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With her NCIS: Los Angeles run having come to an end, Renée Felice Smith is ready for her next chapter — somewhat literally, being an author as well as an actress.
In the CBS drama’s Season 12 finale, Smith’s Nell Jones made the decision to not officially sign on as the “new Hetty”/Operations Manager, but instead join partner Eric Beale on an adventure to Tokyo, to head up his tech venture. But before driving off into the sunset, Nell briefly reunited with long-MIA Hetty herself, in costar Linda Hunt’s first on-set appearance of the season.
With NCIS: LA bidding adieu to both her and scene partner Barrett Foa, Smith — who joined the show early in Season 2 — spoke with TVLine exclusively about that emotional if bittersweet Nell/Hetty reunion, being an inspiration to smart girls, and what’s next for her as a legit storyteller herself.
TVLINE | How did you learn that this would be your swan song, and what was your initial reaction?
Well, I think it’s complicated. I mean, I think that I’ve been ready for my next chapter for a while now, in whatever form it will take. But it’s surely to be centered around storytelling. I hesitate to be part of the “cliché actress” calling herself a storyteller, but I really am one. I’m a writer. I’m a director. We are developing television currently. We have another indie in the works. I want to tell compelling stories, poignant stories that offer an escape and chance of reflection for the viewer, so that’s where my focus is.
TVLINE | But as far as Nell leaving, I for one was quite surprised, because I felt like this season was such a journey for the character. They’d really been shaping her to assume this position of authority.
It’s so true. I absolutely loved Nell’s journey this season. She really got to stand in her power. She really found her voice, and as a young woman it was empowering to play that side of the scene. Nell, I think, is a natural leader, and I really do think her strength as a leader is her vulnerability. I think that Nell has empathy for all players involved in the story. She can see multiple sides of the story. She’s a person that’s not only intelligent but she has emotional intelligence, and that has been such a gift for me as an actor to play. I’ve just loved her evolution, really. She started as a sidekick and she really, quite effectively, was the boss this year, and I had a fantastic time playing it.
TVLINE | Kilbride (played by Gerald McRaney) recently spoke to her unique strengths, saying to “stop asking yourself what would Hetty do” and just be Nell.
And that really is such a necessary message. There’s a scene that I absolutely love with Miguel Ferrer, my dear Miguel, from a while back, and it was a similar sort of scene where he was trying to instill confidence in her as a leader. I actually have the quote: Miguel’s character, Granger, says to Nell, “Never belittle yourself or your accomplishments. You deserve the respect you’ve gotten. You’ve earned it.” I remember feeling so choked up in that scene, and I’ll get choked up now thinking about it.
Kilbride, similarly to Granger, has a real kind of affection for Nell and saw that potential in Nell. He wanted to foster her confidence in herself, and it was very moving to play those scenes. I feel like as a young woman we are often in a position where we may doubt ourselves just because of the social climate, but in the end I think it’s about trusting yourself. Nell really grew into a person who started trusting herself and making decisions for her, rather than trying to please. I’m a natural-born people pleasure, and I think Nell is, too. High-functioning overachievers always are. So, I think Nell’s decision at the close of the season really is her ultimately finding her voice and really having agency over her future and what it is she wants to do.
I know how difficult that is. It is reflective of my own journey and my own life. So, to be able to step forward and say, “You know what, this is the path I want to take now and I’ll potentially disappoint people while doing it, I commend Nell for her bravery in that.
TVLINE | What did it mean to you have Linda Hunt back for one final scene with you?
Oh, my God…. My heart. Linda is just a magical creature. To have her back was really quite emotional. She was essentially sidelined by the pandemic, as you could imagine, so to even see her in the flesh, let alone share a scene with her—
TVLINE | And a hug.
And a hug, come onnnn! Chef’s kiss, you know? And the scene is really a bittersweet reunion. Nell really wants nothing more than to stay and catch up with her mentor, but she can’t. So, it’s kind of this “goodbye for now” scene.
