Why Did Lauren Holly Leave Ncis? This is a question that has lingered in the minds of many fans of the hit CBS procedural drama. At WHY.EDU.VN, we delve into the intricacies of her departure, offering a comprehensive explanation that considers various factors, including creative changes and personal aspirations. We aim to provide a balanced perspective, exploring the circumstances surrounding her exit and her subsequent career endeavors, giving you insights into the world of TV show casting and behind-the-scenes decisions, all while providing a detailed examination, insightful background, and complete answer.
1. Jenny Shepard: A Formidable NCIS Director
Lauren Holly’s portrayal of Director Jenny Shepard on NCIS left an indelible mark on the show and its fanbase. She originally was only supposed to be in six episodes, but she ended up staying on for three full seasons. Her character was complex, strong, and brought a unique dynamic to the team, all of which have made the fans miss her since she left the show.
1.1. Shepard’s Adaptability and Confidence Made Her a Formidable Leader
During the initial casting process for NCIS, Lauren Holly originally auditioned for the role of Kate Todd, which eventually went to Sasha Alexander. However, she was later invited back for season 3 to play Shepard, who would assume the position of Director of NCIS after Director Morrow, played by Alan Dale, stepped down to accept a position with Homeland Security. Lauren Holly’s voice in Spirited Away is that of Chihiro’s mother, but NCIS fans will always remember her for her authoritative voice that allowed her to command a room full of naval officers and special agents.
Director Shepard is memorable for the way she embodies both femininity and masculinity, confidently wearing a cocktail dress or a pantsuit, all of which show the complexity of her character. Shepard’s acerbic wit and social graces allow her to easily transition from prim and proper conferences to the dirty work of investigating, unlike Gibbs and other agents who are more at home on a stakeout. Holly’s performance is impressive in the way she maintains a facade of cold, calm while allowing glimpses of sympathy and fear to briefly emerge. Her deep gaze and big blue eyes aid in her performance of quickly-evolving emotions.
1.2. Key Qualities of Jenny Shepard’s Leadership
Here is a table summarizing Director Jenny Shepard’s key leadership qualities:
| Quality | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptability | Ability to adjust to different situations and environments | Transitioning from formal conferences to field investigations with ease |
| Confidence | Self-assuredness in decision-making and interactions | Commanding respect from naval officers and special agents |
| Intelligence | Sharp intellect and strategic thinking | Formulating strategies to capture René Benoit |
| Emotional Depth | Capacity to display a range of emotions, from coldness to empathy | Allowing brief glimpses of sympathy and fear to emerge behind her calm facade |
| Social Grace | Skill in navigating social situations and building relationships | Moving effortlessly from formal events to informal interactions with the NCIS team |
| Determination | Resoluteness in pursuing goals, such as bringing René Benoit to justice | Dedicating her life to avenging her father’s death and capturing Benoit |
2. The Thrilling Game of Cat and Mouse Between Shepard and Benoit
The storyline involving Director Shepard introduced one of NCIS’s most iconic villains. It would be a complete understatement to say that the two characters did not like each other.
2.1. Shepard’s Storyline Introduced One of NCIS’s Most Iconic Villains
When Lauren Holly’s character, Director Shepard, was introduced to NCIS, she brought with her one of the series’ best villains, arms dealer René Benoit. Played by Armand Assante, known for playing Odysseus in HBO’s adaptation of The Odyssey, Benoit is magnetic and charismatic. His character is suave, and seems to be part shadow in the way he’ll suddenly appear from the dark corners of a room. Director Shepard made it her life’s mission to put Benoit behind bars, believing he murdered her father, Colonel Jasper Shepard. While assigned to the Pentagon, Colonel Shepard was accused of taking a bribe and died in what was believed to be a suicide. Believing Benoit framed her father and murdered him, Shepard joined NCIS in 1999, her determination to take down Benoit helping her rise through the ranks until she became director.
In addition to the thrill of a Sherlock-Moriarty-style rivalry, Shepard’s quest to avenge her father portrays the consequences of putting parental figures on pedestals and shows how revenge can cloud judgement. Gibbs’ sense of loyalty to his friends and partners is also put to the test when he realizes Shepard murdered Benoit in season five, creating an interesting inner conflict for the character when his normally steadfast devotion is shaken by Shepard’s immoral actions.
2.2. The Impact of Benoit’s Character on NCIS
The introduction of René Benoit significantly impacted the NCIS storyline in several ways:
- Heightened Stakes: Benoit’s involvement raised the stakes for Director Shepard and the entire NCIS team. His status as a high-profile arms dealer meant that his actions had far-reaching consequences, adding a layer of urgency to every investigation.
- Personal Vendetta: The personal vendetta between Shepard and Benoit added emotional depth to the series. Shepard’s determination to bring Benoit to justice, fueled by her belief that he murdered her father, created a compelling narrative arc that spanned multiple seasons.
