LL Cool J, the legendary hip-hop artist and actor, never imagined that NCIS: Los Angeles would become the hit series it turned out to be. When he first signed on to play the role of Sam Hanna, a federal agent in the Los Angeles branch of the NCIS, he thought the show would only last a couple of years. Instead, it ended up running for an impressive 14 seasons, outlasting his initial expectations. In fact, the series’ long run came as a pleasant surprise to both fans and the actor himself, who had envisioned a much shorter commitment.
The show’s success was a turning point in LL Cool J’s career, but it also presented unexpected challenges, especially in balancing his dual passions for acting and music. LL had already established himself as a force in the entertainment world through his successful rap career and his earlier acting ventures, like the short-lived but beloved sitcom In the House. However, NCIS: Los Angeles was an entirely different beast. His role alongside co-star Chris O’Donnell required a deep commitment to the series, leaving little room for his music career. LL initially thought he could juggle both, but the demanding hours on set made it clear that it wasn’t feasible.
“I signed on to the show and, quite frankly, thought it’d be over in a couple of years and I’d be back doing my thing. But it took off,” LL Cool J shared with The Independent, reflecting on how the show’s success far exceeded his expectations. The grind of filming and making creative decisions over the phone for his music simply didn’t work, and it began to affect his artistic output. His 2013 album Authentic didn’t meet expectations, and LL attributed this in part to his inability to fully focus on his music while being immersed in the world of NCIS: Los Angeles.
Despite the challenges of managing two careers, LL Cool J’s work on NCIS: Los Angeles became a defining part of his legacy. The show, which ran from 2009 to 2023, brought fans a fresh, action-packed take on the NCIS franchise, with LL Cool J’s character, Sam Hanna, becoming a fan favorite. Over the course of 14 seasons, LL’s portrayal of Sam brought depth to a character that balanced tough, action-oriented missions with a sense of loyalty and camaraderie. However, the actor recognized that the commitment to the series meant leaving his music career on the back burner for much longer than he initially anticipated.
When the show finally wrapped up in May 2023, LL Cool J spoke about the emotional impact of saying goodbye to the role that had become so ingrained in his career. Despite the length of time he spent on the show, he made it clear that it wasn’t a difficult transition. Speaking to ET, he said, “It’s not hard at all. CBS did an amazing thing with us; it’s been an amazing run. We’re talking about 14 years… I think the show has done tremendous numbers. I couldn’t complain, I have nothing [to complain about]. All I could say is, ‘Wow, what a ride,’ you know what I’m saying?”
Though the show was ending, LL Cool J’s work on NCIS: Los Angeles didn’t completely disappear. The character of Sam Hanna made a brief return on NCIS: Hawai’i, another NCIS spin-off, which followed in the footsteps of the Los Angeles edition but struggled to match its success. NCIS: Hawai’i lasted only three seasons before its cancellation in May 2024. Nevertheless, LL Cool J remained proud of his work on both shows, reflecting on the remarkable longevity of NCIS: Los Angeles.
With the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J returned to his first love—hip-hop. His long-awaited fourteenth studio album, The Force, was released on September 6, 2024, to widespread critical acclaim. The album, which has been praised for its dynamic sound and depth, has garnered attention for proving that LL Cool J’s musical career still has much to offer. The success of The Force has demonstrated that, after spending over a decade in the world of television, the rapper is as relevant as ever, solidifying his legendary status in both the music and television industries.
For LL Cool J, his unexpected journey with NCIS: Los Angeles provided him with a unique career chapter, one that allowed him to show a different side of himself to fans. However, it’s clear that, now that the series has concluded, he’s ready to dive back into music with renewed energy and focus, continuing to build his remarkable legacy.
