Greg Ellis is a multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter and voice over artist and this week brings his talents to NCIS Los Angeles, playing Pieter Smit in the episode, Parley. Born in Lancashire, England, Greg is an experience theatre actor who has performed in London’s West End in productions such New Starlight Express and Miss Saigon and also starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters including Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek, Titanic and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Greg has also had recurring roles in a number of hit television series including, 24, and Touch and has guest starred in a variety of dramatic shows as well. As you can see Greg is a man of many talents which includes 3 Top 20 singles in Europe! We’re looking forward to his appearance on NCIS Los Angeles and welcome him to the NCISLAFamilia. Let’s find out more about Greg….
You have been quite busy throughout your career, working in film and theater as an actor, singer, songwriter and voice over artist. Is there any one area that you gravitate towards? What medium do you prefer the most?
I usually enjoy what I am doing at that particular time in my life. My sons (6 and 8) enjoy it best when I do cartoon voice overs. I like TV and film.
Growing up in Lancashire, England what pulled you towards the performing arts and how did you get started in the business?
My mother was in a local drama group and then 2 people in my hometown, jean and Clive Morris, started a drama group for kids. I joined that when I was 8 years old and got the bug. I left for London when I was 16 and never looked back.
Can you tell us about the character you play in your upcoming guest appearance on NCISLA? Who from the cast did you work with?
I play Pieter Smit. He’s South African, deadly with a firearm and not to be messed with. I worked mostly with Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J. My character goes head to head with them both. We had a lovely time working together. Very relaxed, low key, genuinely lovely blokes. They have good chemistry on set. John Peter Kousakis directed the episode. Aside from being a top notch director he’s a very dashing fellow indeed. I must also mention Eric Pot who is the most jovial 1st AD I have ever worked with. Always a chipper attitude and a smile wider than the Suez Canal.
What was your experience like on the NCISLA set and can you share any fun stories?
The cast and crew were first rate. Fun, professional, friendly and talented. One of the most fun experiences was the read through. Not many shows do it but I feel it’s very rewarding and fun for the cast and crew and writers/producers to get together and read/hear the words out loud. We giggled a lot.
Tell us about your St. Jude’s fundraiser. How much have you raised?
@greg ellis
It is an annual triathlon in Miami that is a fundraiser for St. Jude’s children’s hospital. Over 3500 people take part. I do two per year, one in Miami and one in Malibu, CA around September for Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. In Miami a few weeks back I placed 1st in my division but more importantly, with the help of friends and family, I was able to raise over $19,000 to be the number one fundraiser. I hope to make it to $20,000. LL Cool J was kind enough to retweet to his 3.5 million followers. Donate if you can here!
What’s up next for Greg Ellis? Tell us about your next project. I leave for New Mexico next week to work on the AMC show Longmire. I play Jordan helms – an activist for an environmentalist group. I have never worked in New Mexico and I hear that Santa Fe is beautiful.
Thanks to the entire NCISLAFamilia for making me feel so welcome. I hope to be back one day…
We hope so too, Greg. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. You can follow Greg on Twitter: @ellisgreg or check out his web site: www.gregellis.me.
