How do you think she would have fared if she did decide, "Yeah, maybe I am ready to have the title and step into those footsteps officially"? Nell really wants nothing more than to stay and catch up with her mentor, but she cant. ", "It's truly difficult when you work with people you lovewho have become your family, who become so much more than your co-workers. In the episode "Decoy," it's revealed that Eric is working at a security technology company in San Francisco. Mack is an absolute legend. Through great determinationand really some truly brilliant doctors, Hugo made it to the other side of his illness. For most of the episode, Nell's grappling with whether to take Hetty's job permanently and whether she wantsthe office. I made a feature that went to South by Southwest (SXSW) and then went on to Hulu. The show has been running successfully for 12 seasons now. Her quick-witted comebacks and aneye for broad-shouldered frocks definitely captured the hearts of many fans. The American action police procedural TV series NCIS LAhas gained a substantial fan following ever since the show started in 2009. Im soaking it all up, and really, truly watching her work has been the most educational process for me. During the season ender, Eric Beale (played by Barrett Foa), the teams onetime tech operator-turned-rising tech titan, revealed to his partner, intelligence analyst Nell Jones (Rene Felice Smith), that he has received funding for the international HQ of his Kaleidoscope-based tech firm, to be based out of Tokyo. Details on how the character left. What has he brought to the show? This came after a conversation with Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) where the beloved character revealed she was struggling with the work. A lot of the fans were like, Oh my God, its Velma and Shaggy, a Scooby-Doo reference, which I thought was spot on whenever we were paired together. Nell and Kensi do as well, so I think that comes through in our scenes. Here's Why Nell Is Leaving NCIS: Los Angeles - Nicki Swift All Rights Reserved. But it's a good thing, in some ways, to have that little bit of unpredictability to the show. Nell is officially moving on, but before she says goodbye to OSP, Kensi ( Daniela Ruah) finds her to say goodbye. When I spoke with her early this season, she actually brought up that too. 1 and by episodes end, Nell decided to not sign on as the new Hetty/Operations Manager, but join Eric on this adventure. READ MORE:NCIS LA: Why is Nell leaving NCIS Los Angeles? Viewers may be most surprised that Nell turned down MIA Hettys job, leaving the position quite vacated going into Season 13. And yet, this is our collective reality. During the season ender, Eric Beale (played by Barrett Foa), the team's onetime tech operator-turned-rising tech titan, revealed to his partner, intelligence analyst Nell Jones (Rene Felice. [4], Smith started off in theatre, having made her debut in Second Stage's Wildflower. Did she need this time back with the team before she could decide it was truly time to move on? Its so true. Oh, for sure. Keep up with your favorite shows delivered to your inbox! Hetty knew that Nell. She Only Has Revenge on Her Mind. I don't think she was ready for that to be the next 40 years of her work life. This is especially the case now it seems Eric may also be having similar feelings about taking a break. [3], In April 2014, Smith starred as Frankie in Code Academy, a short sci-fi production in which young men and women are kept apart until a certain age. Will she be back next season to run the team? After 11seasons onNCIS: LA,Renee Felice Smith said goodbye to the CBS procedural on Sunday's finale, which also marked co-star Barrett Foa's final episode. Television. Plus, who will now be Operations Manager? We have a few TV projects that are in development with CBS. The American crime television show 'NCIS LA' recently bid adieu to one of its lead cast members, Nell Jones. It appears as though actor Rene Felice Smith has decided to part ways with the show. Read |'Grand Army' on Netflix: Here's what happened to Joey on the show. She was so alive in the scene. Course," she responded when asked about whether she would participate in the milestone episode. As an actor, you're often carrying out someone else's idea, but as a creative person, I'm really excited for the opportunity to bring my ideas into the world into our collective reality. In their. Both Barrett Foa, who plays former tech operator Eric Beale, and Rene Felice Smith, who plays intelligence analyst Nell Jones, made their exit in the finale. Though Nell was poised to take Hetty's position, she received another job offer from none other than Eric himself. TVLINE | Lastly, any message for the fans? Shes a person thats not only intelligent but she has emotional intelligence, and that has been such a gift for