Here's the interviews of Michael, Cote and Sean.
Please, keep in mind those are a translation of a translation. Some are from 09, so no spoilers. I put the dates of the interviews in front of the names.
Sean Murray (11/26/2009)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24639
Tim McGee is known as the target of the team's pranks, mainly with his partner DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. Don't you get tired of that after 6 years?
Honestly, it never bothered me. McGee and DiNozzo love each other, but the latter is like a big brother who can't help teasing his younger. It's sort of like hazing between partners. McGee accepts this role of good guy, but things are changing. During this season (6), Tim will be able to show he can use his claws too when necessary.
Will we finally see him rebelling?
Rebelling is maybe too strong, but there's a progression. The writers know they can't let the characters stay too long at the same level. Many viewers said McGee got better and matured more than his colleagues. Watch an episode from the first season: I stuttered, sweated, could barely talk! (Laugh)
How is it going between McGee and his new boss, played by Rocky Carroll?
Good enough, nicely...there's a strange ambiance, but they respect each other. The relationship Vance has with agent Gibbs is, however, frankly interesting because we don't really know if they're friends or enemies. McGee also likes his boss because, like him, he's smart and good at technology.
How do you explain the ever-growing success of the show?
I think we were a bit invisible until now, something I appreciate a lot. I prefer to not play in a production at the top of its creativity from the beginning. We had a regular growth every year, and we own it to the fidelity of the public. I hope people will continue to love the characters and more viewers will tune on NCIS. I don't watch the other shows of the same genre, but I'm sure what differentiate us is our sense of humour. We don't take ourselves seriously; there is a good equilibrium between the professional lives of these investigators and their private lives.
You don't even watch CSI to get an idea of what it is?
No, I prefer rewatching Twin Peaks. And the shows I like sadly tend to be cancelled quickly.
Are you aware of the success of the show in the other countries?
If you said it so, I believe you and I'm happy, but as long as the producers tells me everything is fine, I don't look farther than that. I live a bit cut of the real world (Smile).
Did acting in a show like this one change your opinion of the army's importance?
My dad was in the Navy for 30 years and I spent a lot of time on the aircraft carrier he was. In NCIS, we search criminal in the Navy, but even growing up in this environment, I never thought it was something regular…
Do you ask advices to your father to improve your performances?
No, because it's just television. We use our guns every episode and solve crime in one or two days. It doesn't work like that in the real world! It's entertainment, nothing more.
When you were little, did you want to follow your father's steps?
Oh no! When I was 10, I was rather rebel, and he already guessed I wouldn't chose a military career.
He must be proud anyway that you're almost 'in there' with the show...
Yes, he actually said that being in NCIS let me have the most exact view of his job. He likes the show because he always think in military terms, he's always disciplined and firm...he admires what I do, even if he doesn't understand it at all (Laughs).
Did the success of NCIS change your life?
Not really. I work, and then I go back to my wife and daughter at home. When I leave the house, people recognise me, but I never had a negative experience, fans are respectful... when the ratings go up, everyone seems to notice it, but for our little group of actors, we only want to keep doing what we love. I'm ready to work with this little family as long as the quality of the episodes is good. It's what makes me happy.
Michael Weatherly (10/14/2010)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24640
Did you know that your show is a real phenomenon of audience in Belgium?
Okay, I never said that to a journalist, but I'm going to share it with you... The secret of this success is that I found a time machine to go back in 2003 to sign my contract, because I already knew NCIS was going to be a hit all around the world. I could finally quit my job of parking guardian. (Laugh)
More seriously, what do you think is responsible of this success?
In the USA, the show belongs to CBS, who air constantly CSI, Cold Case, Criminal Minds... Viewers know fictions of this channel are always good. Also, we never push the part sensational. People often tell me in the street that the stories treated in NCIS are serious and smart. I'm happy to hear it's working in your country.
Thanks to the international performances of this production, your life must be beautiful?
