CBS has struck gold with the NCIS franchise. NCIS was a spin-off of the popular CBS drama JAG, which aired from 1995 to 2005. (the first season being on NBC). Who would have guessed that a spin-off series would have two spin-offs of its own?

NCIS: Los Angeles, starring LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, is one of those dramas. The show is currently in its seventh season and is a Monday night staple. Here are five things you might not know about the actors who play your favorite Naval Special Projects Special Agents.

LL Cool J assisted Daymond John Becomes Well-Known

LL Cool J, who plays NCIS: Los Angeles Senior Field Agent Sam Hanna, grew up in the same New York City neighborhood as Shark Tank investor and fashion icon Daymond John. When Daymond was first establishing his FUBU brand, he persuaded LL to wear a FUBU sweatshirt in one of his music videos. Following that, the clothing line thrived.

Daniela Ruah was a Portuguese soap opera star.

Daniela Ruah, who plays Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, began acting as a teenager. Ruah appeared in four different Portuguese soap operas between 2001 and 2007. The first was playing Sara in Forbidden Gardens. In addition, Ruah won the Portuguese version of Dancing with the Stars in 2006. Her first role in the United States was in the soap opera Guiding Light.

Chris O’Donnell has a college diploma.

Chris O’Donnell, who plays G. Callen on NCIS: Los Angeles, began acting while still in high school. One of his first roles was in a McDonald’s commercial alongside Michael Jordan.

Despite appearing in numerous feature films, including Fried Green Tomatoes, the actor continued to attend college. O’Donnell would earn a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Boston College.

Linda Hunt has a Recognizable Voice

Linda Hunt has portrayed Hetty Lange on NCIS: Los Angeles since the show’s inception in 2009. You might have thought her voice sounded familiar when you first started watching the show. Hunt has been doing voice work in television and film for many years. She was the voice of Tylenol commercials in the 1990s, as well as Grandmother Willow in the 1995 Disney film Pocahontas.

Eric Christian Olsen is number five. I portrayed a 30-year-old high school student.

Toward the end of the first season, Eric Christian Olsen joined the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles as Marty Deeks. Previously, Olsen made a name for himself as a high school and college student in films such as Not Another Teen Movie and The Hot Chick. Olsen appeared in the 2009 comedy Fired Up!, which followed two high school football players who attend cheerleading camp. Olsen was 32 years old when the film was released.