TVLINE | [Showrunner] Scott [Gemmill] told me that Linda was thrilled to be back on set.
She was like a kid in a candy shop. She was glowing. She was crackling. She was so alive in the scene. Whenever I’m in a scene with Linda, I’m a student. She really is such a master of the craft, and I’m a little sponge. I’m soaking it all up, and really, truly watching her work has been the most educational process for me. I just feel like truly I’ve been attending the MasterClass with one of the best, one of the greats, and I’m so grateful for my friendship with her as well. She’s my bud. She texts me lots of emojis.
TVLINE | You once told me about how you would go to lunch and you’d get all these Hollywood stories, including about her “Mary Tyler Moore moment” when she first went to live in New York….
My God, she dropped that story on me right before a walk-and-talk where I had tons of technical jargon, and I remember I was welling up just at the image of 16 or 18-year-old Linda Hunt getting into a cab and drinking in the big city and the possibilities that it held for her. She’s such a gift.
TVLINE | How nervous were you to shave Barrett’s mustache?
I knew we only had one take and I knew it had to be good. My mom is a hairdresser and I watched her kind of do all of that kind of beard shaping for years, so I just kind of channeled my mom. I knew I needed a steady hand, and I just went for it. But I think he was a little nervous.
TVLINE | Would you like to be a part of Episode 300 (airing late next season), if asked?
Of. Course.
TVLINE | What’s next for you?
Like I said, storytelling. We just released our first children’s book, Hugo and the Impossible Thing, which is inspired by our canine son Hugo. Chris [Gabriel] — my partner, my other half, my creative partner — and I wrote the book about our dog who recovered from a really life-threatening illness. It was an inoperable brain tumor that most everyone told us would be impossible to beat. But through the help of some truly brilliant doctors and Hugo’s own determination, he made it to the other side and he lived a full life. It was this miracle that we witnessed, and we knew we needed to pass on Hugo’s message and let it inspire others.
I think oftentimes challenges in life are labeled as “impossible” when in reality they’re just extremely difficult. Of course, yes, certain things are impossible — I’m not going to be 6-foot-2 any time soon — but most of the time an obstacle or a challenge is just something we have to work our way around. So, we created the metaphor of the impossible thing. It’s out in the world now.
TVLINE | Lastly, any message for the fans?
Oh, for sure. Ultimately, I could say something profound but I just want to say thank you. Thank you for respecting Nell. Thank you for embracing Nell, for embracing her intelligence. I’ve always been cast as kind of the “funny friend,” the quirky turkey. I was the nurse in Romeo & Juliet when I auditioned for Juliet in high school. But with Nell, I really got to play so much more, and I am just so grateful to have been able to play the “smart girl,” quite frankly.
Someone shared a really touching story with me not long ago, actually. I was standing in line at a coffee shop in New York, and someone behind me asked, “Are you Nell Jones from NCIS: LA?” I kind of winced, afraid to turn around — I know native New Yorkers, and was thinking, “What did I do wrong? Did I accidentally cut the line or not cover my mouth when I sneezed?” So, I turned around to face this person and they proceeded to tell me about their 12-year-old daughter who wasn’t like the other girls in her class. She was interested in science and forensics and computers. This woman told me that a lot of times as a mother, she didn’t know what to do with her daughter, and that Nell and the character that I played for the last 10 years had helped her daughter to find some confidence in who she was and what she wanted to be.
So, if my time at NCIS: LA helped a young girl to see the possibility in pursuing a career in intelligence or technology… visibility is everything. If the image of Nell Jones as the brightest bulb in the room can instill confidence in a 12-year-old girl and affect her future, I mean, that’s the ultimate win. That’s it. That’s truly more than I ever could have asked for.
ALSO ON TVLINE: Barrett Foa reflects on his own NCIS: LA run, and showrunner Scott Gemmill mulls Hetty’s role in Season 13.
Want scoop on NCIS: LA, or for any other show? Email InsideLine@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line.
