More on Gena Rowlands' 'NCIS' Episode
There's more details coming out about Gena Rowlands' upcoming guest turn on 'NCIS,' thanks to a report from TV Guide soap expert Michael Logan. When Rowlands appears on 'NCIS' March 2 as Gibbs' former mother-in-law, Joann, the show will flashback to a time when Joann and Jethro were much younger. The younger Gibbs will be played by Sean Harmon, Mark's own son, and the younger version of Joann will be portrayed by 'Days of Our Lives'' Emmy-winner Leann Hunley.
Hunley (pictured), who plays Anna DiMera on 'Days of Our Lives,' told Logan that she was thrilled to play Joann in flashback, especially because of her admiration for Rowlands. "When I first saw her back in the '70s in 'A Woman Under the Influence,' I thought, 'That woman looks like me! She has my eyes!'" Hunley told Logan.
The actress said that it has always been her secret wish to play Rowlands someday, but she never thought it would happen.
For 'NCIS' fans, this episode is shaping up to be something special ... a chance to get more information about Gibbs' past with his late wife Shannon, and their child, Kelly. Joann was Shannon's mother.
In the flashbacks, Leann explains that her character is unhappy with Jethro's military career. "You see that Joann is very angry at Gibbs for taking her daughter and grandchild away from her when his job is relocated." That relocation led to Shannon and Kelly's tragic deaths.

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