Nia Long is joining “NCIS: Los Angeles” as a series regular ahead of the CBS procedural’s ninth season.
The actress will portray Shay Mosely, the team’s new executive assistant director. The character is a former Secret Service agent and an experienced Washington insider.
“The character was created specifically for Nia to capitalize on her strengths and personality, and we are excited about the new opportunities and dynamics she brings to the show,” said executive producer R. Scott Gemmill in a statement. “We couldn’t be happier to have her join our family.”
The series is produced by CBS Television Studios. It co-stars Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen, Barrett Foa and Renée Felice Smith.
Long is known for such films as “Keanu,” “Friday,” “Are We There Yet?” and “The Best Man.” She has recently had recurring roles on Fox’s “Empire” and Netflix’s “Dear White People.”
This is not her first time sharing screen time with LL Cool J, as the pair co-starred in 1999’s undercover-cop drama “In Too Deep.”