Brian Dietzen didn't plan on spending two decades inside a fictional naval crime lab, but that's exactly what happened. When he first walked onto the set of NCIS in 2004 as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard's quirky, nervous assistant, he figured it was a one-off gig. Over twenty years later, he's the chief medical examiner, a series regular in the opening credits, and an occasional writer for the franchise. His journey from a young theater actor in Colorado to a fixture of American television offers a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and patience in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Stage Beginnings
Born in Barrington, Illinois, in November 1977, Dietzen moved to Colorado during his youth. His interest in performance started early, landing roles in elementary school plays before fully committing to the craft. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through their rigorous theater program.
Before television came calling, Dietzen built his chops on stage. He performed in regional productions, including classic runs of Equus and Waiting for Godot, and spent two seasons with The Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Stage acting gave him comic timing and physical presence, traits that would later define Jimmy Palmer's nervous energy in the autopsy room.
Breaking Into Television
Dietzen's transition to screen acting happened in the early 2000s. He secured a series regular role on the short-lived WB comedy-drama My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star, playing the band's drummer. He also made guest appearances on network dramas like Boston Public and appeared in the pop-culture curio film From Justin to Kelly in 2003. Further information on this are detailed by Associated Press.
These early roles kept him afloat in Los Angeles, but the television landscape was crowded. Most young actors spent their twenties jumping from one failed pilot to another, hoping for a break. For Dietzen, that break came disguised as a temporary guest spot on a mid-season procedural on CBS.
The Accidental Two-Decade Stancy on NCIS
In 2004, Dietzen was cast as Jimmy Palmer in the first-season NCIS episode "Split Decision". The character was clumsy, easily flustered, and frequently stepped over professional boundaries by rambling about his personal life while examining corpses. Audiences responded to the comic relief, and the writers brought him back.
For the first nine seasons, Dietzen wasn't a main cast member. He worked on a recurring contract, appearing in roughly 15 to 18 episodes a season. This arrangement allowed him flexibility, but it also meant he spent years waiting for his phone to ring, uncertain if his character would be written out.
Everything changed ahead of Season 10 in 2012. Producers promoted Dietzen to a series regular, adding his name to the opening credits alongside Mark Harmon and David McCallum. It was a rare upward trajectory for a procedural guest star, cementing his place in the ensemble.
Stepping Behind the Camera
Longevity on a long-running show can lead to complacency, but Dietzen actively avoided it. When veteran co-star David McCallum began reducing his workload in later seasons, the writers adjusted Jimmy Palmer's dialogue to shoulder more exposition. Dietzen noticed that his character was beginning to sound too much like Ducky rather than maintaining his own distinct voice.
Instead of complaining quietly, Dietzen spoke directly with showrunner Steven D. Binder. Binder challenged him to write sample scenes if he felt he could do better. Dietzen went home, penned a dozen pages of dialogue, and handed them in the next day.
That frank conversation launched a secondary career as a television writer. Dietzen has since co-written several impactful episodes of the series, including the emotional Season 19 episode "The Helpers" and tribute scripts dedicated to honoring McCallum's legacy.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Away from the soundstages, Dietzen keeps a relatively low profile. He married his wife, Kelly Scoby, in 2004, and the couple share two children.
In 2020, Dietzen faced a major personal hurdle when he suffered a stroke and subsequently underwent cardiac surgery. He recovered fully, returning to work with a renewed perspective on his health and career. He has frequently spoken about how lucky he feels to work with a supportive, familial cast and crew that stood by him through health scares and creative pivots alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Brian Dietzen been on NCIS?
Dietzen joined the show during its first season in 2004. He spent nine seasons as a recurring guest star before becoming a full series regular in Season 10.
Is Brian Dietzen a writer for the show?
Yes. After discussing character development concerns with the showrunner, Dietzen started writing scripts and has co-penned multiple episodes since 2019.
Did Brian Dietzen leave NCIS?
No. He remains an active main cast member on the series, transitioning from assistant medical examiner to Chief Medical Examiner.
What health issues has Brian Dietzen faced?
In 2020, Dietzen suffered a stroke and underwent successful cardiac surgery. He recovered completely and returned to his regular filming schedule.
