Emily Wickersham Bio
Emily Wickersham (born April 26, 1984) is an American actress best known for her role as NCIS Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on the long-running CBS crime drama series NCIS. With Austrian and Swedish ancestry, she was born in Kansas and raised in Mamaroneck, New York. After pursuing acting following her time at Muhlenberg College, she made her screen debut in 2006 and later gained recognition for her work in film and television before rising to prominence through her eight-year tenure on NCIS.
Early Life and Background
Emily Wickersham was born on April 26, 1984, in Kansas, United States. She grew up in Mamaroneck, New York, where she graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 2002. Her heritage includes Austrian and Swedish ancestry, with roots tracing back to Värmland on her Swedish side. Wickersham attended Muhlenberg College for two years before deciding to leave to pursue her passion for acting full-time.
During her formative years in Mamaroneck, Wickersham developed an interest in performing arts that would later shape her career trajectory. After leaving college, she committed herself to developing her craft and breaking into the entertainment industry. Her great-grandfather was the notable football player Isadore Anderson, adding a athletic dimension to her family history.
Path to Actress
Following her departure from Muhlenberg College, Emily Wickersham began actively pursuing an acting career. She made her screen debut in 2006, marking the beginning of her professional journey in the entertainment industry. In the years that followed, she worked to establish herself through various roles in film and television, building her experience and resume in the competitive acting world.
Her persistence paid off when she landed a role in the 2012 feature film Gone, starring alongside other notable actors. This project represented an important stepping stone in her career, providing her with exposure and demonstrating her ability to handle leading roles in feature films. The experience gained from this project and other early work helped prepare her for the significant opportunity that would come the following year.
Emily Wickersham Career
Early Career (2006–2013)
Emily Wickersham began her professional acting career in 2006, taking on various roles to build her craft and gain industry experience. During this formative period, she appeared in guest appearances on television programs while also pursuing feature film opportunities. The 2012 thriller film Gone marked one of her most significant roles during these early years, allowing her to showcase her talents in a prominent production alongside established performers.
This period of consistent work and gradual career growth positioned Wickersham for the breakthrough opportunity that would define her career. She continued to refine her skills through diverse roles, preparing herself for the demands of working in a long-running television series.
Breakthrough (2013–2021)
In 2013, Emily Wickersham was cast as NSA Analyst Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop in NCIS, appearing initially in a three-episode arc during Season 11. Her first appearance occurred on November 19, 2013, just as actress Cote de Pablo was departing the series. The character was brought in to fill the void left by the departure of the original team member, and Wickersham’s performance resonated with audiences and producers alike.
Her temporary role quickly evolved into a permanent position when she was promoted to series regular. Her character, Eleanor Bishop, officially became an NCIS Special Agent, becoming a core member of the team led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Wickersham remained with the show for eight years, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers worldwide. Her character evolved alongside the series, which became one of the most-watched programs on television during her tenure.
Following the conclusion of NCIS Season 18, which aired its finale on May 25, 2021, Wickersham confirmed her departure from the series via Instagram. This marked the end of an era for the actress, who had become synonymous with the popular crime drama. During her time on the show, she delivered consistent performances that helped maintain the series’ strong viewership and contributed to its status as a ratings powerhouse.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Emily Wickersham has built an impressive body of work spanning both film and television. Her role in the 2012 film Gone showcased her ability to lead a major feature production, while her eight-year run on NCIS demonstrated her staying power and versatility in a long-running television series. Her portrayal of Eleanor Bishop earned her a dedicated fan base and established her as one of the recognizable faces in network television drama during the 2010s.
Emily Wickersham Family
Emily Wickersham comes from a distinguished family background with notable athletic heritage. Her great-grandfather was Isadore Anderson, a professional football player whose legacy adds to the family’s diverse accomplishments across different fields. This connection to athletic excellence represents an interesting chapter in her family history.
Personal Life
Emily Wickersham has been married twice. Her first marriage was to musician Blake Hanley on November 23, 2010, at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. The couple divorced in December 2018 after eight years of marriage. In 2021, Wickersham welcomed her first child, a son, with her boyfriend James Badge Dale, an actor known for his work in films including The Pacific and Iron Man 3.
Wickersham and James Badge Dale continued their relationship following the birth of their son and eventually married in September 2024. In October 2024, they welcomed their second child, expanding their family to include two children. As of 2024, Wickersham resides with her husband and their two children, maintaining a relatively private personal life despite her public career in entertainment.