You Won't Believe What the JAG Cast Is Doing Now

Not many shows survive past one season, so a ten-season run tells you JAG struck a chord. The series even spun off three hits that kept the universe alive: NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Plenty of actors from the original courtroom crew popped up in those series, but their careers did not stop there. Curious what your favorite JAG faces have been up to since the bench closed? Here’s a quick catch-up.

Zoe McLellan: From TV Kid To Agent

Zoe McLellan dreamed of being "inside the TV" as a child and made that dream real as Jennifer "Jen" Coates on JAG. Her character’s tough upbringing and arc struck a chord with viewers. After JAG she landed a main role on Dirty Sexy Money and popped up on shows like House, Law & Order: SVU, Suits, and The Mentalist. She later played Agent Meredith Brody on NCIS: New Orleans and most recently appeared opposite Kiefer Sutherland on Designated Survivor in 2017.

Nanci Chambers: From Actress To Activist

Nanci Chambers was married to JAG lead David James Elliott, though her on-screen life as Lieutenant Loren Singer didn’t mirror their real-life relationship. Singer’s exit from the show helped set up the NCIS spinoff when her death drew the NCIS team into the story. After JAG, Chambers stepped back from acting to raise her two children and today works with her husband on environmental conservation efforts. She swapped Hollywood headlines for hands-on activism.

John M. Jackson, The Navy’s "Old Man"

John M. Jackson arrived as Rear Admiral A. J. Chegwidden and became the series’ steady authority figure, often called the "Old Man." He had played a JAG officer before in A Few Good Men, and what started as a recurring TV role turned into a full-time gig because fans loved him. Jackson later reprised Chegwidden in NCIS and had a recurring spot on NCIS: Los Angeles. You can also spot him in modern TV staples like Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Criminal Minds, and Gifted.

Karri Turner: Lieutenant Turned Troop Entertainer

Karri Turner joined JAG in season two as Lieutenant Harriet Sims and quickly became a fan favorite, playing Bud’s love and eventual wife. After the series ended she kept serving the military community, teaming with the American Freedom Foundation and the National Guard Youth Challenge. Turner even toured Iraq doing stand-up for troops alongside comedians like Kathy Griffin and Michael McDonald. JAG turned out to be more than a job for her.

Chuck Carrington (Officer Jason Tiner)

In a show that has such a serious tone and that deals with topics straight from the headlines, it’s important to have a character provide some much-needed humor. In JAG, Petty Officer First Class Jason Tiner, who was played by Chuck Carrington did just that. Carrington appeared in JAG from the second season until the ninth. He’s been in a bunch of shows and movies since JAG, including Blue Bloods, White Collar, and Jimmy. Shameless fans may recognize Officer Jason Tiner as Dan, an alcoholic man in the hit series.

Andrea Thompson (Commander Alison Krennick)

Prior to playing Commander Alison Krennick, Thompson was a voiceover artist. She was one of the many actors who left JAG after it was cancelled by NBC, prior to it being picked up by CBS. While she was serving as an aid to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy in JAG, Thompson started a career in political journalism. She landed a job with CNN as an evening anchor in 2001 and her first words on the broadcast "Hi, I'm Andrea Thompson, and unless you've been living in a cave, you probably already know that." This ended up being a short stint; she left the network less than a year after she joined. She later said the decision to leave occurred after the way 9/11 was reported. At least she had acting to fall back on, which is exactly what she did with roles in 24, Bones, Heroes: Destiny, and Criminal Minds, among others.

Scott Lawrence (Commander Sturgis Turner)פ

Scott Lawrence got a later start on JAG, his character Commander Sturgis Turner only began in season seven but quickly became an important part of the cast. The good friend and former classmate of Harmon had a complex storyline, which gave Lawrence the opportunity to show off his range as an actor. Lawrence has continued being a leading man in Hollywood with credits in many noteworthy films including Avatar, The Social Network, Cloverfield, and Star Trek Into Darkness. On TV, Lawrence appeared in Suits and Legion and you can catch him in Netflix’s Unbelievable with Toni Collette.