You're asking me that because I'm talking to you while drinking a glass of good white vine? (Laugh). In fact, the show already gets me to go in Australia, Swede, Italia and France. I noticed that in Europe, the channels promote NCIS in a fun and energetic mood. In the USA? It's the contrary: it's more sombre and the word 'crime' is highlighted.
I heard that in the beginning, you weren't really interested by the role of Tony DiNozzo...
Let's say I wasn't really attracted because Tony's story wasn't me. I actually never did a audition for this role. It's after a long discussion in a restaurant with Donald Bellisario, the producer of the show, that he offered it to me. I remember that we also talked of Magnum, the other show he created, and which I'm a fan. Anyway, he persuaded me I was able to play Tony.
Today, does Tony is more like you?
No. He's Italian where I have Irish origin. (Laugh). Like I always say, there is 100 % DiNozzo in me, and 11% of me in DiNozzo. You must never forget he's just a character. The viewers never think of that. When I arrive on the set, I take off the Michael Weatherly filter to get in his skin. The only thing we have in common is the humour.
8 seasons of NCIS, isn't it too much for you?
No, to the contrary. We even talk of getting more seasons [or longer seasons, it can be translated both way]. It's a great success for everybody, so why stop?
I heard you will go behind the camera. Is it true?
Ah, I see you're well informed (Laugh). It's exact; I will direct an episode this year. It's a job I know well, actually, I already worked with James Cameron. I'm always in negotiation with the producers to extend my activities in NCIS. I don't say I'll do better than the others, but I want to test me.
By the way, while we're talking of James Cameron: he's the creator of Dark Angel, another show known by the Belgians where you acted...
I know. I already received mail from here. I kept good memories from this show. To be directed by James Cameron, it was fabulous. Working with this great professional was an intense experience.
Like Simon Baker, the famous 'Mentalist', you wear glasses.
Yes, since a long time. I have a very bad view. What can you do, it's the beginning of the old age...( Laugh). For the show, I'm forced to wear contact. But in Dark Angel, you remember, I wore glasses, and for the little story, they were my own glasses.
Cote de Pablo (10/08/2009)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24638
If you weren't actress, would you want to be a spy?
Oh my god, no! It's nice to play the spy in front of the camera, but in reality, I found that incredible dangerous and I don't think I'm this daring. I never was the kind of girl to jump with a parachute. I prefer simple things like yoga, walk on the beach and massages.
Aren't you tired of the cliché of the strong and sexy fighter girl?
I don't think she's always sexy, I mostly see her like a warrior. True, this side has its charms, but I wouldn't say Ziva is a sex symbol. I play with guns, it's not a glamorous job (Laugh). But that doesn't stop Ziva, when she's undercover during a mission to show her charms. In one of the last episodes, I wear a purple dress very short and it's a scene really sexy!
Did you already think of what will happen when the show will end?
No, I don't want to think about it. We're filming the seventh season and the ratings keep climbing. We see each other for 7 years, 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 10 months a year, and yet, we're not tired of each other.
I don't know if it visible through our characters, but in any case, we are now in the top 5 of the scripted shows. A lot of actors says they don't want to be in a tv show because they're scared to be stuck in it, but secretly, it's their dream to have a job with a regular salary which allow them to explore a character from end to end.
Playing all the time the same role doesn't tire you?
Sometimes, but I sadly have only two months between each season and it's rather difficult to work in a big movie production or a musical at Broadway in such little time. Like I always say, grass is always greener on the other side…
But I can't complain how many shows hold on so long?
Are all these hours on the set let you live your life?
You always find time for love! (Laugh). For love or friendship, I'm always very selective with the persons I spent my free time with. When I'm with them, I commit completely to them.
It must come from your origin. Do you come back in Spain sometimes?
Each year, I visit my parents in the north of Spain, we spent time talking and drinking good wine. Family is very important for me… When I'll decide to get married and have children, I will inevitably put my career aside, because it's how I was raised. But don’t worry, it's not for today, NCIS still need me, and vice versa.