me as an actor to play. Is Nell leaving NCIS: Los Angeles? Rene Felice Smith exit - HITC That doesnt mean Nell doesnt have second thoughts about leaving. Ive always been cast as kind of the funny friend, the quirky turkey. PMC Entertainment. This has always been the case. That's so valuable for young people, for all people to know and to feeland to see. the NCIS: LA cast went through some huge changes. This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. But through the help of some truly brilliant doctors and Hugos own determination, he made it to the other side and he lived a full life. Nell has made an exit. It all truly depends on scheduling, but never say never. Read on to find out why did Nell leave NCIS LA: Read |Who is Alexander Ludwig's girlfriend? It's a question that actress Rene Felice Smith has had asked about. NCIS LA: Nell Jones is in a rocky relationship with Eric Beale. The camera guys who were positioned in a golf cart realized they had to drive faster because I was running so fast. One of my favorite scenes was Hettyand Nell's lovely moment together. The showrunner confirmed that Nell's exit in particular was meant to shock fans. We have another indie in the works. However, there have been some hints Nells exit may not be as permanent as it first seemed. We wrote Hugo and the Impossible Thing as a celebration really. The offer came in the finale as Retired Navy Admiral Hollace Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) told her she had to either take Hettys position permanently or resign. But Hetty didn't accept it and told Nell to take up some days off, relax and figure out what she wanted to do next. Is Eric Christian Olsen's Marty Deeks Leaving NCIS: Los Angeles? [There were] these fun discoveries that would happen whenever I was out in the field with our incredible crew. She made the smart choice for a long time. What happened to Eric on NCIS Los Angeles? Going out and partnering with Eric [Christian] Olsen, Deeks. But we just had the best time filming it. In "A Tale of Two Igors," Eric (who appeared on a handful of episodes throughout the season) revealed that he had received funding for his tech company, and that the headquarters would be in Japan. Theres a little loophole in there, when Nell says shes going to be alone in Tokyo with Eric, and she gives it six weeks before shes back, Gemmill noted. I didnt know anyone in L.A. and then I met the team. Feels like a premise only our writers could have come up with! I appreciate that too this season. The following contains major spoilers from Sunday nights NCIS: Los Angeles season finale. Email InsideLine@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matts Inside Line. (She and Deeks will visit, she says, and they'll get together before she leaves. And a hug, come onnnn! It is reflective of my own journey and my own life. The door is always open for now. Linda is a master and whenever I'm in a scene with her, I am really the student. And that really is such a necessary message. }).render("connatix_contextual_player_f5165fe9-60a8-4217-b27c-14384967eda8"); }); 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. I really am very fond of Mack and we have great conversations off-camera. NCIS Los Angeles season 11: Will Deeks and Kensi leave to have a baby? I was the nurse in Romeo & Juliet when I auditioned for Juliet in high school. Theyd really been shaping her to assume this position of authority. Nell or the Nellverine is known in her team for her undeniable talents for tackling opponents twice her size. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmilltold TV Line,Both Rene and Barrett have been on the show a long time, and theyre both very ambitious individuals who have projects that they want to do on their own and weve been giving them time off to do so. So, I say, get out and start blowing I mean, VOTING! She recognized that it would be an excellent career decision for her. NCIS: LA cast changes - Tom's Guide 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. Though fans of NCIS: Los Angeles expect each season finale to be dramatic, few anticipated that two major characters would be departing at the end of Season 12. 'NCIS: LA' Star Renee Felice Smith on Leaving the Series After 11 Though Nell and Eric have left the team, there's every chance that they will be back in the future. I feel like in the #NCISLA universe, Hetty and RBG are BFFs so Ive been wearing this mask* in hopes of embodying even a thimbles worth of their though she be but little, she is fierce energy. But also, like I said, we keep in loopholes so that we can bring people back.. Initially planned to be only a recurring character, Smith's role was expanded to main cast after she impressed the producers with her acting. During Nell's meeting with Hetty, the boss saw through the tough facade that her intelligence analyst was trying to present. During the season . Thank you for embracing Nell, for embracing her intelligence. Like I mentioned earlier, Nell's a smart girl. mediaId: 'f5165fe9-60a8-4217-b27c-14384967eda8', Waiting. Both Rene and Barrett have been on the show a long time, and theyre both very ambitious individuals who have projects that they want to do on their own and weve been giving them time off to do so, Gemmill said. What are the moments stand out to you for Nell over the years when you look back? Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We wanted to share Hugo's story, but we knew we also needed to create a metaphor in which to do sobecause we're not writing a children's book about a dog with a brain tumor. She also shared that she's looking forward to other acting, directing, and writing opportunities. I actually have the quote: Miguels character, Granger, says to Nell, Never belittle yourself or your accomplishments. I was fresh out of drama school. Nell, I think, is a natural leader, and I really do think her strength as a leader is her vulnerability. You go, Wow, OK, just relax dude. Or at least thats what I do. But now its about really asking herself those tough questions: What does Nell want to do with the rest of her life? The mistletoe scene with Eric Beale. Vikings star gushes over his new partner. In 2020, Smith and her partner, Chris Gabriel, sold a television pilot to FX. If you like TVLine, you'll LOVE our email news alerts! I don't think Nell was ready for that sort of responsibility. Chefs kiss, you know? There's newness on the horizon, which is very exciting. I think she needs the time and space away from NCIS: LA. And the scene is really a bittersweet reunion. And I commend her for being brave enough to even consider that line of questioning. We are so excited that it's finally out in the world. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Linda is just a magical creature. We have this mutual appreciation for each other. ). I think more than anything Nell was fulfilling the wishes of her boss, her mentor, Hetty, who called her back in and asked her to fill in for the time being. Years active. It's exciting. I think that it's hopeful. She was so young when she started at NCIS: LA, much like myself, Renee. Why did Nell leave NCIS LA? Know what happened to the character NCIS Los Angeles season 11: Will Nell and Eric leave NCIS Los Angeles? I think her future will be very bright. That's truly what she's saying. But this scene was really bittersweet. Dr. Nate Getz (portrayed by Peter Cambor) is an operational psychologist working with NCIS, stationed in Los Angeles, introduced in the series' backdoor pilot, the NCIS episode "Legend". What is it about this job in Tokyo that might be the right thing for her to get closer to figuring out what she does want? During NCIS: Los Angeles Season 12, Episode 18 (called A Tale of Two Igors), Eric showed up and told Nell that he had been given the approval to create an international headquarters for his. Stay in line. The only way he's been communicating with Nell is through cryptic messages and she isn't sure when he'll return. I hesitate to be part of the clich actress calling herself a storyteller, but I really am one. With her NCIS: Los Angeles run having come to an end, Rene Felice Smith is ready for her next chapter somewhat literally, being an author as well as an actress. [8], In April 2015, Smith starred in and produced the short film, Baby, which premiered at SXSW Film Festival. it was the safe choice. It made an impact on both of us. Whereas Hetty will mysteriously put the puzzle pieces together in your favor and lead you with breadcrumbs along the path, Kilbride just says it point-blank. To have her back was really quite emotional. Nell also felt that making a big move was a "now or never" type of situation. Enter the impossible thing: this labyrinth of raging rivers and thorny mazes, giant boulders, towering cliffs. "There's a little loophole in ["A Tale of Two Igors] when Nell says she's going to be alone in Tokyo with Eric, and she gives it 'six weeks' before she's back, So, we'll see what happens," R. Scott said. We knew we wanted to share his message and we knew we needed to find the right metaphor to do so. The actress and her character have both hinted at returning to the action show down the line and R. Scott Gemmill agrees. I feel like oftentimes were told something is impossible to accomplish because its just quite simply never been done before when in reality its just extremely difficult, but its possibly possible, but you just need someone whos willing to try, someone whos brave enough to try. Course. March 2021, Smith and her partner, Chris Gabriel, released their first picture book entitled, "Hugo and the Impossible Thing" inspired by their real life French Bulldog, Hugo.[10]. 