Andrea Parker (Commander Caitlin Pike)

Andrea Parker may not have been in many episodes, but she was one of the first to join the show, as she joined before the pilot episode. Initially she was supposed to have a bigger part in the series as Commander Caitlin Pike, Harm’s first romantic interest, but she was written out of the show and replaced with another character. Fans of Pretty Woman which stars Julia Roberts, may be surprised to find out that Parker was a body double for the famous actress, her legs are the ones in the opening scene where the main character zips up her boots. Parker appeared in a couple of episodes throughout JAG, but managed to find work on The Pretender. Recently she can be seen in Desperate Housewives and Pretty Little Liars.

Randy Vasquez (Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez)

Although, Vasquez is known for being on the opposing side of arguments against Petty Officer Jason Tiner, he always rescued the team when they needed help. His role as Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez is so much more than just a character, he represented Hispanic men and women who serve in the special forces. After JAG, Vasquez decided to branch out in the entertainment industry and he lent his talent to directing and producing three award winning documentaries. He has continued acting appearing in Bosch and Quest among many others. Be sure to check him out in his most recent role in Among Thieves.

Anne-Marie Johnson (Congresswoman Roberta “Bobbi” Latham)

We love a woman that stands up for what she believes in and Congresswoman Roberta “Bobbi” Latham did just that. The Chairwoman of the House of National Security Subcommittee was the women’s rights supporter we didn’t know we needed. Latham may have grown up on the “streets of Detroit,” but she also graduated first in her class from Yale Law School. Now talk about the American dream. Johnson was no newbie to television before landing the part of Latham; she was in Double Trouble, In the Heat of the Night, Melrose Place, and In Living Color. Nothing seemed to have changed after Johnson appeared in JAG, we can’t even begin to name all the roles she’s had since the series, but some of them include Boston Legal, That’s So Raven, Pretty Little Lairs, Days of Our Lives, and The InBetween.

Trevor Goddard (Lieutenant Commander Michael “Mic” Brumby)

Fans of JAG may be surprised to find out that the actor who played Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael “Mic” Brumby was born in England. In fact, he was so committed to being perceived as Australian that he claimed to be a reformed criminal who was born in Australia, which was later proven to be false by his parents. Throughout his career, he beat out many Australian actors because his accent appeared so authentic. After becoming a household name from his success on JAG, Goddard went on to appear in a number of roles including Prey of the Jaguar, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which was sadly his last performance. The actor sadly passed away in 2003, right before the premiere.

Hallee Hirsh (Matilda "Mattie" Grace Johnson)

To say Matilda "Mattie" Grace Johnson didn’t have it easy on JAG would be an understatement. Our good old hero, Harm decided to take Mattie in after her mother passed and she becomes estranged from her father. As if this wasn’t enough, Mattie suffered from a biplane accident, which leaves her injured. The series finale ends off with the ruling of the custody hearing, which is never actually revealed. We can only hope for the best. At least Hallee Hirsh, who plays the character has had more luck in her life. Hirsh is also known for playing Rachel Greene, the daughter of one of the main characters (not to be mistaken with the iconic Rachel Green in Friends) in ER. In addition to this role, Hirsh has acted in Will & Grace, Flight 29 Down, 90210, and Grey’s Anatomy. It’s hard to believe she’s accomplished all this by the age of 31!

Steven Culp (CIA Officer Clayton Webb)

There’s no way we could cover all the roles Steven Culp appeared in prior to taking the role of CIA Officer Clayton Webb in JAG, but just a few of the many were in L.A. Law, Murphy Brown, Beverley Hills, 90210, and Touched by an Angel. While on JAG he had parts in three other series including Enterprise, The West Wing, and ER. We don’t know how he managed this. It’s no wonder that after JAG his resume continued expanding. Perhaps you recognize him from Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives as Rex Van de Kamp or from everyone’s favorite medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.

