Michael Weatherly’s Unexpected Take on Emily Wickersham Joining NCIS
When Cote De Pablo departed NCIS, the show sought to fill the void with Emily Wickersham, who joined as Agent Eleanor Bishop in Season 11. Wickersham was aware that some might view her casting as an attempt to replace De Pablo’s beloved character, Ziva David. Despite initial nerves, she was warmly welcomed by fans, which helped ease her apprehensions.
Wickersham’s character was introduced as married, shifting the romantic dynamics on the show. Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo, was asked if Bishop’s marital status affected their on-screen chemistry. He quipped that, despite Bishop’s marriage, her attractiveness was seemingly overlooked on the show. “I don’t know how happily married she can be, considering she’s always with us,” Weatherly joked. “One of the oddest things about the season was that no one seemed to notice how attractive she is. The producers, writers, and actors had to figure out how to best integrate Bishop’s character without making her a romantic interest.”
How Emily Wickersham Landed Her NCIS Role
Before joining NCIS, Wickersham had appeared in several roles, including on The Sopranos, which sparked her passion for acting. Her audition for NCIS was set up by her manager and agents. After impressing in auditions and chemistry reads with Mark Harmon and other cast members, she secured the role. “Getting that call was incredible,” Wickersham recalled. “Then it was about proving myself every day on the job.”
Why Emily Wickersham Left NCIS
Wickersham left NCIS in 2021 after a successful run. She reflected on her departure with a heartfelt social media post, expressing gratitude for her time on the show. “Hangin this hat and jacket up. What a great ride it’s been,” she wrote, praising the cast and crew. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with this group for nearly eight years and 172 episodes. This business is finicky, but I’ve been fortunate to be part of a show that allowed me to act, laugh, and learn with wonderful people. Thank you, CBS and NCIS, for being part of television history. Time goes fast—eat it up but chew slowly.”
