Renée Felice Smith
An actress who brought grounded intelligence to the role of tech analyst Nell Jones on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' for over a decade, becoming a steady fan favorite.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actress·Birthday: January 16·Millennials
Biography
Renée Felice Smith stepped into the high-stakes world of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' in its second season, introducing Nell Jones, a brilliant and initially reserved tech analyst. Over the course of nearly 200 episodes, Smith evolved the character from a desk-bound prodigy into a fully-fledged field agent, showcasing Nell's growth in confidence and capability. Her performance provided a crucial, relatable human center amidst the show's action, balancing intellect with emotional warmth. Beyond the long-running series, Smith demonstrated her range in independent film, notably playing a vulnerable student in Tony Kaye's stark drama 'Detachment'. Her career behind the camera has also expanded, moving into directing and producing, suggesting a creative path that extends well beyond her most famous on-screen role.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Renée was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Renée Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Renée's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed series regular Nell Jones on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' for ten seasons, from 2010 to 2019.
- Starred opposite Adrien Brody in the 2011 independent film 'Detachment' directed by Tony Kaye.
- Transitioned into directing and producing, including work on short films and digital content.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer and studied at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York.
She made her Broadway debut as a child in the 1995 revival of 'The Heiress'.
She is also a certified yoga instructor.
She returned for a guest appearance in the series finale of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' in 2023.
“Nell Jones started at a computer, but she earned her place in the field.”
