“He’s kind of the Jeff Goldblum of naval surgeons”: The Two and a Half Men Star Who Saved Mark Harmon’s Life in NCIS Season 13

Jon Cryer, known for his funny role as Alan Harper on Two and a Half Men, surprised fans when he took on a very different role in the 13th season of NCIS. Instead of making people laugh, he brought a serious, fresh energy to the show as Dr. Cyril Taft, a Navy surgeon with a unique personality. This change showed just how versatile Cryer is, adding something new to the NCIS world.

What made his role stand out was not just his unique personality. It was how Cryer mixed humor with serious acting, leaving fans eager to see more.

Why is Jon Cryer’s NCIS role so memorable?

Famously known as Alan Harper from Two and a Half Men, Jon Cryer made a surprising leap from comedy to drama with his guest appearance on CBS’s NCIS. In Season 13, he played Dr. Cyril Taft, a skilled Navy surgeon responsible for saving Gibbs (Mark Harmon) after a dramatic season finale left the beloved character gravely injured.

His addition and take on the role brought an exciting and refreshing energy to the show that many fans obviously loved. Dr. Taft isn’t your typical surgeon as Cryer added via Entertainment Weekly:

He’s kind of the Jeff Goldblum of naval surgeons. Bit of a wiseass. Way too comfortable making jokes in the operating room. Can probably play a mean jazz piano.

This playful and confident approach made the character stand out in the intense and serious environment of NCIS. Although his role was brief, there’s more to Dr. Taft than what meets the eye. The show hints at his depth and complexity, especially through his budding relationship with Gibbs. This unexpected friendship added an interesting twist, as Gibbs as a character is known for being reserved and selective about those he lets into his life.

Cryer’s transition to the role was incredibly fast. He was offered the part while traveling to Comic-Con and had only a few days to prepare before shooting began. To ensure his performance was authentic, he worked with a professional surgeon who also joined the cast as a technical advisor during filming.

Notably, all the extras in the operating room scenes were trained medical professionals—except Cryer himself. Looking back, the actor couldn’t help but find humor in the situation, joking about how his years playing a chiropractor on Two and a Half Men should have been enough preparation.

His mix of quick learning, and dedication allowed him to make a lasting impression on NCIS fans, proving his versatility as an actor.

Jon Cryer reflected on his past with actress Demi Moore

Jon Cryer and Demi Moore starred together in the 1984 film No Small Affair, long before either of them became a household name. During the filming, they had a short romance that the actor recalls with a mix of humor and honesty. In the new documentary BRATS via People, he opened up about his time with Moore.

He joked that their romance was “pretty small,” but also mentioned that the actress was dealing with personal struggles that he hadn’t been aware of at the time. Cryer said:

She was already struggling with a drug problem. One that I was blissfully unaware of until a couple of weeks before the movie ended.

Even with those challenges, Cryer always saw the special qualities in Moore. He added:

What would always be great about her was already evident; that incredible combination of vulnerability, toughness and beauty.

Moore went on to become a key member of the famous Brat Pack, while Cryer didn’t consider himself part of that group. He noted that the films that defined the Brat Pack such as The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire didn’t include him. Despite not being in the Pack, Cryer and Moore’s experience together was significant in their early careers.

Cryer admitted that Moore had a better understanding of the Hollywood scene. While she went on to star in big films like Ghost and A Few Good Men, Cryer continued his career with roles like Duckie in Pretty in Pink. Although their paths went in different directions, his reflections on his time with Moore highlight an important part of both their journeys in Hollywood.

You can watch all the seasons of NCIS on Paramount+.

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