CBS’s military drama and police procedural, NCIS: Los Angeles, follows the elite division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service that takes on undercover assignments. The first spin-off of the original hit series NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles packs an unrivaled and quirky cast. The show’s charm relies on the interactions between offbeat characters, such as Leon Vance and Linda Hunt, LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, or Eric Christian Olsen and Barrett Foa.

The show premiered in 2009 and is expected to be renewed for it’s 13th season in 2021. While the cast has changed over the years, the show has retained a loyal audience throughout its twelve seasons. Fan favorites, such as Hetty and Nell Jones, are a main draw for viewers due to their on-screen magnetism. From LL Cool J to Renée Felice Smith, Here are 10 interesting facts about the NCIS: Los Angeles Cast.

Related: 15 TV Shows To Watch If You Like NCIS

10 Linda Hunt Played Grandmother Willow In 'Pocahontas'

Linda Hunt in NCIS: Los Angeles
Via CBS

Known for her husky voice, Linda Hunt has done professional voice work in documentaries, cartoons, radio, and much more. You might recognize her voice as the Grandmother Willow in 1995’s animated Disney film, Pocahontas. In the Disney classic, Hunt plays the role of a speaking willow tree who acts as Pocahontas’ confidante and personal guide.

9 Daniela Ruah Won Portugal's 'Dancing With The Stars'

Daniela Ruah
Via CBS

Daniela Ruah is a Portuguese-American actress who plays Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles. Ruah’s acting career began in Portugal, where she acted on Portuguese soap operas as a teenager. Not only is she a talented actress, but she also has a background in dance. In 2006, she entered Portugal’s Dancing With The Stars and was crowned winner.

8 Eric Christian Olsen Was Nominated For A Razzie Award

Known for his role as Detective Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, Eric Christian Olsen has acted in several Hollywood projects, such as The Backup Plan and Battle of the Sexes. His most amusing claim to fame, however, was his nomination for “Worst On-Screen Couple” at the Razzies. His role in Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd almost earned him a 24th Golden Raspberry Award in 2004.

Related: 15 Most Unforgettable Guest Stars On NCIS

7 LL Cool J’s Name Stands For 'Ladies Love Cool James'

Outside of the NCIS franchise, LL Cool J is best known for being a Grammy Award-Winning hip hop artist. Originally born James Todd Smith, LL Cool J is one of the few rap stars of the 1980s to sustain a successful music career for longer than a decade. Smith established his stage name at the age of 16 when he signed a deal with the label, Def Jam. The name LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.”

6 Chris O’Donnell Is The Youngest Of Seven Kids

Chris O’Donnell has played Special Agent Grisha “G” Callen on NCIS: Los Angeles for over a decade now. O’Donnell has made an appearance on several beloved series throughout his career, including Grey’s Anatomy, Hawaii Five-0, and Robot Chicken. Despite his decades-long success as a Hollywood actor, O’Donnell’s biggest priority is his family. He and his wife, Caroline Fentress, have five children together. O’Donnell also came from a large family, being the youngest of seven children.

5 Renee Felice Smith's First Gig Was In A Yogurt Commercial

Renee Felice Smith
Via CBS

NCIS: Los Angeles fan-favorite, Renee Felice Smith, made her television debut at the age of six. She was cast in a Dannon Yogurt commercial in 1991. From yogurt commercial star to NCIS regular, Smith recently announced that she intends to take time off from NCIS: Los Angeles at the end of the series 11th season. According to TV Line, she’s hoping to pursue a different creative project while she takes her leave.

4 Barrett Foa Is A Broadway Star

Barrett Foa
Via CBS

Prior to his role as Eric Beale, Barrett Foa was a Broadway actor, starring as the lead in Avenue Q and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Foa also was a part of the original cast for Broadway’s Mama Mia. Foa sharpened his acting and performance chops at college, studying Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

Related: 15 Things You Didn't Know About NCIS

3 Miguel Ferrer Starred In 'Robocop'

Miguel Ferrer, who played Assistant Director Owen Granger on NCIS: Los Angeles, worked on the show from 2012 to 2017. Despite his exit from the series, Granger remains one of the show’s most popular characters. Miguel Ferrer’s acting career started in the early 80s, appearing in hit shows such as Magnum P.I., Miami Vice, and CHiPs. His most famous role was his performance as Morton in Robocop.

2 Medalion Rahimi Has Played A Princess Twice

Medalion Rahimi
Via CBS

A recent addition to the NCIS: Los Angeles cast, Medalion Rahimi portrays Special Agent Fatima Namazi, a former Naval Intelligence Officer. Before her days as a field agent, Rahimi was cast as royalty, portraying a princess twice. In 2016, she played the role of Princess Zara Al Salim on ABC’s The Catch. A year later, she accepted the role of Princess Isabella in the Shonda Rhimes series Still Star-Crossed.

1 Rocky Carroll’s First Feature Film Won Two Oscars

Rocky Carroll in scene from NCIS
Via CBS

Rocky Carroll has played Director Leon Vance on the NCIS franchise since 2008. His status as a fan-favorite was almost immediate, and he’s continued his work on the show ever since. Carroll’s always given a compelling performance on-screen. The first film he starred in, Born on the Fourth of July, received two Oscars.

Next: How Charles Michael Davis Earned His Role 'NCIS: New Orleans'