Early Life and Education

Brian Dietzen was born on November 14, 1977, in Barrington, Illinois. He later moved to Colorado and studied theater at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in the performing arts, which laid the foundation for his future in acting.

He is married to Kelly Dietzen, and together they have two children. The couple maintains a relatively private family life, keeping their personal affairs out of the public eye.

Breakthrough Role in NCIS

Brian Dietzen gained significant recognition for his role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer on the long-running CBS television series NCIS. He joined the cast in 2004, making his debut in the first season. Initially recurring, his role expanded over time, and in 2012, during the show's 10th season, he was promoted to series regular. His character became a fan favorite, contributing notably to the show's success.

Television Appearances

Outside of NCIS, Dietzen has appeared in several other television series, showcasing his versatility as an actor:

My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star (2002): In this comedy series based on the British show The Young Person’s Guide to Becoming a Rock Star, Dietzen portrayed the character Owen. The series was targeted toward a younger audience and starred Oliver Hudson in the lead role.

Boston Public (2002): He played the role of David Caplan in this American drama series known for its strong ensemble cast.

Perception (2013): Dietzen guest-starred as Mark Leighton in this crime drama produced by ABC Studios. The show originally aired from 2012 to 2015, not 2008 as previously stated.

Filmography

In addition to his television work, Brian Dietzen has appeared in several films. Notable titles include:

From Justin to Kelly (2003): A musical romantic comedy featuring contestants from American Idol.

Purgatory House (2004): An independent drama exploring themes of adolescence and addiction.

Self Inflicted (2005) and Nowhere to Hide (2009): These films added to his growing list of screen appearances, highlighting his ability to take on diverse roles.