Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large When “NCIS: Hawai’i” airs tonight, it will quietly make a bit of franchise history — via guest star Kurt Yaeger.
The episode will complete Yaeger’s full sweep of all four “NCIS” editions, which is believed to be the first time that an actor has appeared on every version (“NCIS,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans” and “NCIS: Hawai’i”) in completely different roles. “Given how long these franchises have been in existence, there will inevitably be some crossover with actors,” said CBS talent and casting exec VP Claudia Lyon. “We don’t have statistics on how often that happens, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
There are many actors out there who do one or two of them. But what makes Kurt unique is that he’s done all four.” But here’s what’s also notable: Yaeger is an actor/writer with a disability, having lost his part of his left leg in a 2006 motorbike accident.
And he’s utilizing his acting and writing notoriety – including this “NCIS” record — to help champion opportunities for other performers with disabilities as well.
Read more on variety.com