happily married agent.

Kensi’s Role in the Final Season

In season 14, Kensi continued to serve as a field agent alongside Deeks. The misconception that she left may stem from the show’s cancellation, but the actress never departed mid-series.

Bottom line: Both Eric Christian Olsen (Deeks) and Daniela Ruah (Kensi) stayed until the end. The rumors of their early departures are unfounded, and their characters’ arcs concluded positively.

Who Is the Richest Actor on NCIS: LA?

Estimated Net Worth of Main Cast

According to a fan-compiled analysis, the cast’s net worths vary widely. The most widely cited figure for LL Cool J is around $20 million, with per-episode earnings of $100,000 (YouTube (Fan Channel Estimate)). However, other estimates place his total wealth above $150 million when music royalties are included.

LL Cool J: The Wealthiest Star

James Todd Smith – known as LL Cool J – built his fortune through a Grammy-winning music career, film roles, and his 14-season run as Sam Hanna. His $20 million figure likely understates his true net worth, as his music catalog generates substantial ongoing income.

Chris O’Donnell and Others

Chris O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated around $25 million, based on his long-standing role as G. Callen and earlier film work. Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen have smaller reported net worths, though exact numbers are not made public.

The pattern: LL Cool J’s diversified income stream puts him far ahead of his castmates, but exact dollar amounts remain speculative.

Who Is Callen to Gibbs?

G. Callen Character Profile

G. Callen is the lead agent of the Los Angeles OSP, portrayed by Chris O’Donnell. He shares no familial connection with NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon).

Jethro Gibbs Connection

Gibbs and Callen are colleagues within the same federal agency but appear in separate series. They interacted during a crossover event in NCIS season 7, episode 19 (“Borderline”) and in NCIS: Los Angeles season 3, episode 22 (“Power Play”). No blood relation exists between the two characters.

Cross-Show References

The only professional link is that Callen was once mentored by Hetty Lange, not by Gibbs. The trade-off: fans hoping for a Gibbs-Callen reunion will find only a few crossover episodes that briefly united the teams.

Is Kensi Married to Deeks’ Brother in Real Life?

Actresses’ Real-Life Partners

Daniela Ruah (Kensi) is married to David Paul Olsen, a stunt coordinator who worked on the show. David is the brother of Eric Christian Olsen (Deeks). Ruah and Olsen have been married since 2014.

Eric Christian Olsen’s Spouse

Eric Christian Olsen is married to actress Sarah Wright. The couple wed in 2013 and have three children.

Daniela Ruah’s Marriage

Thus, Ruah and Olsen are not married to each other; Ruah is Olsen’s sister-in-law. The misunderstanding likely arises because both actors share the last name Olsen and appear together on screen as a married couple.

This real-life twist adds a layer of intrigue to the on-screen relationship.

Timeline

• 2009 – Series premiere on CBS.
• 2010 – First crossover episode with NCIS.
• 2020 – Season 12 airs; show reaches 12 seasons.
• 2023 – Final season 14 concludes the series.

The timeline confirms the show’s 14-year run and key crossover events.

Cast Perspectives

“The beauty of playing Deeks is that he started as a foil and grew into a man with real stakes – a family, a partner, a purpose.”

– Eric Christian Olsen

“Working opposite LL Cool J every day pushed me to bring my A-game. He’s a pro in every sense.”

– Chris O’Donnell

For fans of the franchise, the takeaway is clear: the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles built a family both on and off screen, with real-life ties that enriched the fictional relationships. The series may have ended, but the real‑life connection between Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen’s family is a lasting reminder of the show’s unique behind‑the‑scenes bond.

Frequently asked questions