Michael Bellisario (Midshipman Third Class Michael Roberts)

You may recognize the name Bellisario as the producer and writer of JAG’s name is Donald P. Bellisario. Michael Bellisario happens to be his son - it must be pretty cool being able to work with your father! Bellisario played Midshipman Third Class Michael Roberts, Bud’s younger brother. However, this wasn’t the only JAG role he portrayed; he was the boy rowing in the Adriatic in the pilot episode. He was only 15 when he landed that part! It may be thanks to this family connections that he got a part in NCIS. Bellisario was in a bunch of episodes with his stepbrother, actor Sean Murray, who happened to play one of the series main characters Timothy McGee. He has also kept himself busy with film acting in Grandma’s Boy and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Cindy Ambuehl (Rene Peterson)

Fans rooted for Harm and Mac to end up together throughout the duration of the series, but there always seemed to be characters that got in the way of this and Cindy Ambuehl who played Rene Peterson was one of them. Peterson ended up being more than a jealous ex, she recurred in the series throughout seasons five through eight. After her and Harm ended, she sent him a postcard saying that she was pregnant with twins and in real life, Ambuehl also gave birth to twins! Ambuehl eventually married the twins’ father after a nine-year engagement with their dad Don Diamont, the soap opera actor. Since the birth of her children, she has left acting behind and she’s now a realtor in Los Angeles.

Terry O’Quinn (Rear Admiral Thomas “CAG” Boone)

We’re led to believe that Rear Admiral Thomas “CAG” Boone, a friend and ally of Harm’s father, has finally retired for good (he retired before and briefly returned to duty) and went back to a civilian life. He definitely deserved the relaxation after everything he went through. Like many of the other stars on this list, O’Quinn also appeared in an episode of NCIS as Colonel Will Ryan. He’s been rather busy since with roles in The X-Files, The West Wing, and Alias. In fact, Sci-fi television creator J.J. Abrams was such a fan of O’Quinn that he called the actor to cast him in one of his most famous shows without any audition. Can you guess what show we’re referring to? If you guessed Lost you’re correct, he played John Locke, one of the main characters on the island.

Tamlyn Tomita (Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti)

Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti, portrayed by Tamlyn Tomita, began her stint in JAG as a spy for Sheffield into the team. At least Manetti got to travel with Harm to Europe to investigate murders. After appearing in JAG, Tomita has continued working in the business with roles in many television shows like 24, Heroes, General Hospital, Teen Wolf, and How to Get Away with Murder. You can catch her Monday nights on The Good Doctor in her recurring role as Allegra Aoki.

David Andrews (Major General Gordon “Biff” Cresswell)

Of course there’d have to be Judge Advocate Generals in a show entitled JAG. David Andrews played Major General Gordon “Biff” Cresswell, a strict leader with a hidden sense of humor and the last JAG in the show. Andrews was no stranger to the big screen prior to JAG, as he was in a number of box office hits including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Fight Club, A Walk to Remember, and Hannibal. His film career continued taking off after JAG; he starred in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Dear John, and World War Z. Andrews has also made his mark on the small screen starring in Queen of the South, The Boys, and House of Cards.

Isabella Hofmann (Meredith Cavanaugh)

Isabella Hofmann played Meredith Cavanaugh, the last love interest of Admiral A.J. Chegwidden. But, JAG was far from Hofmann’s first time on screen, she appeared in ER, L.A Law, and Touched by an Angel. Hofmann has continued with her career guest starring in a ton of popular television shows including NYPD Blue, Cold Case, CSI Miami, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Criminal Minds. Most recently, Hofmann has traded in her military uniform for a superhero costume, she’s played Clarissa Stein on three different superhero series, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow.

Tracey Needham (Lieutenant, Junior Grade Meg Austin)

If you watched the show from the beginning, you’ll remember Harm’s love interests before Mac. One of them was Lieutenant, Junior Grade Meg Austin, who was only in the first season. Have you been wondering what happened to Tracey Needham’s Austin? Well, we mentioned that JAG was cancelled after the first season and that it was saved by CBS. Needham decided to move on after it was initially cancelled and found work in other TV series including Total Security and The Division. It turns out that Needham is comfortable portraying strong females in traditionally male environments because she was the only girl in her family; she has three older brothers. When talking about her role as Meg, Needham said, "Meg is a bright, strong woman constantly trying to prove herself in a largely male environment."

David James Elliot (Naval Captain Harmon Rabb Jr.)

