Julian Ovenden stars as Jonah Markham in the NCIS spin-off, with fans eager to know all there is to know about the actor.

NCIS Tony and Ziva actor Julian Ovenden, who plays the pivotal role of Jonah in the NCIS spin-off, has fans buzzing to learn more about him.

The Paramount+ drama premiered today, Thursday, September 4, and it’s not long before things heat up at Tony DiNozzo’s (portrayed by Michael Weatherly) security firm.

After a mysterious woman successfully pilfers millions from a bank, Tony finds himself in a meeting with Interpol’s Secretary General Jonah Markham (Julian Ovenden),.

Described as “charming, decisive and confident”, the former NSA computer programmer, Jonah, believes he can solve any problem he encounters.

As NCIS Tony and Ziva kicks off, here’s the full lowdown on Jonah star Julian Ovenden.

Julian Ovenden’s life

Royal connection

Actor and singer Julian Ovenden was born in Sheffield in 1976 and spent part of his early life moving around before finally settling in London.

He is one of three children to Reverend Canon John Ovenden, who once served as chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.

Inspired by his father, Ovenden earned a scholarship to sing in the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir at the age of seven, later attending Eton College on a music scholarship, before furthering his musical education at Oxford University.

ncis tony ziva julian ovenden

Inside NCIS Tony and Ziva star Julian Ovenden’s life from Downton Abbey to real-life connection to the Queen (Image: GETTY)

 

downton abbey charles blake actor julian ovende

Actor Julian Ovenden as Charles Blake in Downton Abbey back in 2014. (Image: ITV)

Thanks to his father’s Royal connections and his own musical talents, the singer has had the honour of performing for the Queen on several occasions.

Speaking of his father to The Lady, Ovenden said: “He is proud to work for the Queen. He’s found it an extraordinary experience.”

He went on to add: “The Queen’s sense of duty and loyalty are exceptional. She has devoted her life to the country… that’s impressive.’”.

Love life

Ovenden enjoys wedded bliss with opera singer Kate Royal, whom he first encountered at a bar during the Glyndebourne Opera Festival.

The pair didn’t cross paths again for another year before reuniting in New York City, which led to their 2010 wedding ceremony. The couple now share two children.

Discussing their romance, Royal told the Daily Mail: “Julian and I had a lot of mutual friends, so I had heard a great deal about him and always thought he sounded like my perfect match.”

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Julian Ovenden wife Kate Royal

Singer and actor Julian Ovenden with his opera singer wife Kate Royal in 2015. (Image: GETTY)

Downton Abbey

Viewers will recall the NCIS: Tony and Ziva star from numerous period drama productions, including his portrayal of Bobby Kennedy in The Crown, William De Nogaret in Knightfall and Sir Henry Granville in Bridgerton.

Perhaps his most recognised performance was as Charles Blake, who emerged as a possible romantic interest for Lady Mary (Michelle Dockerty) in ITV’s Downton Abbey during 2014.

Whilst chatting to The List, Ovenden revealed the “frustrations” he encountered during filming.

Ovenden said: “When we shot it – it seems quite a long time ago now – but the way it’s shot is so bitty, and because there’s so many characters, you only get a day here and there.

“I never really knew whether I made any impact whatsoever.

“I felt a bit frustrated that I wasn’t able to carry on into the next [season], because then [Lady Mary] was whisked off by Matthew Goode in season six.”

What’s next

After his role on the NCIS spin-off, Ovenden is keeping busy with the drama Hear Me Roar which is currently in pre-production.

The official synopsis states: “A legal battle ensues as a transgender woman challenges the British government’s policies, altering the landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.”

The 48 year old won’t be the sole familiar face either as he’ll be appearing alongside Love Actually legend Emma Thompson and former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston.