LL Cool J has been a prominent figure in the NCIS franchise since 2009, when he first stepped into the shoes of Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles. With the upcoming premiere of NCIS: New York, the rapper and actor reflects on his lengthy association with the character, noting that even after 17 years, Hanna continues to surprise him.
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At the premiere of NCIS: New York on 1st October 2026, held at the Intrepid Museum, Cool J shared his thoughts on the evolving nature of his character. The 55-year-old artist conveyed to PEOPLE that while he knows Sam intimately, he is constantly discovering new aspects of the role that keep it fresh. “Because we’re still finding new things and exploring new things,” Cool J remarked. “So natural in the sense that I know who Sam is, but still new in the sense that I’m still being surprised every day.”
Cool J’s perspective reveals a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Playing Sam Hanna has turned into an evolving journey, allowing him to delve deeper into the character’s complexities rather than merely repeating past performances. His continued exploration of the character highlights that, for him, there are always deeper layers to uncover.
The latest installment, NCIS: New York, marks a new chapter for Sam, taking him back to his roots in New York City where he joins a fresh team. In this context, Cool J sees Sam’s adventures as a metaphor for life’s learnings. He emphasised the importance of continual growth, stating, “Life is about learning, right? If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.” This mindset fosters a unique bond between actor and character, revealing how the process of portraying Sam contributes to his own understanding of life.
Interestingly, Cool J compares the experience of portraying Sam Hanna to studying a book over several years. “That’s how you become a black belt in a specific book as opposed to reading it once and putting it down,” he explained. This analogy illustrates his dedication to not just the role but to the themes of growth and resilience interwoven throughout the series.
The ongoing journey of Sam Hanna, filled with numerous challenges and transformations, mirrors the highs and lows of real life. Cool J noted, “By playing this character and watching this human being go through all of these various peaks, valleys and everything in between, you learn more about yourself.” His insights into the character’s experiences resonate with audiences and contribute to the series’ lasting appeal.
With NCIS: New York set to debut on 6th October 2026, the anticipation is palpable. The show will air on CBS and be available for streaming on Paramount+, bringing fans another exciting chapter in the NCIS saga.
As LL Cool J embarks on this new venture, he remains excited about what lies ahead for his character and how it will continue to challenge and inspire both him and the viewers. The journey of Sam Hanna is far from over, and as Cool J aptly puts it, each twist and turn holds the potential for new revelations and insights.