The NCIS Star You Never Knew Appeared In From Justin To Kelly
Since "NCIS" premiered on CBS in 2008, it has become a huge hit for the network and is now the most-watched drama on television (via Outsider). Of course, its cast has played a big part in the show's success, with Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, and Cote de Pablo becoming especially popular with viewers.
While fans were disappointed when Weatherly, Perrette, and de Pablo left to pursue other projects, Harmon's exit, in 2021, hit the hardest.
"As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show," executive producer and showrunner Steven D. Binder said in a statement (per The Hollywood Reporter). "Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years ... never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out."
"NCIS" has added Gary Cole and Katrina Law to join the remaining players in the show's cast, which include Sean Murray, Wilder Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Rocky Carroll, and David McCallum. All of them have proven to be talented members of the ensemble, and fans might be surprised to learn that one of those actors got their big-screen start opposite Kelly Clarkson.
Brian Dietzen made his film debut with Kelly Clarkson
Before he landed the role of Dr. Jimmy Palmer on "NCIS," Brian Dietzen made his acting debut in "From Justin to Kelly." The 2003 romantic comedy starred Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini as teens who fall in love over spring break (per IMDb).
The two stars were obligated to make the film as part of their "American Idol" contracts, and it went on to make only $4.9 million at the box office. Clarkson has been vocal about how unhappy she was about being forced to do it. "It was a very miserable time of my life," she told the Los Angeles Times. "I feel like it's one of those things where, 'There are plenty of people that would love to do this — why don't you ask one of them?'"
And Dietzen seems to agree with his former costar. In 2020, he retweeted a meme about the September 2020 presidential debate, writing: "That debate was the worst thing I've ever seen and I was in 'From Justin to Kelly.'"