It’s no surprise that Harm went on to become a decorated Naval Captain, as it was practically running through his blood; his father was a war hero in Vietnam. Naval Captain Harmon Rabb Jr., known simply as Harm, was one of the main characters of the show throughout the ten seasons. After his success in JAG Elliot went on to star in another series, Close to Home. He’s also had a number of roles in other successful television shows including: CSI:NY, Mad Men, Secrets and Lies, and Scorpion. Like Catherine Bell’s Mac, he will be reprising his role as Harm in the eleventh season of NCIS: Los Angeles.

Patrick Labyorteaux (Captain Bud J. Roberts Jr.)

Before playing Captain Bud J. Roberts Jr., the role that he played the longest, Patrick Labyorteaux starred in another classic, Little House on the Prairie. He had a connection with a major part of the JAG family prior to the show being released, creator and actor Mark Harmon. Labyorteaux acted in Summer School with Mark Harmon. It’s hard to see him playing anyone but Bud, and like so many others on this list, he has reprised his role in a few of the NCIS episodes. However, this wasn’t the only time he’s reprised his part at Bud, he’s played the role a total of three times, the third time being in Yes, Dear.

Rif Hutton (Lieutenant Commander Alan Mattoni)

Best known for his role as Dr. Ron Welch in Doogie Howser, M.D., Rif Hutton appeared in JAG as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni after the series ended. Mac and Harm needed someone to go against them and that’s where Mattoni came in; he was often part of the opposing counsel. He was also known as being smug, even though he wasn’t always successful going up against Harm. Did you know that Hutton also played the fictional KFC owner, Russ Beeler in the establishment’s commercials throughout the 90s? In addition to being everyone’s favorite fried chicken mascot, Hutton has starred in over 150 films and TV shows over his career including How to Get Away With Murder, Monk, Criminal Minds, House,and the JAG spinoff NCIS.

Dana Sparks (Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Imes)

Sparks was already a well-known actress before she landed her role as Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Imes on JAG. In fact, her first role was in a Coca Cola commercial. You may recognize her from the popular television shows Falcon Crest, L.A Law, and Melrose Place. Following JAG, Sparks continued working on soap operas, eventually landing a lead role in Passions as Grace Bennet, in which she appeared in over 100 episodes of the series. Since the show ended in 2007, Sparks has acted in Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike and Good Deed We bet you didn’t know that she happens to be an avid golfer with a 13 handicap.

Harrison Page (Rear Admiral Stiles Morris)

Not only was Rear Admiral Stiles Morris the highest-ranking judge at JAG headquarters, he served for over 16 years. He was actually presiding over the court-martial when Harm fired a machine gun into the courtroom ceiling. After seven seasons, Page left the Naval court to play a new set of cards in, Players at the Poker Palace. His nappeared in the comedy show Better Things. You’ll have to wait a few more months to catch him in his latest role in the post-apocalyptic television adaptation of the film Fallen Cards.

Meta Golding (Lieutenant Tali Mayfield)

Even though Golding only appeared in three episodes of the last season of JAG as Lieutenant Tali Mayfield, she’s gone on to make quite the name for herself on the big screen. Hunger Games fans will immediately recognize Golding as District 2 tribute Enobaria in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. She also starred in Criminal Minds, replacing series regular A.J Cook in season 4 while she was on maternity leave. Most recently she was in Empire playing Teri with stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.

Jade Carter (Sergeant Sergei Zhukov)

It turned out that Harm had a Russian half-brother, Sergeant Sergei Zhukov from his father Harmon Rabb Sr. and a Siberian woman. The two actually met by accident after Zhukov was accused of selling weapons to Chechen separatists. Unlike Harm who served in the Navy, Zhukov served as a Sergeant in the Russian Army. Even though he played a Russian, Carter was actually Canadian. Although Carter’s role in JAG was supposed to be for two episodes, he became a fan-favorite and was part of the cast for four years. Following JAG Carter was in the soap opera Passions with another JAG star, Dana Sparks. He also had roles in two of the JAG spinoffs, NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles and in Castle.