Really going to miss Nell and I always enjoyed her scenes with Hetty.
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Thanks Renée Felice Smith for 11 great years and I wish you much success and happiness. Remember, the door has been left open.
Thanks Matt and TVLine for doing these exit interviews. They’re always great!
Thank you for a lovely interview! Renée and Barrett will be missed tremendously, but I’m forever grateful that we had them on this show for so long.
I’m just overwhelmed by all of the changes in each NCIS show. I know that NCIS Hawai’i is being added next season, but to lose 2 long time characters on NCIS LA, potential losses on NCIS & losing NCIS NOLA is devastating. They’re my favorites.💔
Gonna Miss Neill . At least the show was not cancelled like NCIS New Orleans. But I have to say the final show was over the top.
😭💔
Love these exit interviews. Yes, Renee and Nell, the very brainy geek in ops, will be dearly missed. But enjoyed her scene with Linda. Very touching. She’d have been awesome as Boss but was not to be. Now we have to wait an excruciatingly long time to October to see what the writers do in her and Barrett’s places. Obviously, there must be majorly geeky replacements.
And, obviously, she and Barrett must return for thej 300th ep in some capacity.
The show has an excellent cast of characters who portray a realism of what transpires in our world today. it’s unfortunate that the cast of actors move on, but that’s the reality of life as we know, but life moves on as the clock continues to tick. Thumbs up for the people behind the lines. They are also a success story for NCIS LA.
I became very much attached to these characters and I wanted them all to stay safe and be happy and kick ass.
Nell was the worst dressed woman on tv.
Glad someone said it.
I like her character but wow was I Utterly baffled by her wardrobe choices the last few seasons. I kept wondering if she had converted to one of those goofy Christian denominations where the women wear dresses down to their ankles.
Earlier seasons she had a more normal wardrobe but it went off into some bizzaro Amish territory more recently.
I like the older characters and their stories. The bond and relationships is what most people want in their lives. Of course the drama and action scenes have been incredible. Hope not too many changes and keep the show real.
I am sorry nell is leaving. The only good people left are the 3 main actors.
Programs are never the same when originals are replaced. The new characters change the whole dynamic.
Change is inevitable. Tv. is no different. This show should remain one of the highest rated.
Ncis La one of my favorite programs. Record every weekend even the reruns. I just hate when the characters leave after l have watched them and love their acting for years. When you feel like it’s time to go and step in to another path….you go for it. Good luck and you will be truly missed🥰🙏🏾
Just want to say to Nell and Eric bonvoyage and all the best in your next journey you take. Looking forward to the start of the next season.Was really glad to see a happy ending for everyone ,No one died or had tragedy hit intruly enjoyed that. Seeing Hetty back was priceless. And very emotional at the same time. Nell and Eric will be missed they were amazing. But like they say life continues All the BEST again you two.
Still cant believe The Nellverine is moving on! Characters may come & go, but Nell was so one of a kind that her loss is going to create a hole that will be impossible to fill! Hopefully our little Fennec Fox (real fans will get it) will find a way to make it back to L.A. for the landmark 300!
I have to say NCIS – LA is going to miss one of the cutest, smartest, and coolest actresses on the show. She will be missed by everyone. Her partnership with Eric will be the biggest loss I think. The writers and producers of the show outdid themselves with the two characters.
I love NCIS Los Angeles and I hate to see the show breaking up I hope they feel respond with someone that can play you just as good as they did Eric and Nell has a wonderful Life has great job openings for everybody good luck we’ll miss you
What I don’t understand if Nell was such a critical part to the group, why didn’t the rest of the team say goodbye?
I REALLY LOVE THIS SHOW AN NOW IM SAD BECAUSE YOU’RE GONE……👑✝️🙏♥️💜🌹🥳❤💛🥰🥰🥰🥰
The best ¹
I Julia douvia hate to see this show end I like nell and her if make most of the show worth watching it’s a shame. I am not going to watch nice anymore
Oh god hope they dont bring in that deaf woman in to the show.