The NCIS franchise, one of the most successful and long-running crime dramas in television history, expanded its global footprint with NCIS: Sydney — the first international edition of the series. Premiering in late 2023 and continuing strong into 2025, cast of ncis sydney takes the beloved Naval Criminal Investigative Service formula and immerses it into the thrilling backdrop of the Australian coastline, complete with local flavor, international tensions, and a talented new cast.
In this comprehensive 2500+ word article, we’ll introduce you to the full cast of NCIS: Sydney, break down their characters, explore their acting backgrounds, and discuss how this diverse and powerful lineup has brought new life to the NCIS universe. Whether you’re a longtime cast of ncis sydney fan or just diving into the series, this guide gives you everything you need to know about the cast of NCIS: Sydney.
Table of Contents
- Overview of NCIS: Sydney
- Lead Characters and Cast Members
- Olivia Swann as Michelle Mackey
- Todd Lasance as Jim “JD” Dempsey
- Sean Sagar as DeShawn Jackson
- Tuuli Narkle as Constable Evie Cooper
- Mavournee Hazel as Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson
- William McInnes as Roy Penrose
- Guest Stars and Recurring Roles
- Casting Diversity and Cultural Dynamics
- Behind-the-Scenes: Casting and Production Insights
- The Cast’s Real-Life Chemistry
- How the NCIS: Sydney Cast Compares to U.S. Counterparts
- Why the Cast of NCIS: Sydney Makes the Show a Hit
- Future Cast Additions and Season 2 Speculations
- Final Thoughts
Overview of NCIS: Sydney
NCIS: Sydney is set in Australia and marks the franchise’s first foray outside the United States. Co-produced by CBS Studios and Australia’s Paramount+ and Network 10, the series revolves around a multinational task force investigating crimes involving the U.S. Navy in Australian waters.
What sets the show apart isn’t just its setting or high-stakes plotlines, but its culturally integrated cast, which reflects both Australian law enforcement and U.S. military perspectives.
Lead Characters and Cast Members
Let’s take a deep dive into the primary cast of NCIS: Sydney and the characters they portray.
Olivia Swann as Michelle Mackey – NCIS Special Agent-in-Charge
Character Summary:
Michelle Mackey is the no-nonsense, razor-sharp NCIS Special Agent-in-Charge of the Sydney field office. A U.S. Navy-trained investigator, Mackey is tough, mission-driven, and often finds herself butting heads with her Australian counterparts over jurisdiction and tactics.
About Olivia Swann:
Swann is best known to U.S. audiences for her role as Astra Logue in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. A classically trained British actress, she brings a commanding presence to Mackey’s role. Her portrayal balances fierce leadership with human vulnerability, making her one of the standout performers in the NCIS franchise.
Why She Stands Out:
Swann’s performance is often praised for bringing a unique blend of intensity and empathy. As a woman of color in a leading role, her casting also represents a strong move toward inclusion and representation within global franchises.
Todd Lasance as Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey – AFP Liaison
Character Summary:
JD Dempsey is the tough-as-nails Australian Federal Police (AFP) sergeant and Mackey’s local counterpart. Dempsey serves as the cultural bridge between the two agencies and isn’t afraid to break the rules to get results.
About Todd Lasance:
Australian audiences know Lasance from series like Home and Away, Spartacus: War of the Damned, and The Vampire Diaries. With his rugged look and natural Aussie charm, Lasance brings a grounded and gritty realism to JD.
Why He Stands Out:
His chemistry with Swann is electric, and their ideological clashes create some of the show’s best moments. Lasance’s deep experience in both Australian and U.S. television gives him the range and charisma to hold his own in a global franchise.
Sean Sagar as DeShawn Jackson – NCIS Special Agent
Character Summary:
DeShawn Jackson is a U.S. NCIS agent posted in Sydney, known for his technical skills and investigative brilliance. He’s a more reserved character, often acting as the logical balance to Mackey’s intensity and JD’s brashness.
About Sean Sagar:
The British actor has starred in Our Girl and The Gentleman, and his rising popularity has helped bring international appeal to NCIS: Sydney. Sagar’s background in both military and drama roles gives authenticity to Jackson’s character.
Why He Stands Out:
Sagar’s performance adds emotional depth and cerebral power to the team. His portrayal avoids clichés and presents a nuanced perspective of what it means to serve across cultures.
Tuuli Narkle as Constable Evie Cooper – AFP Specialist
Character Summary:
Evie Cooper is a brilliant and fierce Indigenous Australian police officer who’s integral to the joint task force. She brings local knowledge, cultural insight, and forensic skill to every case.
About Tuuli Narkle:
Narkle is a proud Yolŋu and Yawuru woman, best known for her performances in Mystery Road: Origin and All My Friends Are Racist. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in Australian television.
Why She Stands Out:
Her role in NCIS: Sydney is groundbreaking, representing Indigenous Australians in mainstream international TV. Tuuli brings a cultural authenticity that’s both refreshing and necessary, helping to localize the global franchise effectively.
Mavournee Hazel as Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson – Forensic Scientist
Character Summary:
“Blue” Gleeson is the show’s quirky and lovable forensic scientist. Think of her as the Australian equivalent of Abby Sciuto from the original NCIS. She’s hyper-intelligent, eccentric, and adds comic relief while delivering key evidence.
About Mavournee Hazel:
Hazel gained recognition through her role as Piper Willis on Neighbours. She’s since matured into a dynamic actress known for her emotional depth and offbeat roles.
Why She Stands Out:
Bluebird is the heart of the lab and often the moral compass of the team. Hazel’s performance is charming, funny, and emotionally resonant — a fan favorite already.
William McInnes as Roy Penrose – Veteran Intelligence Officer
Character Summary:
Roy Penrose is the team’s sage adviser — a former intelligence officer with decades of experience in defense and security matters. His wisdom and historical knowledge often unlock complex cases.
About William McInnes:
A veteran of Australian TV and film, McInnes is beloved for roles in SeaChange, Blue Heelers, and Total Control. His addition to NCIS: Sydney gives the series a gravitas and maturity.
Why He Stands Out:
McInnes offers a grounded presence, often acting as the voice of reason in high-tension moments. His mentorship role is reminiscent of Ducky from the original NCIS.
