Brian Dietzen recounts becoming NCIS' first actor to co-write an episode

Variety

Dietzen co-wrote Monday's episode, delving into his Jimmy Palmer character, with executive producer Scott Williams. Dietzen says was given the go-ahead to write an episode four years ago. But months before the pandemic, “I had a dual embolic stroke in my cerebellum, and my hands were all curled up, and it was terrifying. I remember getting rushed to the hospital and thinking, ‘Well, I don’t have a career anymore. I guess I’m gonna have to focus on writing, because I can’t speak,'" said Dietzen. After Dietzen recovered, he realized he had to fulfill his goal of writing. “The creative element of coming up with something and putting words in the mouth of these characters that I’ve known so intimately and so closely for so many years just seemed to make a lot of sense,” says Dietzen. ALSO: Dietzen talks Monday's NCIS reunion.