Dean Stockwell (Senator Edward Sheffield)

It’s unbelievable that Stockwell’s career in Hollywood began over half a decade before JAG even aired. He’s been acting since the 1940s. Stockwell became a household name in Anchors Aweigh, a Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly musical and starring with Orson Welles in Compulson. Even after all these major credits, JAG fans will most likely remember him as Senator Edward Sheffield. Sci-fi fanatics may recognize him from his next major role as Brother Cavil in Battlestar Galactica. Stockwell is still active today. It’s hard to believe that Stockwell is 83-years-old! His last appearance was in Entertainment in 2015.

John D’Aquino (War Reporter Stuart Dunston)

Even though war reporter Stuart Dunston often got himself into sticky situations, his intentions were always noble. Dunston, played by John D’Aquio, was both helpful and harmful to the JAG team. Your kids may recognize D’Aquino from his roles on Disney Channel shows like K.C. Undercover and Hannah Montana. He’s actually been in two series set in the White House, playing President Richard Martinez in Cory in the House and Larry O’Shea in That’s My Bush!

Catherine Bell (Major Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie)

Can you imagine JAG without Mac? There wouldn’t have been any relationship between Major Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie and David James Elliot’s Harm. Mac was actually written in to the show after NBC cancelled the show and CBS picked it up. However, Catherine Bell’s first role in JAG wasn’t as Mac, she appeared in an episode and had three lines when the show was on NBC. Military roles seem to work for Bell as she also had parts in Black Thunder, Crash Dive, Men of War,and Army Wives. If you’re a fan of the relationship between Harm and Mac, CBS is bringing Elliot and Bell (Harm and Mac) back to reprise their roles in a multi-episode arc in the tenth season of NCIS: Los Angeles.

John DeMita (Judge Colonel Clifford Blakely)

Prior to appearing as clean cut Judge Colonel Clifford Blakely, John DeMita established himself as a versatile actor starring in both Japanese animes such as Dragon Slayer, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and in soap operas including The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives. After having a four-season role on JAG, DeMita went back to anime by providing English language dubs for Naruto, Dragon Ball Super, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Actually, the last time he appeared on-screen was in NCIS as Navy Admiral Jorge Morales.

Harm and Mac Are Back in the Mix

As the article notes, David James Elliott and Catherine Bell are set to reprise Harm and Mac in a multi-episode arc on NCIS: Los Angeles. That reunion has kept fans talking and opened the door for each actor to take on new projects outside the JAG universe. Elliott has lined up new film work slated for release in the near future, and Bell has stayed busy with TV movies and series projects. For long-time viewers, it’s a satisfying comeback that still leaves room for fresh roles.

David James Elliott, Movie Projects Lined Up

After carving out a long TV career beyond JAG, David James Elliott has shifted some focus back to film. He recently completed work on a number of projects that are due for release soon, showing he is as comfortable leading a movie set as he was commanding a Navy courtroom. He still pops up on television now and then, but these film roles point to a busy stretch ahead. Fans should keep an eye out for him on both small and big screens.

Catherine Bell Keeps Finding New Roles

Catherine Bell turned her JAG fame into continued TV success, including a long run in feel-good TV movies and a beloved Hallmark franchise. She has gone on to headline other television projects and still takes on TV movies that play to her strengths. In interviews she’s mentioned additional series ideas she wants to explore, so expect Bell to remain a steady presence on television for the foreseeable future. Her career shows how a hit role can open many doors.

Patrick Labyorteaux: Teaching and Talking Shop

Patrick Labyorteaux hasn’t disappeared from the scene. He’s stayed involved with the acting community by running a working actors program and hosting a conversational podcast where he interviews industry peers. The format gives him a chance to reflect on his JAG days while highlighting current actors, writers, and producers. It’s a hands-on way to stay connected to the business and help new performers find their footing.

Other Faces You’ll Still See Around

Several other JAG alumni keep popping up across TV and film. John M. Jackson continues to turn up in familiar roles and guest spots, Scott Lawrence keeps booking both film and TV parts and has projects lined up, and Nanci Chambers stays focused on family life while remaining active in environmental efforts. Together they show how a long-running show can be a springboard to a steady, varied career in entertainment and beyond.