Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with NCIS’ Diona Reasonover

Actress Diona Reasonover is currently starring on the seventeenth season of NCIS. She first appeared as Kasie Hines back in Season 15, and she and her character quickly became fan favorites. So it came as no surprise when she was soon promoted to a series regular. Pop Culturalist spoke with Diona about her journey with the show.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Diona: I got really lucky. There was a cool youth organization called Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. They would come and do school tours. They performed these updated versions of Shakespeare, and I was like, “I want to do that.”

Also, my mom, even though she doesn’t act frequently, is an actress. She does church and community plays. I got to grow up watching her. That was very influential to me. It made me realize that it was possible.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Diona: Biggest? I don’t know if I have one thing or person that I can credit. There are so many people and so many different moments in my life. So it feels like God.

NCIS

PC: You’re currently starring on the seventeenth season of NCIS. What’s been the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Diona: I think the biggest takeaway is that you should never be afraid to go in and be yourself. Everyone on set has been so welcoming and wonderful. I was very worried about going into such an ongoing show. I felt like I would never catch up. I felt like I was starting at a new school and everyone was so much further ahead of me. I learned the kind of set that I value. I really value people who work hard and the family aspect of being on the NCIS set. Everybody is there for one another. That’s not something that you always hear about in Hollywood. I guess what I’ve learned is never cancel this show. I’m going to stay on forever. You can’t drive me away.

PC: What can you tease about your character’s arc this season? How has she grown since Season 15?
Diona: She has come into her own. I love Kasie but Kasie was a straight ball of nerves when she first arrived. She has calmed down quite a bit and gotten comfortable in her job and in her lab. I look forward to her not being so tightly wound. I would come home from work and my wife would be like, “Why are your shoulders all the way up to your ears?” I’d be like, “I don’t know. Kasie has been really nervous today.” [laughs] It’s nice to be able to relax.

PC: Which of Kasie’s relationships has been your favorite to explore? If you could write a storyline for her, what would it be and why?
Diona: Oh, good question! I love Kasie’s relationship with everyone. It’s very fun to get to play with Brian Dietzen, who plays Jimmy Palmer. They have a really good friendship going. I also love the relationship that Kasie and Gibbs have going. Kasie is right there with Gibbs. She has an update for him. She’s truly proud to show him. It’s like a kid showing off. Those scenes are always so fun to do. Mark [Harmon] has such a cool and fascinating energy to watch on camera. There are certain moments when I’m watching him and I forget that I’m supposed to be acting.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Diona: Bob’s Burgers

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Diona: I’m not a movie person. I don’t find it relaxing to sit to focus on one thing for between ninety minutes to two hours.

PC: Favorite book?
Diona: My favorite book is always the last book that I read that I can’t get my mind off. There’s a book called A River of Stars by Vanessa Hua. I read it this summer, and I fell in love with it. She’s a gorgeous writer.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Diona: Three Sisters

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Diona: Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Hayley Kiyoko. Blood Orange is really good. And the Alabama Shakes.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Diona: The Great British Bake Off

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Diona: Is Halle Berry available? Naomi, Tyra, Lupita—somewhere in there.

PC: Hidden talent?
Diona: I keep all my talents on full display.

To keep up with Diona, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch NCIS every Tuesday on CBS.

Photo Credit: Kim Newmoney // Hair: Kachay Dorsey // Make-Up: Anton Khachaturian // Styling: Lauren Frost