May 24 2021, 8:15 AM PDT. I feel like in the #NCISLA universe, Hetty and RBG are BFFs so Ive been wearing this mask* in hopes of embodying even a thimbles worth of their though she be but little, she is fierce energy. What will you miss about the show and being part of this family? ", Main role; debuted in season 2, episode 4, TV movie; unsold series pilot episode, "The Damn Thorpes", Also executive producer, writer and director, SXSW Film Festival's SXSW Gamechanger Award, This page was last edited on 1 January 2023, at 04:34. While he is known to have worked a desk job in the past, in season 11, Hetty had sent Eric to . I made my own short films. She is known for portraying Nell Jones on NCIS: Los Angeles, since joining the series in 2010. Get a Sneak Peek at Her Return for the. But through the help of some truly brilliant doctors and Hugos own determination, he made it to the other side and he lived a full life. Yes, thats right. In their. Both Barrett Foa, who plays former tech operator Eric Beale, and Rene Felice Smith, who plays intelligence analyst Nell Jones, made their exit in the finale. You deserve the respect youve gotten. [citation needed], Smith and C.A. Though Nell and Eric have left the team, there's every chance that they will be back in the future. And a hug, come onnnn! I think her future will be very bright. As previously announced, it saw the return of Hetty (Linda Hunt), who has pretty much been MIA all season with only an occasional appearance on the computer, but her return was just in time for the team and the show to say goodbye to two long-running cast members. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmilltold TV Line,Both Rene and Barrett have been on the show a long time, and theyre both very ambitious individuals who have projects that they want to do on their own and weve been giving them time off to do so. But last week, they threw an exit shocker at their fans. She is just the most generous, giving scene partner. [There were] these fun discoveries that would happen whenever I was out in the field with our incredible crew. Its not something she took lightly. Nell has been going back and forth on the decision Hetty presented to her a while back of taking over her job as Operations Manager. Linda is just a magical creature. And we were talking about what a different flavor this scene had brought to the show because Nell is usually quick with a quip, but she does not often drop the hammer. I hope that shows through. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. While Kensi suggested she take a vacation, Nell made the ultimate decision to resign from the team. ), The door always remains open for Nell at NCIS, but it may be time for her to be pushed out of the nest a bit and see where this new opportunity takes her, Smith tells TV Insider. You go, Wow, OK, just relax dude. Or at least thats what I do. The character, who has been part of the Office of Special Projects since Season 2, left in the Season 12 finale for a job opportunity in Tokyo. He wanted to foster her confidence in herself, and it was very moving to play those scenes. Rene Felice Smith (born January 16, 1985) [1] is an American actress. When you think of it like that, it's kind of wild to think about the breadth of time, but I just want to say I'm so thankful for our audience. But now she's really questioning what she wants. Hence, it might be coming any time now. Hey, thats a possibility! But at the end of the day, you're right. Keep up with your favorite shows delivered to your inbox! There's newness on the horizon, which is very exciting. That's probably one of the bravest things anyone could do. This place, these people, theyre part of my life now, my entire adult life., So why was the time right for this to take place? She was deeply conflicted about her line of work and the impact that it had. Thats it. NCIS Los Angeles recap: What happened to Nell on NCIS LA? Daniela Ruah Is Married to NCIS: Los Angeles Husbands Brother/Stunt Double, What Happened to Joelle on NCIS: Los Angeles? While fans expected that Nell would officially take over for Hetty, the latter character finally returned to the Office of Special Projects in the Season 12 finale, "A Tale of Two Igors." I think its just safe. NCIS Los Angeles season 11: What is Agent Callen's first name? The Untold Truth Of Nell Jones From NCIS: Los Angeles - Looper With Chris O'Donnell, Daniela Ruah, LL Cool J, Eric Christian Olsen. Its been quite inspiring to witness three hundred plus people assemble in effort to make our show WHILE keeping each other safe. Bellisario was a television producer who worked onNCIS: LA, originalNCIS, its precursorJAG,Quantum Leap,andMagnum. When is finale? That's a story for a new season, and luckily, NCIS: Los Angeles was picked up for its 13th season, so there is plenty of time. Nate holds both a master's degree and Ph.D. in psychology. In a different interview with TVLine, Rene said that she was ready for her "next chapter" beyond the CBS series. It's really this "goodbye for now" theme. And when it came time to make