Known as the lovable, quirky doctor, NCIS star Brian Dietzen recently revealed some shocking information about the popular TV series, creating a lot of buzz among NCIS fans.
While Dietzen is candid with news about his on-screen character, he’s notoriously secretive about his children, leaving fans yearning for some clues about his private life.
Mirroring his on-screen life as Dr. Jimmy Palmer–who from 2004 to 2019 was promoted from assistant medical examiner to Chief Medical Examiner–Brian Dietzen, 45, in real life, was promoted from supporting actor to a regular cast member, with a loveable performance that’s made him a fan favorite in the hugely successful NCIS.
Almost 20 years since he first appeared on the hit TV series NCIS, the handsome Dietzen–whose Dr. Palmer became a leading role in season 10–is now one of the show’s biggest stars.
Speaking how his character has evolved since he first started, Dietzen shares, “How do you make a character change, but retain the same DNA that people loved initially?” He continued, “You know, not changing so much he’s unrecognizable–but you have to become a different person; otherwise, you’re a cartoon character. That’s why we love Homer Simpson, right? He’s still Homer from season 1 in season 35. But I can’t do that because I’m human.”
Dietzen’s evolution on the show has gone from actor to co-writer, most recently earning a writing credit on the 449th episode, which aired in February 2023.
Posting a photo on his Instagram, an image showing a crime scene in a wooded area with the team overlooking a dead body, Dietzen–who appeared with Kelly Clarkson in the 2003 musical comedy From Justin to Kelly–writes, “450. Not many shows reach this milestone, and ours airs tonight! To think of all the incredible crew members, cast, writers and producers who’ve worked on this show for the past two decades makes me smile. We’ve been blessed with some truly great people who’ve become family.” The post continues, “Ps. How many dead bodies do you think we’ve worked on out in the field over the past 449 shows? Anyone crunched the numbers?”
While some fans offered an estimate of between 449 to 573 bodies, most offered praise. “I’ve been glued from day 1. Best show ever. All that have come and gone forever like family. My TV family,” another adds, “Congrats to all at 450 shows. Congrats to the writers also you’re the best. I have watched every show from the beginning. Enjoy your evening.”
On May 22, Season 20 ended with a major cliffhanger, and weeks later, Diona Reasonover, who plays the young NCIS forensics specialist Kasie Hines, posted a screenshot of the Deadline ratings for the 2022 to 2023 season, and tagged her co-stars, including Dietzen.
The story reveals that the crime drama show, that attracted 9.86 million viewers, is holding its title as the most-watched scripted series of the season.
Fans were quick to jump in with their thoughts. One fan says, “Incredible. In particular for a show in its 20th season. Congrats!” while another shares, “Love all you guys on NCIS. Have watched from the beginning. All of you are amazing.”
While filming season 17, right before the pandemic hit in 2020, Dietzen went from doctor to patient when he had a stroke, leaving his future, that heavily hinged on his recovery, uncertain.
Speaking with Variety, Dietzen, crediting his Apple Watch for saving his life, said, “I’m going to say something that’s going to sound like an advertisement and it’s not, but the Apple Watch saved my life. I was on the floor of my bathroom, throwing up, and I pulled out my phone and I was like, ‘Oh shit, I can’t use my fingers.’” He continued, “And so I said, ‘Hey, Siri, call Kelly,’ and called my wife and I said, ‘I need help.’ She said, ‘You sound like you have marbles in your mouth.’”
Using the voice command to call 911, he ended up in hospital, in an MRI tube, reflecting on his life. “‘I don’t think there’s much that I’ve left undone, because everyone that I love knows that I love them’– that sort of thing. But then I was like, ‘Whoa, no, I can’t start thinking that way,’” said the star.
The tests showed he had a hole in his atrial chambers and an otherwise healthy man, doctors opted to immediately perform heart surgery, where he was fully conscious, watching the procedure on an overhead screen.
Dietzen fully recovered and returned to work, only getting in a few episodes before production shut down during the pandemic, allowing him more time at home with family.
While millions of fans watch Dietzen with his TV family, at home, he is a husband and a protective, doting father of two, one son and one daughter.
The star is hyper vigilant in keeping his family out of the spotlight, to the degree that he’s never officially announced the names of his two children that he shares with his wife Kelly, whom he married in 2004.
But, after an October 2022 Instagram post, Dietzen hinted at the names of his kids when he posted a photo of his personalised golf wedges that he had specially designed.
Etched in the wedges are tributes to both of his children, whom he rarely shares information or photos. Explaining in the photo, Brian writes, “Shout out to my guy @anthony.taranto for decorating some amazing new Callaway wedges for me. Kiddos names! Musical notes for my daughter, and an Overwatch logo for my son!”
One wedge, penned in purple, has the name Clover and some musical notes, while the other in blue, has the name Satchel and an Overwatch logo.
Fans responded to his post with comments like “Well officially coolest dad ever,” and another adds, “Warms my heart.”
And every now and then, we’ll see a beautiful photo of him and Kelly, whom sometimes he can’t help but flaunt.
In May, Dietzen shared a photo of Kelly on Mother’s Day and captioned it, “Happy Mother’s Day to you all. Today, our family is celebrating this woman right here. You’re the best, Kel. Our kids lucked out by getting you as their mom.”
He also shared a photo of his mom, writing: “Miss you mom. Thanks for teaching me optimism and enduring laughter. I was damn lucky to have you for 37 years!”
In August 2021, he shared a heartbreaking post, giving fans a glimpse into his childhood. Dietzen posted an old photo of his mom, with two little blond boys–him and his brother–standing outside an airport, and explained how his late mom is now part of his character on NCIS.
“Seven years ago today, a beautiful soul left this Earth. My mom had a way of making me feel special no matter the occasion. She delighted in the smallest wonders of this world and appreciated everyone’s part in it. I try to find the positive and make myself available to any friend who may need me. I try to appreciate the small things. They contain some of life’s biggest lessons.” Then explaining some sketches in the same post, he adds, “The second picture are a couple of drawings from my mom’s sketchbook. They’re hung up at my work office above Jimmy Palmer’s desk at NCIS. I love that I get to see an artistic piece of her every day at work, and I’m proud that she’s a small part of our show’s family. Love you Ma.”
According to comments, it’s assumed his mom’s name was Trudy.
“Trudy was one of a kind and is missed by so many. She left wisdom with so many of us. She certainly loved you and your brother with her whole heart,” writes one fan. Another praises how he’s kept her alive, “So sorry about your mom! So cool though, that you can have these on set. I think I remember seeing them.”
Brian Dietzen sounds like an incredible human and we are so happy he recovered from his stroke and surgery in 2020.
Maybe one day we’ll hear more about his children, and perhaps even see their photos. Until then, keep your eye out for the sketches drawn by his mom, that hang about Dr. Palmer’s desk in NCIS! Have you noticed them before?
READ MORE:
- ‘NCIS’ star Brian Dietzen opens up about having a stroke and heart surgery
- Pauley Perrette as Abby on ‘NCIS’ – take a deep breath before you see her today, at 54
