NCIS Tony and Ziva actor Julian Ovenden takes on the key role of Jonah in the NCIS spin-off with fans eager to know all there is to know about the star.
The Paramount+ drama has debuted today, Thursday, September 4, and it doesn’t take too long before it all kicks off at Tony DiNozzo’s (played by Michael Weatherly) security firm.
After a mysterious woman manages to steal millions from a bank, Tony has a meeting with the Secretary General of Interpol Jonah Markham (Julian Ovenden),
The former computer programmer for the NSA is described as “charming, decisive and confident” and if he sees problems in the world, Jonah believes he can fix it.
As NCIS Tony and Ziva begins, here’s everything there is to know about Jonah star Julian Ovenden.
Julian Ovenden’s life
Royal connection
Actor and singer Julian Ovenden was born in Sheffield in 1976 and spent some of his early life moving around before settling in London.
He is one of three children to Reverend Canon John Ovenden who was previously chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.
Influenced by his dad, Ovenden received a scholarship to sing in the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir aged seven and then later attended Eton College on a music scholarship, before going on to continue his musical education at Oxford University.
Because of his dad’s connection to the Royal Family as well as his own musical abilities, the singer has performed in front of the Queen on numerous occasions.
Speaking of his father to The Lady, Ovenden said: “He is proud to work for the Queen. He’s found it an extraordinary experience.”
He went on to add: “The Queen’s sense of duty and loyalty are exceptional. She has devoted her life to the country… that’s impressive.’
Love Life
Ovenden is happily married to opera singer Kate Royal who he met at a bar at the Glyndebourne Opera Festival.
They didn’t see each other for another year but then reconnected in New York City, leading to them getting married in 2010. They now have two children together.
Speaking of their relationship, Royal told the Daily Mail: “Julian and I had a lot of mutual friends, so I had heard a great deal about him and always thought he sounded like my perfect match.”
Downton Abbey
Fans will recognise the NCIS: Tony and Ziva actor from various period drama pieces, including as Bobby Kennedy in The Crown, William De Nogaret in Knightfall and Sir Henry Granville in Bridgerton.
Arguably one of his most well known roles was as Charles Blake, who was deemed as a potential suitor for Lady Mary (Michelle Dockerty) in ITV’s Downton Abbey back in 2014.
While speaking to The List, Ovenden opened up about the “frustrations” he experienced when he was on set.
Ovenden said: “When we shot it — it seems quite a long time ago now — but the way it’s shot is so bitty, and because there’s so many characters, you only get a day here and there.
“I never really knew whether I made any impact whatsoever.
“I felt a bit frustrated that I wasn’t able to carry on into the next [season], because then [Lady Mary] was whisked off by Matthew Goode in season six.”
What’s next
Following his stint on the NCIS spin-off, Ovenden is busy with the drama Hear Me Roar which is now in pre-production.
The official synopsis reads: “A legal battle ensues as a transgender woman challenges the British government’s policies, altering the landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.”
The 48-year-old won’t be the only recognisable star either as he will be sharing the screen with Love Actually icon Emma Thompson and ex-Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston.