a final decision about her future at NCIS, she chose to take a risk: Relocate to Tokyo with Foa's Eric and head up a new office there. She was essentially sidelined by the pandemic this year, so to be able to see her in the flesh, let alone share a scene with her, with the Oscar winner, it was a chefs kiss, the perfect sendoff. The frumpy dressing goes very well with Nell's character traits, that's why the showrunners must have given the character that quirk. Season 12 episode 18 saw her and Eric leave the team behind to pursue a fresh start. In the CBS drama's Season . Nell also felt that making a big move was a "now or never" type of situation. While at NYU, she co-created the student dance troupe, Pulse Dance Project. While Nell did agree that she was not featured in the rest of the season. NCIS Los Angeles season 11: When is NCIS LA next on? Oh, no way! [5] She was cast for a sitcom on The CW directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino, tentatively titled Wyoming, but only a pilot was produced since the project was not picked up by the network. It was on NCIS: LA Season 12, Episode 6 that Eric Beale returned to the show. The result was Nell being absent from NCIS: Los Angeles at the end of season 10 and throughout the first half of season 11. That was during Danielas pregnancy. Rene Felice Smith: Yes, this is official. The American crime television show 'NCIS LA' recently bid adieu to one of its lead cast members, Nell Jones. The offer came in the finale as Retired Navy Admiral Hollace Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) told her she had to either take Hettys position permanently or resign. My God, she dropped that story on me right before a walk-and-talk where I had tons of technical jargon, and I remember I was welling up just at the image of 16 or 18-year-old Linda Hunt getting into a cab and drinking in the big city and the possibilities that it held for her. Im currently developing a few television projects, which is very exciting, and just released our very first childrens book [with Chris Gabriel]. Nell or the Nellverine is known in her team for her undeniable talents for tackling opponents twice her size. We just have the best time working together. It all truly depends on scheduling, but never say never. And I think she had to make this tough decision when faced with the people on her team who have become her friends or family, her whole world really, and she had to really put herself first and make this choice for herself. PMC Entertainment. Ive always been cast as kind of the funny friend, the quirky turkey. Nell returned to NCIS: Los Angeles for the new episode of the show. And then we walk away and Daniela just instinctually grabbed me and put her arm around me and leaned in. It doesn't surprise me that Nell is taking the risk;she's a risk-taker. ALSO ON TVLINE: Our exclusive exit interviews with both Foa (read it now) and Smith (read it now), who reflect on their decade-plus runs and shed light on that close, on-screen shave! Many NCIS: Los Angeles fans took to social media on March 29, 2020, to express concern that Nell Jones (Rene Felice Smith) might be leaving the show for good. It was quiteemotional to have Linda [Hunt]back on set for our final day of the season. Pump the brakes. That was Nell and Kilbride this season: Nell encouraging him to pump the brakes and chill, so to speak, and Kilbride not really getting down with that. It was then revealed that the tech he had been working while undercover on a previous season had turned into a. Viewers may be most surprised that Nell turned down MIA Hettys job, leaving the position quite vacated going into Season 13. For the rest of NCIS: Los Angeles Season 12, Episode 1, Nell is running the point as the team tries to track down a missing Russian plane that has entered U.S. airspace. Distractify is a registered trademark. The door is always open for now. And I commend her for being brave enough to even consider that line of questioning. Where is Eric Beale on NCIS: Los Angeles and is he coming back? But before driving off into the sunset, Nell briefly reunited with long-MIA Hetty herself, in costar Linda Hunts first on-set appearance of the season. and lets ride this blue wave into calmer, brighter waters. Is Eric Christian Olsen's Marty Deeks Leaving NCIS: Los Angeles? I think more than anything Nell was fulfilling the wishes of her boss, her mentor, Hetty, who called her back in and asked her to fill in for the time being. Warning: SPOILERS for the Season 12 finale of NCIS: Los Angeles are ahead. I didnt know anyone in L.A. and then I met the team. ALSO ON TVLINE: Barrett Foa reflects on his own NCIS: LA run, and showrunner Scott Gemmill mulls Hettys role in Season 13. But this scene was really bittersweet. But, the offer from Eric was too good to turn down, so the two. She says that shes not sure about the job in Tokyo, but she does know that she doesnt want Hettys job. She was like a kid in a candy shop. Smith's first acting job was a national television commercial for Dannon yogurt in 1991 at age six. [citation