Linda Hunt Joins NCIS: Los Angeles

Linda Hunt has been cast in CBS’ new drama spin-off series NCIS: Los Angeles as a regular. Her character will oversee the “backroom” support staff tasked with providing everything from micro surveillance cameras to cars for Callen (O’Donnell) and his team. Efficient, hard-nosed and resourceful after years of being a Miss Fix-it in the film industry, she seems tough but genuinely cares about Callen and his team.

She will fill the void left by the departure of Loiuse Lombard, who co-starred in the pilot with by LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, which is set at the Office of Special Projects, a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation’s security.

The switch is not a direct recasting as Hunt will play a new character. Louise Lombard, who appeared in the backdoor pilot as Macy, was dismissed last month. It’s still unclear whether she’ll be replaced.