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Emily Wickersham's NCIS debut 0:30
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Emily Wickersham makes her debut as NSA Analyst Ellie Bishop.
- news.com.au
- 04 Nov 2014
- Entertainment
New star ... Emily Wickersham as Probationary Agent Eleanor Bishop in NCIS. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
NCIS faced its biggest-ever challenge when Cote de Pablo decided to quit the show late last year.
The 34-year-old Chilean-born actor had reached her limit after eight seasons as Ziva David on the top rating US navy drama.
Scripts had to be rewritten and a new character introduced — Probationary Agent Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop.
Showrunner Gary Glasberg tested hundreds of actors for the sought-after role. A lucky few got to do on-camera auditions with star Mark Harmon.
Star ... Mark Harmon as Gibbs in NCIS. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
“In walks Emily Wickersham, and she does this fantastic scene with Mark that left us all saying ‘I think that’s it’,” Glasberg says.
NEW BLOOD: NCIS hires Emily Wickersham to replace Cote de Pablo
THE BIG ASK: Cote de Pablo (NCIS)
Wickersham is probably best known for playing Rhiannon Flammer in The Sopranos. She also had guest roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Gossip Girl and The Bridge.
The 30-year-old, married to rocker Blake Hanley, lead singer of Ghost Lion, was thrown in at the deep end.
Emily Wickersham ... “I can be outgoing but I have moments of shyness.” Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
After appearing in three episodes earlier this year, Wickersham is now a regular cast member.
Wickersham has been trying to play catch-up with long time stars Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sean Murray, Pauley Perrette and David McCallum ever since.
“It was a big thing for them (cast) having some stranger come in after all of the years they had worked together,” Wickersham says.
“They wanted to be sure they didn’t pick someone that was difficult to work with and I was lucky enough to make it.
Big shoes ... Ziva David (actress Cote de Pablo) with guest star Saba Homayoon in a scene from NCIS. Source: News Corp Australia
“It was extremely intimidating knowing they had worked together so long. I can be outgoing but I have moments of shyness, especially when I first meet people.
“I didn’t know what to expect but they couldn’t have been better. They welcomed me with open arms.
“When I first got there (on set) Mark was so sweet. He is such a grounded person and he has set up a work environment where everyone is happy to be there. I really believe that starts with him and trickles down.”
Physical role ... Emily Wickersham stars as Eleanor Bishop on NCIS. Photo: Kevin Lynch/CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Glasberg wanted Bishop to be very different from David’s seasoned Mossad agent. Ellie is from the US Midwest, much younger, and still learning the ropes.
Wickersham spent hours with NCIS technical adviser Leon Carroll learning how to handle weapons and handcuffs.
“I’m still getting comfortable with the physicality of the role and handling a gun properly,” Wickersham says.
“Until I met real NCIS agents, I didn’t fully comprehend what they go through on a daily basis and how dangerous things can be.
“Ellie is very different to me. She is super intellectual. When we first met her she was super awkward and has no social skills.
“Working with the NCIS team we see more of Ellie’s social abilities come out. She is still changing. There are things I am learning about her every day.”
NCIS, Channel 10, Tuesday, 8.30pm