needed], Smith appeared in the March 1, 2017, episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia titled "A Cricket's Tale". Well, I think its complicated. The showrunner confirmed that Nell's exit in particular was meant to shock fans. Thats an incredible episode. I was a sprinter in high school on my track team, and yes, I can run very fast, but obviously, our crew didnt know that because I was always in the office. Whats more, he had successfully pitched his board on Nell as his No. Hetty knew that Nell. I absolutely loved Nells journey this season. Read |Operation Christmas Drop cast and other details about Netflix's new rom-com. [There was] a conflict between the two of them, and Nell just has this moment where she really shows her stern side. His departure was predicated on a piece of computer software that he designed, named Kaleidoscope, which made him a multi-millionaire, and now he has the opportunity to become a billionaire with a move to Tokyo to expand his tech company and he will be taking Nell with him. Through great determinationand really some truly brilliant doctors, Hugo made it to the other side of his illness. This came after a conversation with Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) where the beloved character revealed she was struggling with the work. Read |'Grand Army' on Netflix: Here's what happened to Joey on the show. Here's Why Nell Is Leaving NCIS: Los Angeles - Nicki Swift She was interested in science and forensics and computers. NCIS: LA cast changes - Tom's Guide Its out in the world now. Thank you for embracing Nell, for embracing her intelligence. 'NCIS: LA' Finale: Nell Has Real Doubts About Taking Over Hetty's Job, 'NCIS: LA' Stars Daniela Ruah & Eric Christian Olsen on Hawaii Spinoff, 'NCIS: LA' Sneak Peek: Deeks Turns to Kensi During a Low Point, By signing up, you agree to our [Laughs] I guess it was K through 11. And I remember our camera operator said, Ooh, you scared me. Her quick-witted comebacks and aneye for broad-shouldered frocks definitely captured the hearts of many fans. Hes a dear friend. The NCIS: Los Angeles Season 12 finale was packed with surprises. While Eric was not always in favour of Deeks methods, by the end of the episode he revealed how Nell has left to go on vacation. March 2021, Smith and her partner, Chris Gabriel, released their first picture book entitled, "Hugo and the Impossible Thing" inspired by their real life French Bulldog, Hugo.[10]. But it looks as though frumpy dressing sense says a lot about her the character and her origin. It is expected to premiere in September of 2021. Who Portrays Sienna on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' and Is the Actress Deaf, Too? We are so excited that it's finally out in the world. [2] She attended Patchogue-Medford High School on Long Island, New York, as well as the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, graduating with honors, double majoring in journalism and minoring in history,[3] Stonestreet Studios Conservatory and the Lee Strasberg Institute.[4]. Waiting. And we also, I say we, my creative partner, my life partner, my other half, Chris Gabriel and I, we wrote our very first children's book, Hugo and the Impossible Thing, and it was released last month by Penguin Random House. NCIS LA: Why is Nell leaving NCIS Los Angeles? I feel like oftentimes were told something is impossible to accomplish because its just quite simply never been done before when in reality its just extremely difficult, but its possibly possible, but you just need someone whos willing to try, someone whos brave enough to try. And we don't want to see them go anywhere, tbh. I appreciate that too this season. Feels like a premise only our writers could have come up with! 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'NCIS: Los Angeles' Loses Two Major Cast Members in Season Finale He can take on some of the responsibilities that Nell had last season, while several other people including Kensi and Fatima can handle things from the tech end. The camera guys who were positioned in a golf cart realized they had to drive faster because I was running so fast. I will miss the people greatly. She made the smart choice. the NCIS: LA cast went through some huge changes. ", "It's truly difficult when you work with people you lovewho have become your family, who become so much more than your co-workers. I learn through observational osmosis. Initially planned to be only a recurring character, Smith's role was expanded to main cast after she impressed the producers with her acting. Why did Nell leave 'NCIS: LA?' The character, who has been part of the Office of Special Projects since Season 2, left in the Season 12 finale for a job opportunity in Tokyo. When Beale returned, Nell discovered that Operations Manager Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) had sent him on a secret mission that he wasn't allowed to divulge to anyone, not even Nell. I think that Nell has empathy for all players involved in the story. A lot of the fans were like, Oh my God, its Velma