In NCIS, Margo Harshman’s character Delilah Fielding, an intelligence analyst and the wife of Timothy McGee, was paralyzed in Season 11 after a terrorist attack. This storyline was inspired by the real-life Boston Marathon bombing, and it was intended to show Delilah’s perseverance in overcoming her disability. While Harshman is an able-bodied actress, her character’s injury has required her to use a wheelchair on the show, adding a new layer of complexity to her journey.
Is Delilah Paralyzed on NCIS?
NCIS fans have been wondering about the reality behind Delilah Fielding’s paralysis, portrayed by actress Margo Harshman. The character’s life-changing injury occurred in Season 11, Episode 13, when she was caught in a terrorist bombing at a gala honoring her work.
The Tragic Incident
The episode ended with Delilah undergoing surgery after a piece of shrapnel lodged into her spine, leaving her paralyzed. McGee, her love interest at the time, struggled to cope with the news, hiding his emotions from his colleagues.
Inspired by Real-Life Tragedy
Executive Producer Gary Glasberg revealed that Delilah’s storyline was inspired by the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, where victims suffered severe injuries and lost limbs. Glasberg wanted to capture the perseverance of those affected:
“I remember seeing a piece on I think it was the Today show about a bunch of women who had really managed to start to pull their lives back together again. I wanted to try to capture some of that on our show.”
Portraying Perseverance
Glasberg expressed excitement about exploring Delilah’s journey with the added challenge of using a wheelchair, showcasing her “perseverance” and “rising up after what she’s been through.” He called it “a psychological challenge” for the character.
Margo Harshman: The Actress Behind Delilah
While Delilah’s injury requires her to use a wheelchair on NCIS, Margo Harshman is an able-bodied actress in real life. Here are some key facts about the 38-year-old star:
- She has 42 acting credits since 2000, including roles in Disney Channel’s Even Stevens and CBS’s The Big Bang Theory.
- Her role as Delilah Fielding on NCIS began in 2013 as a supporting character and has continued over the past decade.
- Harshman largely stays out of the public eye when not working, keeping her Instagram account private.
As NCIS enters Season 21, fans can continue to follow Delilah’s inspiring journey as she navigates her life and career while overcoming the challenges of her disability, a powerful storyline that resonates with real-life experiences.
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