- Moral Ambiguity: The storyline explored themes of moral ambiguity, as Shepard’s pursuit of Benoit led her to make questionable decisions. This challenged the audience to consider the complexities of justice and the lengths to which individuals will go to avenge their loved ones.
- Character Development: The conflict with Benoit prompted significant character development for both Shepard and Gibbs. Shepard’s actions forced Gibbs to confront his own sense of loyalty and justice, while Shepard’s unwavering focus on Benoit revealed her strengths and vulnerabilities.
- Intrigue and Suspense: Benoit’s elusive nature and his ability to manipulate events from the shadows created an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense. His appearances were often unpredictable, leaving the audience guessing about his next move and the potential consequences for the NCIS team.
3. The Director’s Relationship With Gibbs is One of the Best NCIS Romances
Director Sheppard and Agent Gibbs are one of the most popular ships in the NCIS fandom, lovingly referred to as “Jibbs.” It’s clear from the moment Shepard appears backlit by SMPTE color bars that she and Gibbs have history.
3.1. Their “Will They, Won’t They” Love Story Built a Thrilling Tension
Shepard and Gibbs originally met when they were rookie agents working undercover in Europe, where they carried out a passionate romance. Their love affair came to an end when Gibbs was reassigned to the US, and Shepard chose to stay in Europe. Having previously worked together on Chicago Hope, Holly and Harmon have great chemistry that electrifies every scene they share. Director Shepard and Agent Gibbs are often at odds with each other. Their bickering and constant attempts to one up each other not only provide enjoyable comedic moments, but also serve as an interesting study of different styles of leadership, Shepard being more by the book and Gibbs the maverick. While Gibbs is always focused on doing whatever it takes to solve the case, Shepard considers what is best for the agency in the long term. Shepard’s more posh and polished personality is also a good foil to Gibb’s gruffness. Despite their disagreements, Gibbs treats Shepard as a respected equal, unlike the many misogynistic men Shepard deals with.
3.2. Key Elements of the Gibbs-Shepard Dynamic
| Element | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic History | Former lovers who share a complicated past | Their passionate romance during their time as rookie agents in Europe |
| Leadership Styles | Differing approaches to leadership, with Shepard being more by-the-book and Gibbs a maverick | Shepard considers the long-term interests of the agency, while Gibbs focuses on solving the case at hand |
| Chemistry | Strong on-screen chemistry between Holly and Harmon | Their scenes together are often electrifying, filled with tension and unspoken feelings |
| Banter | Playful bickering and attempts to outdo each other | Their constant one-upmanship provides comedic moments and insights into their personalities |
| Mutual Respect | Underlying respect and admiration despite their differences | Gibbs treats Shepard as an equal, valuing her insights and contributions to the team |
4. Shepard Was More Than A Boss to the NCIS Agents
Director Shepard’s empathy and dedication endears her not only to Gibbs, but to the entire team of investigators at NCIS.
4.1. Providing Guidance and Support in Times of Need, Shepard Earned the Admiration of Her Colleagues
Prior to taking over as director, Shepard and Mossad officer Ziva David met in Cairo, Egypt, where Ziva saved Shepard’s life. The two women remain close and supportive of each other as NCIS colleagues, and Ziva often watches with sympathy as Shepard and Gibbs’ love goes unrequited. Shepard also becomes close to Agent Tony DiNozzo while he goes undercover to help her take down Benoit. An important mentor figure to other women at NCIS, one of the most impactful moments during her time on the show is when she counsels the perky and whimsy Abby Sciuto, telling her to “look at reality and accept it.” Shepard shows a heavy sense of responsibility for other characters’ well-being, not taking lightly the power she holds.
Acting like a bickering old married couple, Shepard and Gibbs’ are the mom and dad of the NCIS office. The team is often hilariously flustered when they’re torn between pleasing Shepard or Gibbs, an exciting change from their usual deference to Gibbs. Despite questioning Gibbs’ methods, Shepard supports his team and defends their actions to the higher ups.
4.2. Shepard’s Influence on the NCIS Team
| Interaction | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ziva David | Close friendship and mutual support | Ziva saved Shepard’s life in Cairo, leading to a bond that extended into their professional relationship |
| Tony DiNozzo | Develops a close bond while working undercover to take down Benoit | Shepard’s trust in DiNozzo during a dangerous mission highlights her ability to recognize potential in others |
| Abby Sciuto | Mentorship and guidance | Counseling Abby to “look at reality and accept it” demonstrates her commitment to helping her colleagues grow |
| Entire NCIS Team | Acts as a supportive leader who defends her team’s actions, even when questioning their methods | Supports Gibbs’ team and defends their actions to superiors, showcasing her loyalty |
5. Holly Felt It Was Time To Go
After three seasons, Holly was looking for something new. She left a lasting impression with NCIS fans, but it was time to move on.