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? It was an inoperable brain tumor that most everyone told us would be impossible to beat. 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. As previously announced, it saw the return of Hetty (Linda Hunt), who has pretty much been MIA all season with only an occasional appearance on the computer, but her return was just in time for the team and the show to say goodbye to two long-running cast members. While Nell did agree that she was not featured in the rest of the season. TVLINE | How nervous were you to shave Barretts mustache? While this news rejoiced the fans they were taken aback to hear that an actor behind one of the shows leadcast members is leaving the show. You deserve the respect youve gotten. Know what happened to the character. She started as a sidekick and she really, quite effectively, was the boss this year, and I had a fantastic time playing it. I'm a writer, I'm a director, of course an actor, but really what I'm interested in doing is telling stories. And Kilbrides really pushed Nell to make choices about her career. During season 11 of NCIS LA, fans could see that Nell was clearly growing restless and frustrated by the absence of boyfriend Eric Beale (Barrett Foa). I think that I spent more time at NCIS: LA than I did in my entire school career. What happened to Nell on NCIS: Los Angeles? The CBS show chronicles the exploits of the Los Angeles-based Office of Special Projects (OSP), which is an elite division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow, Days of Our Lives' Victoria Grace Loses Daytime Emmy Nomination After, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will, Barrett Foa Reflects on His NCIS: LA Run and Finale Sendoff, showrunner Scott Gemmill mulls Hettys role in Season 13. This woman told me that a lot of times as a mother, she didnt 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. It was a bittersweet reunion for Nell. [citation needed], Smith appeared in the March 1, 2017, episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia titled "A Cricket's Tale". Its this goodbye for now scene. Thats what science tells us about waves after all, they restore calm to the surface. So, its kind of this goodbye for now scene. What Happened to Eric on 'NCIS: Los Angeles'? Here's What We Know However, Nell was going through a lot more than what was apparent on the surface. I was happy to see Nells goodbye with Kensi [Daniela Ruah] because thats been one of my favorite relationships over the years. In the CBS dramas Season 12 finale, Smiths 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. RELATED STORIES Weve come together as a team to make this show during a deadly pandemic. She even told him they need to slow their relationship down because of this unprecedented break. NCIS: Los Angeles is the second series in the NCIS franchise. Actress Rene Felice Smith is departing from the CBS drama after Season 12. Of course, yes, certain things are impossible Im 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. Theres a little loophole in there, when Nell says shes going to be alone in Tokyo with Eric, and she gives it six weeks before shes back. 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 wasnt like the other girls in her class. It led to a lot of fans asking if Nell is pregnant. Rene Felice Smith - Wikipedia Hes a dear friend. While Kensi suggested she take a vacation, Nell made the ultimate decision to resign from the team. While at NYU, she co-created the student dance troupe, Pulse Dance Project. Therefore, fans were eagerly awaiting the latest episode to find out what was next for the character. American Idol's Top 10 Revealed Live, Following Pair of Brutal Eliminations, Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly Offers Explanation For Her PaleyFest Absence, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will Air, Stephen Amell Doesn't Think He's Done Playing Green Arrow, Days of Our Lives' Victoria Grace Loses Daytime Emmy Nomination After, Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 Plus, Find Out When Season 3 Will, Barrett Foa Reflects on His NCIS: LA Run and 'Happy Ending' Sendoff, NCIS: LAs Rene Felice Smith Celebrates Her 'Bittersweet' Goodbye Scene. It was quite emotional to have Linda Hunt back on set again for our final day of the season, and that scene was shot on our final day of the season. When is finale? In the emotional moment, she spoke about her difficulty getting out of bed and coming to work at the moment. I think its just safe. Whats more, he had successfully pitched his board on Nell as his No. Oh, no way! She says, I was so young when I took this job. I just feel like truly Ive been attending the MasterClass with one of the best, one of the greats, and Im so grateful for my friendship with her as well. We just released