"NCIS" will bid farewell to Michael Weatherly and his character Tony DiNozzo in the season 13 finale. The episode will also introduce two new characters that will join Gibbs' team next season.
The CBS drama is hoping to cast a big name actress to play the FBI special agent, Tess, and new details reveal the show is looking for a British actor of African descent to play an MI-6 agent named Clayton. In his late 20s/early 30s, the new hire is described as "loud, opinionated, often disrespectful, sarcastic, short-tempered and chauvinistic." He's also "offbeat and fun with a physical confidence and swagger that's impossible to disregard."
Unlike the other NCIS agents, Clayton comes with some baggage. The single Brit has a young son, who he rarely sees, but he is fond of children. "His dedication to country took precedence over his personal life," but he's willing to settle down if he finds the right woman.
The actor must be physically fit and able to play a street-smart character, who "can move like an athlete and think like a chess player." Clayton has burned a number of bridges in the intelligence community over the years, but he's unapologetic about the choices that he's made. "He welcomes a few pints at the pub and never denies a pretty lady his company. Clayton wants the world to believe he doesn't give a damn, but the truth is he cares more than most."
The character will be the second African-American series regular on the long-running procedural. Rocky Carroll has starred as Director Leon Vance since 2008. Although he doesn't appear in every episode, he shares his time on the "NCIS" spinoffs in Los Angeles and New Orleans.
The FBI agent Tess comes to D.C. from New York City's Counter-Terrorism Unit. In her late 30s, she is described as "quick-witted, sarcastic, shrewd" and "two parts bulldog, one part sweet kitten."
Also, like Gibbs (Mark Harmon), she's a three-time divorcée, whose ex-husbands supposedly "can't keep up with her." Despite her toughness, she's also available as a shoulder to cry on and taking on the Mamma Bear role. Just don't get her angry.
"We're neck deep in [casting Tess] at the moment, and I'm thrilled by the number of actresses who have express interested," showrunner Gary Glasberg said. "We're just trying to find the right person, the right mix."
"NCIS" airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
