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ROCKY CARROLL

One of Hollywood's best-kept secrets, Rocky Carroll is a critically-acclaimed actor who has consistently proven his ability to master diverse roles in film, television and theatre.

Carroll currently stars as Director of NCIS ‘Leon Vance’ on the primetime hit series, “NCIS,” working alongside his former “Chicago Hope” co-star Mark Harmon. As the Director of NCIS, Carroll’s character oversees not just the flagship team, but the “NCIS: LA” and “NCIS: New Orleans” teams as well. As a result, Carroll has appeared on all three shows, making him the first actor to reprise his role across three current hit primetime series.

On February 3, 2015, Carroll made his television directorial debut in the episode entitled “We Build, We Fight” and is now wearing the director’s cap once again for the second time, for the Halloween episode entitled “Viral” which aired October 27th, 2015. Currently in its 13th season, “NCIS” airs Tuesday nights on CBS at 8:00pm.

While working on the hit CBS show, Tony-nominated Carroll also found time to return to his first love: the stage. He starred in the riveting political drama “Fraternity” for the Ebony Rep Theatre Company, at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Culver City. The production co-starred such actors as Robert Gossett (“Major Crimes”), Tony-winner Robert Robinson, and Drama Desk-winner Harvey Blanks.

Masterfully transitioning from serious drama to multi-camera sitcoms, Carroll’s other television credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Game,” “Invasion,” “Kevin Hill,” “Boston Legal,” “ER,” “American Dreams” and a starring role on “The Agency.” For his work on “Chicago Hope” he was twice nominated for a NAACP Image Award. In addition to shooting several hilarious comedy pilots, Carroll starred in the CBS comedy “Welcome to New York” opposite Christine Baranski, of which TV GUIDE proclaimed: “Carroll is a stitch as the station’s cocky prima donna!” The show allowed him to showcase the comedic talents he displayed on the hit FOX series “Roc,’” one of his best-known roles.

On the big screen, Carroll appeared in such films as Jim Carrey’s YES MAN, the horror/thriller PRISONER opposite Julian McMahon, and opposite Tim Meadows in THE LADIES MAN, based on the “SNL” character of the same name. In the summer of 2005, Carroll starred in a national tour of the late August Wilson’s last original play, “Radio Golf.” He was nominated for a Tony Award for his 1990 Broadway performance in August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson.”

For this East Coast-trained theater actor, the idea of Los Angeles and the world of film and television was a new and rather daunting prospect early in his career; in fact, he very likely might have remained in New York was he not offered the part of 'Joey,' the gambling, womanizing, ne’er-do-well musician on what became the highly successful FOX-TV series "Roc,” in Los Angeles in 1991.

Following his run on "Roc," Michael Crichton personally pursued Carroll for a new medical drama called "ER," but he turned down the offer in order to concentrate on feature films. During that time, he drew raves as 'Lieutenant Westerguard' in the blockbuster CRIMSON TIDE and also appeared in THE GREAT WHITE HYPE with
Samuel L Jackson. Additionally, Carroll has had roles in BEST LAID PLANS, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, PRELUDE TO A KISS, TALK RADIO, and THE CHASE.

For Carroll, acting was never just a hobby or a career; he describes it as "a calling; a passion. A lot of people make the mistake of slipping into it to see if something happens. But overnight success takes years of hard work, luck and God-given talent," he asserts. It is exactly that combination that allows Rocky Carroll to bring life to characters that fans can love, hate, and most importantly, cherish.

When not doing his patriotic duty on the set of “NCIS,” Carroll is a sports nut and loves attending NFL and NCAA basketball games when he can. He is also an avid golfer and poker player.