“NCIS Newcomer Gary Cole Still Lost After Three Years: ‘I’m Constantly Asking What Happened Here!’
Despite joining the NCIS cast as FBI Special Agent Alden Parker nearly three years ago, Gary Cole admits he’s still trying to find his way around the set. The 67-year-old actor, who took over the lead role from Mark Harmon during Season 19, revealed his ongoing struggle with directions at the CBS Fall Schedule Celebration.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Cole humorously confessed, “I’m constantly lost still.” He jokingly added, “There’s people that have been there 20 years that make a wrong turn and we’re looking for them.”
Cole also admitted to occasionally needing clarification on the show’s storylines, which span nearly two decades. “I’m always asking, ‘What happened here?'” he shared. Despite his challenges, Cole praised the writers for making his transition into the role relatively smooth.
“I thought the writers really solved a lot of issues,” he said. “They didn’t make it into a situation where you hear a knock on the door and it was like, ‘Hi, I’m the new guy.'”
Cole acknowledged the support of the ensemble cast, emphasizing their ability to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere on set. Co-star Katrina Law, who plays Jessica Knight, echoed his sentiment, praising Cole as “one of the best humans and best actors on this planet.”
Looking ahead to the Season 21 finale, Cole remained tight-lipped but promised viewers “a little cliffhanger.” With anticipation building, fans can catch the finale airing on CBS Monday, May 6, at 9 p.m. ET.
