Emily Wickersham: Why Ellie Bishop from NCIS Looks So Familiar
Uncover the surprising acting history of NCIS' Ellie Bishop, Emily Wickersham, including her roles in The Sopranos and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Did you ever wonder where you recognized the face of NCIS’ Ellie Bishop? It turns out, Emily Wickersham, the actress behind the beloved character, has been gracing our screens for years. Before she joined the NCIS team, she made waves in some iconic television shows. Let’s dive into Emily Wickersham’s impressive acting journey.
As CBS’ military procedural “NCIS” airs its remarkable 20th season, fans have witnessed numerous cast changes over the years. One notable addition was the character of Ellie Bishop, portrayed by Emily Wickersham, who joined the show in Season 11. Bishop quickly became a fan favorite, filling the void left by Ziva David’s departure. But where else might you have seen Wickersham before her NCIS stint?
Emily Wickersham: A Familiar Face
Born in Kansas but raised in New York, Emily Wickersham began her acting career in the mid-2000s. Her talent and versatility have led her to appear in various popular TV shows and films before landing her breakout role in NCIS.
The Sopranos: Rhiannon Flammer
HBO’s Acclaimed Mob Drama (2006-2007)
One of Wickersham’s earliest and most notable roles was in the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos.” She portrayed Rhiannon Flammer, a character who becomes romantically involved with A.J. Soprano (Robert Iler) in the show’s final season.
The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Created by David Chase, this groundbreaking series follows the personal and professional life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss trying to balance his family life with his criminal empire.
“Sometimes we’re all hypocrites.” – Rhiannon Flammer
Fun Fact: Some fans of “The Sopranos” speculate that Rhiannon may have played a crucial role in the series’ controversial finale.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent – Ceci Madison
Guest Appearance (2009)
Following her appearance in The Sopranos, Wickersham landed a guest role in the popular crime drama “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” She played Ceci Madison, a party girl involved in a case investigated by Detectives Zack Nichols (Jeff Goldblum) and Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson).
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011)
This spin-off of the original Law & Order series focuses on the Major Case Squad of the NYPD, solving high-profile or unusual crimes.
“I swear, I didn’t know anything about it!” – Ceci Madison
Gone (2012) – Molly Conway
Thriller Film
Before joining NCIS, Wickersham had a supporting role in the Amanda Seyfried-led thriller “Gone.” She played Molly Conway, the sister of Seyfried’s character, whose disappearance drives the plot of the movie.
Gone (2012)
Directed by Heitor Dhalia, this psychological thriller follows a young woman’s desperate search for her missing sister, whom she believes has been kidnapped by a serial killer.
Interesting Note: While the film received mixed reviews, it boasted an impressive supporting cast including Sebastian Stan and Wes Bentley.
NCIS: Ellie Bishop’s Journey
Wickersham’s portrayal of Ellie Bishop in NCIS showcased her growth as an actor and her ability to become a central figure in a long-running series. Her character’s intelligence, quirks, and development over seven seasons endeared her to fans worldwide.
“Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to grow.” – Ellie Bishop
While “NCIS” may never fully replace the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Wickersham’s Ellie Bishop proved to be a valuable addition to the team, filling the void left by Ziva David’s departure and carving out her own unique place in the NCIS universe.
Which of Emily Wickersham’s roles surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