and Shaggy, a Scooby-Doo reference, which I thought was spot on whenever we were paired together. Yes, Nell is leaving NCIS: Los Angeles. The NCIS: Los Angeles team will look significantly different this fall, given the departure of two long-running characters in the high-octane CBS drama's Season 12 finale. I'm so grateful to have been able to play a character who can express herself in that way and that it doesn't take away from her strength. Manifesting a behemoth of a wave, a wall of blue to wash all this social unrest away. In "A Tale of Two Igors," Eric (who appeared on a handful of episodes throughout the season) revealed that he had received funding for his tech company, and that the headquarters would be in Japan. NCIS LA season 11, episode 20 aired this week as more was revealed about Nell Jones' (played by Rene Felice Smith) departure from the long-running crime series. [5], In 2012, Smith began co-creating a children's book series based on her French bulldog, Hugo. Will more be revealed in the NCIS LA finale? Will she be back next season to run the team? This isn't for me right now, I need to go offand for lack of a better term, find my own path." Im on lookout from my Crows Nest, solar charging, nail biting, amongst other things. Fans of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' were left astounded when Agent Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) begins questioning his stay in America after witnessing a tragic hate crime. The American action police procedural TV series NCIS LAhas gained a substantial fan following ever since the show started in 2009. This woman told me that a lot of times as a mother, she didnt know what to do with her daughter, and that Nell and the character that I played for the last 10 years had helped her daughter to find some confidence in who she was and what she wanted to be. Sure she's smart and she's strong-willed, but Nell is also compassionate and understanding. I'm just absorbing, I'm the little sponge,I'm watching her workand it's been the greatest gift and such an incredible opportunity to play opposite Linda Hunt, Oscar winner, for the past 10 years. How do you think Nell and Eric fare in Tokyo? Viewers will know the pair finally got together in season 10 after much-anticipation. Shes such a gift. To stay up to date on breaking TV news, sign up for ET's daily newsletter. However, there is no sign of Eric, who has consistently featured in the episodes in the past. RELATED STORIES NCIS: LA has officially bid adieu to the Wonder Twins, with Eric Beale ( Barrett Foa) recruiting Nell Jones ( Rene Felice Smith) filling in as operations manager while Hetty Lange ( Linda. I knew we only had one take and I knew it had to be good. We wrote Hugo and the Impossible Thing as a celebration really. It's a hopeful parting for Nell. Mack is an absolute legend. TVLINE | And a hug. "Of. I hesitate to be part of the clich actress calling herself a storyteller, but I really am one. We wrote Hugo and the Impossible Thing as a celebration really. Anytime I can watch her work, its like a masterclass, and Im just a student and I bow down bowed down to the great Linda Hunt. We really wanted to challenge the idea of impossible and reframe it. Nell has been going back and forth on the decision Hetty presented to her a while back of taking over her job as Operations Manager. Are Nell and Eric Leaving "NCIS: Los Angeles"? - Earn The Necklace So, we created the metaphor of the impossible thing. NCIS: Los Angeles. The American action police procedural TV series NCIS LA has gained a substantial fan following ever since the show started in 2009.The show has been running successfully for 12 seasons now. My mom is a hairdresser and I watched her kind of do all of that kind of beard shaping for years, so I just kind of channeled my mom. We have a few TV projects that are in development with CBS. She even told him they need to slow their relationship down because of this unprecedented break. "There's a little loophole in ["A Tale of Two Igors] when Nell says she's going to be alone in Tokyo with Eric, and she gives it 'six weeks' before she's back, So, we'll see what happens," R. Scott said. Kilbride, similarly to Granger, has a real kind of affection for Nell and saw that potential in Nell. 'NCIS: Los Angeles': Two Series Vets Exit in Season 12 Finale - TVLine He observes surveillance tapes and watches/handles interrogations in order to . Nell and Kensi do as well, so I think that comes through in our scenes. < Why did Nell leave NCIS LA? I think she needs the time and space away from NCIS: LA. 'NCIS: Los Angeles': Two Series Vets Exit in Season 12 Finale - TVLine He does not mess up. I mean, I think that Ive been ready for my next chapter for a while now, in whatever form it will take. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! Is the Actress Who Plays Nell on 'NCIS' Pregnant? Fans Are Curious However, there have been some hints Nells exit may not be as permanent as it first seemed. 