NCIS’ Producers Address That Long-Rumored Jennifer Aniston Casting Rumor

Was Jennifer Aniston Really Considered for a Role on NCIS During Pre-Production?

In an oral history of the hit CBS procedural series “NCIS” by The Hollywood Reporter (THR), show creators, casting directors, former network heads, and more shared some little-known secrets from the show’s early days. Among these revelations was a rumor about Jennifer Aniston’s potential involvement with the series.

The rumor suggested that Jennifer Aniston was interested in the role of Caitlin Todd, a character who ultimately went to Sasha Alexander. Alexander played the role for two seasons before departing due to the demanding work schedule.

So, was Jennifer Aniston genuinely considered for the part?

According to Charles Floyd Johnson, an executive producer for both “NCIS” and “JAG,” the answer is yes. “I think Jennifer Aniston was available at the time, and her name was floated,” Johnson said.

However, NCIS casting director Susan Bluestein had a different perspective. “I don’t remember ever offering it to Jennifer Aniston,” she shared, though she acknowledged that Aniston “could very well have been a name that we discussed.”

The oral history also delved into the various names pitched for the role of Gibbs, showcasing the diverse range of talent considered for the now-iconic series.