Sean Murray (11/26/2009)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24639
Tim McGee is known as the target of the team's pranks, mainly with his partner DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. Don't you get tired of that after 6 years?
Honestly, it never bothered me. McGee and DiNozzo love each other, but the latter is like a big brother who can't help teasing his younger. It's sort of like hazing between partners. McGee accepts this role of good guy, but things are changing. During this season (6), Tim will be able to show he can use his claws too when necessary.
Will we finally see him rebelling?
Rebelling is maybe too strong, but there's a progression. The writers know they can't let the characters stay too long at the same level. Many viewers said McGee got better and matured more than his colleagues. Watch an episode from the first season: I stuttered, sweated, could barely talk! (Laugh)
How is it going between McGee and his new boss, played by Rocky Carroll?
Good enough, nicely...there's a strange ambiance, but they respect each other. The relationship Vance has with agent Gibbs is, however, frankly interesting because we don't really know if they're friends or enemies. McGee also likes his boss because, like him, he's smart and good at technology.
How do you explain the ever-growing success of the show?
I think we were a bit invisible until now, something I appreciate a lot. I prefer to not play in a production at the top of its creativity from the beginning. We had a regular growth every year, and we own it to the fidelity of the public. I hope people will continue to love the characters and more viewers will tune on NCIS. I don't watch the other shows of the same genre, but I'm sure what differentiate us is our sense of humour. We don't take ourselves seriously; there is a good equilibrium between the professional lives of these investigators and their private lives.
You don't even watch CSI to get an idea of what it is?
No, I prefer rewatching Twin Peaks. And the shows I like sadly tend to be cancelled quickly.
Are you aware of the success of the show in the other countries?
If you said it so, I believe you and I'm happy, but as long as the producers tells me everything is fine, I don't look farther than that. I live a bit cut of the real world (Smile).
Did acting in a show like this one change your opinion of the army's importance?
My dad was in the Navy for 30 years and I spent a lot of time on the aircraft carrier he was. In NCIS, we search criminal in the Navy, but even growing up in this environment, I never thought it was something regular…
Do you ask advices to your father to improve your performances?
No, because it's just television. We use our guns every episode and solve crime in one or two days. It doesn't work like that in the real world! It's entertainment, nothing more.
When you were little, did you want to follow your father's steps?
Oh no! When I was 10, I was rather rebel, and he already guessed I wouldn't chose a military career.
He must be proud anyway that you're almost 'in there' with the show...
Yes, he actually said that being in NCIS let me have the most exact view of his job. He likes the show because he always think in military terms, he's always disciplined and firm...he admires what I do, even if he doesn't understand it at all (Laughs).
Did the success of NCIS change your life?
Not really. I work, and then I go back to my wife and daughter at home. When I leave the house, people recognise me, but I never had a negative experience, fans are respectful... when the ratings go up, everyone seems to notice it, but for our little group of actors, we only want to keep doing what we love. I'm ready to work with this little family as long as the quality of the episodes is good. It's what makes me happy.
Michael Weatherly (10/14/2010)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24640
Did you know that your show is a real phenomenon of audience in Belgium?
Okay, I never said that to a journalist, but I'm going to share it with you... The secret of this success is that I found a time machine to go back in 2003 to sign my contract, because I already knew NCIS was going to be a hit all around the world. I could finally quit my job of parking guardian. (Laugh)
More seriously, what do you think is responsible of this success?
In the USA, the show belongs to CBS, who air constantly CSI, Cold Case, Criminal Minds... Viewers know fictions of this channel are always good. Also, we never push the part sensational. People often tell me in the street that the stories treated in NCIS are serious and smart. I'm happy to hear it's working in your country.
Thanks to the international performances of this production, your life must be beautiful?