3. Can you talk me through filming that scene? Its this goodbye for now scene. Youve earned it. I remember feeling so choked up in that scene, and Ill get choked up now thinking about it. Maybe we should go off and do NCIS: New York or something together because he is just unmatched. NCIS: Los Angeles cast: What happened to Eric Beale and Nell Jones? I was happy to see Nells goodbye with Kensi [Daniela Ruah] because thats been one of my favorite relationships over the years. So it's time to take the leap out of the nest, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come. This was the only update fans received about Nell and what she was up to, which left some wondering whether she would be coming back again. The show has been running successfully for 12 seasons now. I was fresh out of drama school. 2023 TVLine Media, LLC. Did I accidentally cut the line or not cover my mouth when I sneezed? So, I turned around to face this person and they proceeded to tell me about their 12-year-old daughter who wasnt like the other girls in her class. @ncisla only on @CBS #hetty #RBG #BFF *RBG Mask made by our very own @hillscohen , A post shared by @ reneefelicesmith on Nov 8, 2020 at 4:59pm PST. By TVLINE | [Showrunner] Scott [Gemmill] told me that Linda was thrilled to be back on set. Im a writer. And the scene is really a bittersweet reunion. And tonight, you get to reap the bennies! And as part of an atypically shiny-happy NCIS: LA finale montage, the two literally rode off into the sunset (in Erics ridiculously lavish new sports car). Plus, who will now be Operations Manager? It became a little film school for me. mediaId: 'f5165fe9-60a8-4217-b27c-14384967eda8', I think that it's hopeful. But, the offer from Eric was too good to turn down, so the two are headed to Japan. During the season . Your guess is as good as mine as far as what will happen in the future with Eric and Nell. 'NCIS: LA' Star Renee Felice Smith on Leaving the Series After 11 I don't think Nell was ready for that sort of responsibility. She texts me lots of emojis. Find out why did Nell leave NCIS LA. "It seemed like a natural time to let them go off and do some other things, and give [their characters] what is a happy, hopefully, ending.". It seemed like a natural time to let them go off and do some other things, and give [their characters] what is a happy, hopefully, ending., Related: NCIS: LAStar Rene Felice Smith on the Return of Linda Hunt andImpossible Things. 1 and by episodes end, Nell decided to not sign on as the new Hetty/Operations Manager, but join Eric on this adventure. During season 11 of NCIS LA, fans could see that Nell was clearly growing restless and frustrated by the absence of boyfriend Eric Beale (Barrett Foa). She made the smart choice for a long time. It was a bittersweet reunion for Nell. This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. Although she will always be committed to her team, which has essentially become her family, I think she needs to put herself first when it comes to this sort of decision and I commend her for [it].. This has always been the case. [4], Smith started off in theatre, having made her debut in Second Stage's Wildflower. Linda and I share this mutual respect for each other, and we share this really, very special friendship. She has this opportunity in Tokyo that shes committed to now. During Nell's meeting with Hetty, the boss saw through the tough facade that her intelligence analyst was trying to present. We have this mutual appreciation for each other. Renee Felice Smith plays Nell in the show. She's set to work on an indie movie now that she's not a regular on NCIS: LA. Why did Nell Jones leave 'NCIS: LA?' Rene Felice Smith, the actress playing Nell Jones on NCIS: Los Angeles, has an immediately recognizable style. That's what makes her a great leader. Shes her own boss now, which is just so empowering. All images are used with permission or licensed. Wear a mask. Like I mentioned earlier, Nell's a smart girl. TVLINE | Kilbride (played by Gerald McRaney) recently spoke to her unique strengths, saying to stop asking yourself what would Hetty do and just be Nell. The original cast includes Renee Felice Smith . 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NCIS LA season 11 spoilers: Eric Beale exit revealedNCIS Los Angeles season 11: When is NCIS LA next on? Enter the impossible thing: this labyrinth of raging rivers and thorny mazes, giant boulders, towering cliffs. Therefore, fans were eagerly awaiting the latest episode to find out what was next for the character. I'm thankful for thempraising Nell, for respecting her intelligence. Rene Felice Smith (born January 16, 1985)[1] is an American actress. Reflecting on the season finale, Eric Beale (Barrett Foa). NCIS LA: Nell Jones is in a rocky relationship with Eric Beale. In the CBS dramas Season 12 finale, Smiths Nell Jones made the decision to not officially sign on as the new Hetty/Operations Manager, but instead join partner Eric Beale on an adventure to Tokyo, to head up his tech venture. We just released our first childrens book, Hugo and the Impossible Thing, which is inspired by our canine son Hugo.