Katrina Law – NCIS

By starrymag | April 18, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) “NCIS” is such a long running series, coming in new, what were you most looking forward to with this role and what did you connect with?

A) Before I was even cast on “NCIS,” I was already a longtime fan of the show. Crime procedurals that are character driven, filled with heart and humor, that leave you feeling good by the end of the episode are hard to come by.  I think this is what has kept “NCIS” the number one show in world for over a decade.

Coming in as a new series regular, I was excited to be able to explore a badass female agent who wasn’t portrayed as dark and angry. Jessica Knight is ranked at the top of her field, but its her quirky sense of humor that really attracts me to her and makes her stand apart from other characters I have played.

 

Q) A big crossover event just happened between “NCIS” & “NCIS: Hawai’i.” Can viewers expect more?

A) We had so much fun shooting the “NCIS”/“NCIS: Hawai’i” crossover. Our two teams blended seamlessly and all of us have already petitioned for more crossovers. Plus, any excuse to go back to Hawaii works for me. [smiles]

 

Q) What aspect of filming has been the most fun and what has been the most challenging?

A) I have the privilege of working with a wonderful team. Every actor on “NCIS” is happy to be there, the crew is amazing, the producers are lovely, and the fans are involved and passionate.

My dad has been a fan of “NCIS” since year one so seeing him quietly geek out about me getting to hang out with Mark Harmon has been the highlight.

The biggest challenge is happening at this very moment. It’s a long season filled with thirteen-hour days and right about now is when you start to feel the limits of your stamina. Most people don’t realize what a grind it is to shoot a network show that clocks in over twenty episodes in a season. That’s like producing ten feature films in a year. Even The Rock only manages two or three per year. It’s a LOT of work for everyone involved, especially for the crew.

 

Q) You’re someone physically fit and has handled a lot of action roles. Was there anything new, different or challenging you added to your fitness routine for this role?

A) Because of long hours and workload, I had to go back to my “Spartacus” workout habits. I usually wake up at 4am, drive to a gym close to work, start my workout at 5am and then I am ready to sit in the makeup chair by 6am.

I also asked my trainer to design workouts that could be done in my trailer in between scenes, lots of dumbbells and bands involved, and this method has been working out fabulously.

 

Q) SA Knight specializes in hostage negotiations – what kind of training did you go through?

A) I have a toddler and I feel like bedtime and dessert negotiations with her is all the training I needed. [laughs]

But outside of my daughter, we have a wonderful “NCIS” tech advisor named Leon Carroll who takes care of us on set and helps to guide us to be as realistic as possible. He has been a godsend and I lean on him heavily. Leon has gone as far as to connect me with a real life female NCIS agent who is a hostage negotiator, and her advice and input has been invaluable.

 

Q) “NCIS” balances the drama through some lighter comedic moments in between, what’s been your favorite BTS moment so far?

A) Any moment with Wilmer Valderrama on set usually has the entire cast and crew cracking up. There have been quite a few takes that have been ruined because no one could keep a straight face.

But my favorite moment so far is with Brian Dietzen. We have an episode coming up where the two of us get into a hijinks situation that involves some digging…and I will leave it at that.

 

Q) Have you learned anything about yourself via this role?

A) I feel like I have come into my own the most with Jessica Knight. I feel a confidence coming through her that hasn’t always been there with other characters I have played. I feel a freedom to explore and play in this character and to take chances that I haven’t been brave enough to take before. It makes everything so much more fun.

But I think a lot of this feeling is an extension of how I feel in my life. I am juggling being a mom, a wife and a series regular on a TV show and I feel oddly secure on a precarious tightrope.  So, here’s to keeping the faith and the balancing act going!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan response have you been receiving to becoming a part of the show?

A) The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I am so thankful that the fans have gone along for the ride with all of the changes that have taken place on the show recently. The ones have been around since Season One have essentially grown up and lived their lives with this show. The fans of “NCIS” are not only protective of their show, but they are also protective of their family. To be allowed and welcomed to play in their homes every Monday night is not only a privilege, but also an honor.

 

Q) We love watching you on “NCIS” weekly, are there any other movies or upcoming projects that you are working on?

A) I am thrilled to say that “NCIS” has been renewed for Season 20 so we will continue to invade your Monday nights for another year, at least!

Outside of “NCIS,” my husband (Keith Andreen) and I wrote a short film that we will be shooting this summer.

There are some other exciting announcements coming up that I am chomping at the bit to tell you about but, alas, I have to wait.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) Thank you so much for your love and support over the years. You inspire me to continue on the darkest days and lift me even higher on the brightest. I hope we continue on this journey for many more years to come. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.