5.1. After Three Seasons, Holly Was Looking for Something New
Lauren Holly auditioned for NCIS because she was excited to work with Don Bellisario, who originally created the military police procedural as a spin-off of JAG. By season four, Bellisario’s work style began to put him at odds with members of the cast and crew, including series-lead, Mark Harmon. Bellisario also felt ready to move on to other projects after four years with the show. As preparations were being made for season five, the NCIS co-creator stepped down as showrunner. Holly felt the creative direction of the show had changed after Bellisario’s exit, and missed his influence on the series.
Similar to Bellisario, Holly was also beginning to lose interest in the show and her character, Director Shepard. Before joining the cast of NCIS, Holly took a break from acting. After starring as Shepard for a few years, she felt warmed up and ready for new creative challenges, stating “now that the work bug had bitten me again, I got bored with my part of the ‘Director’.” Gibbs and Shepard’s unrequited love story was being dragged out, and didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Shepard’s story line had also become consumed by her quest to defeat Benoit, preventing any other stories from developing for the character. Holly was also exhausted from commuting between Chicago and Los Angeles to film the series. After three seasons, Holly was happy to say goodbye to Shepard and NCIS, and her character was written off the show in one of the series’ most unforgettable deaths.
5.2. Factors Influencing Holly’s Decision to Leave NCIS
| Factor | Description | Impact on Holly’s Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Direction Change | Departure of Don Bellisario as showrunner led to a shift in the show’s creative vision | Holly missed Bellisario’s influence and felt the show’s direction had changed |
| Character Development Stagnation | Shepard’s storyline became overly focused on her quest to defeat Benoit, limiting opportunities for other character arcs | Holly felt her character’s development was stagnating and wanted to explore new creative challenges |
| Personal Disinterest | Holly felt she had warmed up after a break from acting and was ready for new roles | She expressed boredom with her role as Director and sought fresh opportunities to reignite her passion for acting |
| Unresolved Romantic Tension | The Gibbs-Shepard “will they, won’t they” storyline was being prolonged without resolution | Holly felt the romantic tension between Gibbs and Shepard was being dragged out without significant progress |
| Commuting Exhaustion | Holly was exhausted from commuting between Chicago and Los Angeles to film the series | The demanding travel schedule added to her overall sense of fatigue and contributed to her desire to leave the show |
6. The Director Goes Out, Guns Blazing
Shepard’s death is one of the most epic in NCIS’s history. The fans were devastated with her character’s death.
6.1. Shepard’s Death is One of the Most Epic In NCIS’s History
In the penultimate episode of season five, Director Shepard’s time at NCIS comes to an end. Working alongside Agent Gibbs’ mentor, former Agent Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson, Director Shepard follows up on the suspicious death of former partner, William Decker, whom she suspects was murdered. Hoping to protect Gibbs from the wrath of their former enemy, Svetlana Chernitskaya, Shepard and Franks track Svetlana’s crew down to a diner, and Shepard is fatally wounded in a shoot-out. Shepard doesn’t go down without a fight. Shepard takes out four men while being riddled with bullets, before she is taken out. Holly likes to joke that the writers killed Shepard in “about five different ways.” In addition to four gunshot wounds, Shepard is diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier in the season.
In a heartbreaking scene, new NCIS Director, Leon Vance, is describing Shepard’s final moments, while Gibbs sees only some blood spatters and a card with Shepard’s name. Harmon plays it cool, anger bubbling just beneath his calm surface. Gibbs’ willingness to break the rules is tested as he and Franks resolve to cover up the truth of Shepard’s death. The Director’s death also drives home the stakes at hand as Gibbs and his team track down dangerous criminals.
6.2. Significance of Shepard’s Death in NCIS
| Aspect | Description | Impact on NCIS |
|---|---|---|
| Heroic Sacrifice | Shepard dies protecting Gibbs from Svetlana Chernitskaya’s wrath | Reinforces Shepard’s selflessness and dedication to her team |
| Dramatic Exit | Shepard takes out four men while being riddled with bullets | Creates a memorable and impactful departure for her character |
| Emotional Impact | Leon Vance describes Shepard’s final moments, while Gibbs sees only blood spatters | Evokes a strong emotional response from the audience and underscores the deep connections between the characters |
| Moral Dilemma | Gibbs and Franks resolve to cover up the truth of Shepard’s death | Tests Gibbs’ willingness to bend the rules and highlights the moral complexities of their work |
| Heightened Stakes | The Director’s death drives home the dangers faced by Gibbs and his team | Reminds the audience of the high stakes involved in tracking down dangerous criminals |
7. Holly Stays Busy After NCIS Exit
Holly has found a plethora of projects to satisfy her creativity. Her acting career is still going strong.