our first childrens book, Hugo and the Impossible Thing, which is inspired by our canine son Hugo. Beale did not inform her where he was going and she was left in the dark like the rest of the team. In its Season 12 premiere, NCIS LA paid tribute toDavid Bellisario. NCIS LA season 11, episode 20 aired this week as more was revealed about Nell Jones' (played by Rene Felice Smith) departure from the long-running crime series. She chose stability for so long. The season finale of NCIS: Los Angeles shocked a lot of viewers as it revealed not just one, but two series regular stars would be leaving the show.. Ever since the first time, Nell was featured on NCIS LA, her peculiar dressing sense caught many eyeballs. Wear a mask. I think that Nell has empathy for all players involved in the story. Thats it. To stay up to date on breaking TV news, sign up for ET's daily newsletter. NCIS LA season 11 spoilers: Eric Beale exit revealed. Nell is like a lot of us. Credit: Getty. Get a Sneak Peek at Her Return for theNCIS: Los AngelesSeason 12 Finale. Just like NCIS did with Foa at the beginning of season 11 so he could act in a play, the twist is supposedly to allow Smith another acting opportunity. "Both Rene and Barrett have been on the show a long time, and they're both very ambitious individuals who have projects that they want to do on their own and we've been giving them time off to do so," he told TVLine after the finale episode. Where is Eric Beale on NCIS: Los Angeles and is he coming back? I essentially spent kindergarten through 11th grade with these people. Hugo, our canine son, overcame a life-threatening illness, a brain tumor that nearly everyone told us would be just impossible to beat, but through great determination on his part and our part and with the help of some really very generous doctors, Hugo made it to the other side of his impossible thing. Like I said, storytelling. NCIS: LA has officially bid adieu to the Wonder Twins, with Eric Beale (Barrett Foa) recruiting Nell Jones (Rene Felice Smith) filling in as operations manager while Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) was MIA this season to co-run the international office of his company with him in Tokyo. It is shown in the new episodes that Hetty has made Nell in charge of the team for the time being in her absence. Nell returned to NCIS: Los Angeles for the new episode of the show. With Chris O'Donnell, Daniela Ruah, LL Cool J, Eric Christian Olsen. The result was Nell being absent from NCIS: Los Angeles at the end of season 10 and throughout the first half of season 11. Linda and I share this mutual respect for each other, and we share this really, very special friendship. I am more than grateful for my time spent at NCIS: LA. What will you miss about the show and being part of this family? Rene Felice Smith Leaving 'NCIS Los Angeles' Nell Season - TVLine Im a director. All Rights Reserved. So it's time to take the leap out of the nest, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come. We should get you in the writers room. And we don't want to see them go anywhere, tbh. All Rights Reserved. They specifically specialise inundercoverassignments. It's really been a practical film school for me. She really found her voice, and as a young woman it was empowering to play that side of the scene. Entitled Murder of Crows, episode 21 will air on CBS on Sunday, April 19 in its usual slot. She chose the latter. I was there for 11 seasons, and it was an absolute gift, such an incredible opportunity. Fans of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' were left astounded when Agent Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) begins questioning his stay in America after witnessing a tragic hate crime. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. , A post shared by @ reneefelicesmith on Nov 3, 2020 at 9:30am PST. Smith was born in New York City of mixed Irish-Italian descent. Nell wants to stay and catch up with her mentor, who she has deeply missed, but she can't because she's made her decision. Foa has been with NCIS: LA since the pilot, promoted to series regular midway through Season 1. So, well see what happens.. Related: Hetty Is Back! That's probably one of the bravest things anyone could do. She texts me lots of emojis. Nell (Rene Felice Smith) and Eric (Barrett Foa) are one of the long-running romances of NCIS: LA, second in legendary status to Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen). TVLINE | Whats next for you? We wrote Hugo and the Impossible Thing as a celebration really. Its been quite inspiring to witness three hundred plus people assemble in effort to make our show WHILE keeping each other safe. And as part of an atypically shiny-happy NCIS: LA finale montage, the two literally rode off into the sunset (in Erics ridiculously lavish new sports car).