LL Cool J Returns to NCIS as Sam Hanna

Rapper LL Cool J is reuniting with the NCIS franchise as Sam Hanna in a one-episode return. This marks his first appearance since the conclusion of “NCIS: Los Angeles” in 2023. The news was announced through a joint Instagram post between LL Cool J and the official NCIS account.

As a former Navy SEAL, Sam is an honorably discharged senior chief special warfare operator who works as a lead operative. His character’s wife, Michelle Hanna, tragically passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning in Season 8 of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” The series, now on its 22nd season, stars Sean Murray as Timothy McGee and features a diverse ensemble cast, including Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Diona Reasonover, Katrina Law, Rocky Carroll, and Gary Cole.

Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/ncis-ll-cool-j-return-sam-hanna-1236344193