7.1. Lauren Holly Has Found a Plethora of Projects to Satisfy Her Creativity
Holly was able to work with her Picket Fences co-star, Tom Skerritt, in the 2014 film Field of Lost Shoes. Since leaving NCIS, she has appeared in numerous police procedurals and crime dramas, like Leverage, Covert Affairs, Rookie Blue, Motive, and Designated Survivor. Holly is also no stranger to fantasy and supernatural projects, having appeared in both Lucifer, Good Witch, and Oz Perkins’ horror film The Blackcoat’s Daughter. Holly most recently starred as Monique DuBois in the canceled Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things.
In honor of her late brother, Holly and her family created the “A” Fund at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1992. Holly’s brother, Alexander, nicknamed “A,” loved archeology and architecture, but passed away at the young age of 14 before he was able to achieve his dream of becoming an architect. The “A” Fund provides financial aid to archeology and architecture students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges who have demonstrated a similar passion for architecture and history. Through the “A” Fund, Alexander’s memory can live on.
7.2. Key Post-NCIS Roles and Projects
| Project | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Lost Shoes | Film | Worked with Picket Fences co-star Tom Skerritt |
| Leverage | Police Procedural/Crime Drama | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Covert Affairs | Police Procedural/Crime Drama | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Rookie Blue | Police Procedural/Crime Drama | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Motive | Police Procedural/Crime Drama | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Designated Survivor | Police Procedural/Crime Drama | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Lucifer | Fantasy/Supernatural | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| Good Witch | Fantasy/Supernatural | Appeared in episodes as a guest star |
| The Blackcoat’s Daughter | Horror Film | Played a role in Oz Perkins’ horror film |
| Tiny Pretty Things | Netflix Series | Starred as Monique DuBois |
| “A” Fund | Charitable Initiative | Created in honor of her late brother to provide financial aid to archeology and architecture students |
8. FAQ: Lauren Holly and Her Departure from NCIS
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lauren Holly and her departure from NCIS:
- Why did Lauren Holly leave NCIS?
- Lauren Holly left NCIS due to a combination of factors, including creative changes after Don Bellisario’s departure, a feeling of stagnation in her character’s development, a desire for new creative challenges, and the exhaustion of commuting between Chicago and Los Angeles for filming.
- When did Lauren Holly leave NCIS?
- Lauren Holly’s character, Director Jenny Shepard, was written off the show in the penultimate episode of season five, which aired in 2008.
- What has Lauren Holly done since leaving NCIS?
- Since leaving NCIS, Lauren Holly has appeared in numerous police procedurals, crime dramas, fantasy, and supernatural projects, including Leverage, Covert Affairs, Rookie Blue, Lucifer, and the Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things.
- Did Lauren Holly enjoy her time on NCIS?
- Lauren Holly enjoyed her time on NCIS, particularly working with Don Bellisario. However, she felt that the show’s creative direction changed after his departure, and she was ready for new challenges after three seasons.
- How did Director Shepard die on NCIS?
- Director Shepard died in a shoot-out while working alongside Agent Gibbs’ mentor, Mike Franks, to follow up on the suspicious death of a former partner. She was fatally wounded while protecting Gibbs from their former enemy, Svetlana Chernitskaya.
- What was the relationship between Director Shepard and Agent Gibbs like?
- Director Shepard and Agent Gibbs had a complex relationship that included a romantic past, differing leadership styles, playful banter, and mutual respect. Their dynamic was a popular aspect of the show.
- Did Lauren Holly win any awards for her role on NCIS?
- While Lauren Holly did not win any individual awards for her role on NCIS, the show itself won several awards during her tenure, including Primetime Emmy Awards and People’s Choice Awards.
- Is Lauren Holly still acting?
- Yes, Lauren Holly continues to be active in the entertainment industry, appearing in various films and television series.
- What is the “A” Fund that Lauren Holly created?
- The “A” Fund was created by Lauren Holly and her family in honor of her late brother, Alexander, to provide financial aid to archeology and architecture students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
- Would Lauren Holly ever consider returning to NCIS?
- Given that her character was killed off, it is unlikely that Lauren Holly would return to NCIS. However, in the world of television, anything is possible, especially with flashbacks or dream sequences.
9. Conclusion: Understanding Lauren Holly’s NCIS Departure
Lauren Holly’s departure from NCIS was a multifaceted decision influenced by creative, personal, and professional factors. Her portrayal of Director Jenny Shepard left a lasting impact on the series, and her subsequent career has continued to showcase her talent and versatility. By understanding the reasons behind her exit, fans can appreciate the complexities of the entertainment industry and the choices actors make to pursue their creative aspirations.
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