For a show that has thrived for more than two decades, NCIS has produced its fair share of iconic characters. But according to Mark Harmon, one of the series’ most essential performers has remained wildly underrated all along — Brian Dietzen, the actor behind Dr. Jimmy Palmer.
And once you hear Harmon’s reasoning, it’s hard to disagree.
“He Makes a Difficult Job Look Easy”
Mark Harmon didn’t mince words when praising Dietzen. He described the actor as someone with rare, natural talent — the kind that often goes unnoticed precisely because it looks effortless.
Dietzen, Harmon noted, “makes a really difficult job look easy.”
In a long-running procedural where subtlety can easily be overshadowed by action and drama, that skill matters more than most fans realize.
The Quiet Evolution of Jimmy Palmer
Jimmy Palmer didn’t start out as a central figure. Introduced as a recurring guest in NCIS Season 1, the character initially served as light support — a contrast to the darker tones of the show.
But over nearly 20 years, Palmer evolved into something much bigger.
What began as comic relief slowly transformed into one of the emotional anchors of the series, and that transformation didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Brian Dietzen consistently delivered.
A Range That Few Actors Can Pull Off
Harmon was especially quick to highlight Dietzen’s range — something fans often overlook.
Jimmy Palmer can shift from gentle humor to heartbreaking vulnerability within the same episode. Few actors can balance those tones without making either feel forced. Dietzen does it so naturally that viewers barely notice the difficulty of what he’s doing.
That, according to Harmon, is exactly why his work deserves more recognition.
From Guest Star to the Backbone of NCIS
Dietzen’s promotion from recurring guest to series regular wasn’t planned from the beginning. It was earned.
His performances stood out.
The cast supported him.
And the audience connected with Jimmy Palmer in ways no one initially expected.
Over time, the character became a constant — a source of stability, warmth, and emotional continuity as other characters came and went.
Why Fans Are Finally Re-Evaluating Jimmy Palmer
As NCIS continues to evolve, fans have begun rewatching earlier seasons with fresh eyes. And many are realizing what Harmon has been saying all along: Jimmy Palmer has been quietly holding the show together for years.
Not through big speeches or dramatic monologues — but through consistency, humanity, and emotional truth.
An Underrated Performance That Deserves the Spotlight
In an ensemble packed with larger-than-life characters, it’s easy to overlook the ones who don’t demand attention.
But as Mark Harmon made clear, Brian Dietzen’s work as Dr. Jimmy Palmer isn’t just good — it’s essential.
And maybe it’s time NCIS fans finally gave him the credit he’s always deserved.
