Here's What Jessica Steen From NCIS Is Doing Now
The cast of "NCIS" has seen countless faces throughout the years, as many actors have come and gone from the Emmy-nominated CBS series since it premiered nearly two decades ago in September 2003. One name you'll likely remember is Jessica Steen, who appeared on "NCIS" for the first four seasons as Special Agent Paula Cassidy. Sheen was a mainstay on the show until Season 4 in April 2007, when her character was killed in the line of duty while saving other agents in an episode titled "Grace Period," per NCIS Fandom.
Steen had a successful run on "NCIS," though she revealed her tenure on the series came at a bittersweet point in her life. Recalling how she was going through a devastating breakup while simultaneously dealing with the deaths of loved ones, Sheen told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that she felt "foggy" on set. "The weird thing about being an actor is people will say, 'Use [your pain]! Whatever is going on in your life; use it,'" she shared. "Well, sometimes it's tricky to use it without it using you."
Despite the challenges, Steen called her gig on "NCIS" an "honor," saying she's so grateful to have been cast on the series. "I really appreciate having been able to be there, and it was fun to see the different players on that show," she gushed to the outlet. "It is a remarkable success. It's kind of incredible." For the scoop on what Steen has been up to since exiting "NCIS," keep scrolling.
Jessica Steen's acting career hasn't slowed down
It's been a little while — more than 14 years, actually — since Jessica Steen parted ways with her role of Special Agent Paula Cassidy on "NCIS." Despite saying goodbye to the beloved character, the actor has continued to focus on her Hollywood career. As her IMDb page states, Steen has amassed nearly 100 acting credits since getting her start in show business in the early 1980s.
Aside from "NCIS," Steen is also known for her work in other hit TV shows, including "Heartland," "Captain Power," "Stargate SG-1," and "Homefront," as well as classic films like "Armageddon," "Smart House," and more. In the years following her departure from "NCIS," Steen was cast in "Those Damn Canadians," which ran from 2008 to 2015, she had a recurring role on "Bullet in the Face" in 2012. More of her recent gigs also include a one-episode stint on "Grey's Anatomy" in 2018, "Charmed" in 2019, and "Chateau Christmas" in 2020.
Considering Steen has been able to maintain a successful career, she has some advice to share with others who hope to act. "There are so many aspects to being good at this job," she told Showbiz Cheat Sheet in October 2020, noting "acting is just one part" of the hard work. "You really have to be good at the business of it — the schmoozing and the interacting and the connecting and looking for opportunities and being ambitious. That's an important element of success as an actor."
Jessica Steen has been starring in the Canadian comedy-drama series Heartland
One of the biggest projects Jessica Steen has worked on since her exit from "NCIS" is "Heartland," the CBC comedy-drama that takes place on a ranch in the Canadian prairie. When the show hit the Canadian airwaves in 2007, Steen was introduced as her character Lisa Stillman, acting alongside stars like Amber Marshall, Graham Wardle, Michelle Morgan, Chris Potter, and more, according to IMDb. Steen has appeared on "Heartland" for the last 14 seasons, and it seems her busy schedule isn't going to slow down for a little bit, as the series is set to premiere Season 15 in October, per HITC.
Fortunately for Steen, her time on "Heartland" has been nothing but enjoyable. In a YouTube video shared on the CBC show's official channel in June 2017, the actor reflected on her "favorite" moments on set so far. Saying how the location of where they filmed gave her the "first sort of experiences" in a new area in Canada, Steen marveled over working on a show and getting to be out in "nature." "I like when we're outside, I liked when we went fly-fishing ... when we were with animals," she shared. By how well Steen acts in the show, it's clear she loves her role!