Brian Dietzen: From NCIS Star to Writer and Family Man
Brian Dietzen is best known for his role as Dr. James “Jimmy” Palmer on NCIS, a character he’s portrayed for over 20 years. Initially hired as a guest star, his bold choices impressed the showrunners, leading to a long-running role and fan-favorite status. As Jimmy, his relationships with Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard (David McCallum) and Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) have captivated audiences, with fans hoping for a reunion after their breakup in Season 21.
Early Life and Career Born in 1977 in Illinois, Dietzen moved to Colorado at a young age. His interest in acting began early, inspired by actor Jimmy Page, and he went on to study at the University of Colorado at Boulder. After moving to California, Dietzen began landing TV roles, including My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star (2002), Boston Public (2002), and One on One (2003), as well as starring in the musical From Justin to Kelly (2003).
A Health Scare In 2020, Dietzen experienced a terrifying stroke caused by a blood clot in his brain. At home alone, unable to use his hands, he credited his Apple Watch for saving his life by helping him call his wife and 911. Following surgery to close a hole in his heart, Dietzen turned to his passion for writing, co-writing several NCIS episodes, including the tribute to David McCallum, The Stories We Leave Behind (Season 21, Episode 2).
Personal Life Dietzen married Kelly in 2004, and they have two children, Clover and Satchel. He keeps his personal life private but occasionally shares moments with his family on social media, showing love for his wife and celebrating his kids’ milestones.
Through health struggles and career shifts, Brian Dietzen continues to thrive, both as a fan-favorite actor and a growing writer on NCIS.