You're asking me that because I'm talking to you while drinking a glass of good white vine? (Laugh). In fact, the show already gets me to go in Australia, Swede, Italia and France. I noticed that in Europe, the channels promote NCIS in a fun and energetic mood. In the USA? It's the contrary: it's more sombre and the word 'crime' is highlighted.
I heard that in the beginning, you weren't really interested by the role of Tony DiNozzo...
Let's say I wasn't really attracted because Tony's story wasn't me. I actually never did a audition for this role. It's after a long discussion in a restaurant with Donald Bellisario, the producer of the show, that he offered it to me. I remember that we also talked of Magnum, the other show he created, and which I'm a fan. Anyway, he persuaded me I was able to play Tony.
Today, does Tony is more like you?
No. He's Italian where I have Irish origin. (Laugh). Like I always say, there is 100 % DiNozzo in me, and 11% of me in DiNozzo. You must never forget he's just a character. The viewers never think of that. When I arrive on the set, I take off the Michael Weatherly filter to get in his skin. The only thing we have in common is the humour.
8 seasons of NCIS, isn't it too much for you?
No, to the contrary. We even talk of getting more seasons [or longer seasons, it can be translated both way]. It's a great success for everybody, so why stop?
I heard you will go behind the camera. Is it true?
Ah, I see you're well informed (Laugh). It's exact; I will direct an episode this year. It's a job I know well, actually, I already worked with James Cameron. I'm always in negotiation with the producers to extend my activities in NCIS. I don't say I'll do better than the others, but I want to test me.
By the way, while we're talking of James Cameron: he's the creator of Dark Angel, another show known by the Belgians where you acted...
I know. I already received mail from here. I kept good memories from this show. To be directed by James Cameron, it was fabulous. Working with this great professional was an intense experience.
Like Simon Baker, the famous 'Mentalist', you wear glasses.
Yes, since a long time. I have a very bad view. What can you do, it's the beginning of the old age...( Laugh). For the show, I'm forced to wear contact. But in Dark Angel, you remember, I wore glasses, and for the little story, they were my own glasses.
Cote de Pablo (10/08/2009)
http://www.team-ncis.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=24638
If you weren't actress, would you want to be a spy?
Oh my god, no! It's nice to play the spy in front of the camera, but in reality, I found that incredible dangerous and I don't think I'm this daring. I never was the kind of girl to jump with a parachute. I prefer simple things like yoga, walk on the beach and massages.
Aren't you tired of the cliché of the strong and sexy fighter girl?
I don't think she's always sexy, I mostly see her like a warrior. True, this side has its charms, but I wouldn't say Ziva is a sex symbol. I play with guns, it's not a glamorous job (Laugh). But that doesn't stop Ziva, when she's undercover during a mission to show her charms. In one of the last episodes, I wear a purple dress very short and it's a scene really sexy!
Did you already think of what will happen when the show will end?
No, I don't want to think about it. We're filming the seventh season and the ratings keep climbing. We see each other for 7 years, 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, 10 months a year, and yet, we're not tired of each other.
I don't know if it visible through our characters, but in any case, we are now in the top 5 of the scripted shows. A lot of actors says they don't want to be in a tv show because they're scared to be stuck in it, but secretly, it's their dream to have a job with a regular salary which allow them to explore a character from end to end.
Playing all the time the same role doesn't tire you?
Sometimes, but I sadly have only two months between each season and it's rather difficult to work in a big movie production or a musical at Broadway in such little time. Like I always say, grass is always greener on the other side…
But I can't complain how many shows hold on so long?
Are all these hours on the set let you live your life?
You always find time for love! (Laugh). For love or friendship, I'm always very selective with the persons I spent my free time with. When I'm with them, I commit completely to them.
It must come from your origin. Do you come back in Spain sometimes?
Each year, I visit my parents in the north of Spain, we spent time talking and drinking good wine. Family is very important for me… When I'll decide to get married and have children, I will inevitably put my career aside, because it's how I was raised. But don’t worry, it's not for today, NCIS still need me, and vice versa.