“NCIS: Hawaii,” the latest spinoff of long-running cop drama “NCIS,” premiered on Sept. 20. As was announced prior to the series’ debut, “NCIS: Hawaii” stars experienced TV actor Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, a Special Agent in charge of a branch of the Naval Criminal Investigative Unit located on the Pearl Harbor military base in Hawaii. Lachey is now the first woman to ever lead an “NCIS” series.
Traditionally, prior to the premiere of a new “NCIS” spinoff, its characters will appear first in a storyline on the primary version of “NCIS.” However, “NCIS: Hawaii” bucked this trend and introduced audiences to its cast for the very first time upon its Sept. 20 premiere. Among the new roster of characters first showcased in that pilot episode is Lucy Tara, a junior agent working for Tenannt’s Pearl Harbor NCIS office.
Lucy is portrayed by actor Yasmine Al-Bustami. If Lucy seems familiar, it’s most likely from one of the following roles on TV and in other short-form media.
Whereas “The Vampire Diaries” is largely geared toward a teenage audience, spinoff series “The Originals” is a vampire show with comparatively more to offer for adult viewers. Its story follows three members of the Mikaelson family, popularly known as the original vampire family, giving the series its title. Yasmine Al-Bustami portrays Monique Deveraux, a witch who acts as an antagonist to the Mikaelson family over the course of its first season.
Upon her introduction, Monique is one of four witches to be sacrificed to The Harvest, a recurring ritual in which the French Quarter Coven of witches in New Orleans, Louisiana must sacrifice four of their own in order to appease their ancestors. The sacrificed witches are then later resurrected, hence Monique’s recurring role in the first season of “The Originals” following her character’s death. Upon her return, Monique goes on something of a murder spree, either killing or trying to kill some of the people closest to her before meeting her eventual demise
Have you ever watched NCIS: Hawaii and found yourself wondering why Lucy Tara looks so familiar? If so, you’re not alone! Played by the talented Yasmine Al-Bustami, this character has captured fans’ attention with her charm, intelligence, and undeniable screen presence. But Lucy Tara isn’t the first time you’ve seen Al-Bustami in action. In this article, we’ll explore her past roles, career journey, and what makes her so recognizable.
Who Is Lucy Tara in NCIS: Hawaii?
Lucy Tara is a junior NCIS agent in NCIS: Hawaii, known for her tenacity, strategic mind, and budding romance with Kate Whistler. As one of the show’s main characters, she has quickly become a fan favorite. But before stepping into this role, Yasmine Al-Bustami had already built an impressive resume.
Who Is Yasmine Al-Bustami?
Early Life and Background
Born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and raised in Texas, Yasmine Al-Bustami brings a rich cultural background to her acting career. She has always had a passion for performance, leading her to pursue acting after college.
Rise to Fame
Before landing the role of Lucy Tara, Al-Bustami worked on several well-known TV shows. Her diverse acting range helped her carve out a space in Hollywood, making her a recognizable face on screen.
Where You’ve Seen Yasmine Al-Bustami Before
1. The Originals (2013-2018)
Fans of supernatural dramas might remember Al-Bustami from The Originals, the popular Vampire Diaries spin-off. She played Monique Deveraux, a powerful teenage witch with a dark side. Her chilling performance left a lasting impression on viewers.
2. SWAT (2017-Present)
She also made guest appearances in SWAT, portraying characters that showcased her versatility in action-packed roles. If you’re a fan of high-energy crime dramas, you might have spotted her in a few episodes.
3. I Ship It (2016-2019)
In the musical comedy series I Ship It, Al-Bustami played Sasha. This lighthearted role allowed her to show off her comedic timing, making her even more recognizable to fans of the genre.
4. Nashville (2012-2018)
She also had a role in Nashville, the country music drama. Though brief, her time on the show introduced her to an even broader audience.
5. Legion (2017-2019)
If you’re into mind-bending superhero shows, you might have caught her in FX’s Legion. Her appearance in this Marvel-adjacent series added to her growing list of recognizable roles.
Why Does She Look So Familiar?
1. Versatile Acting Range
Yasmine Al-Bustami’s ability to play vastly different characters makes her stand out. Whether she’s a witch in The Originals or a law enforcement officer in NCIS: Hawaii, she brings each role to life in a unique way.
2. Guest Appearances on Popular Shows
Even if you don’t recognize her from one major role, chances are you’ve seen her guest-starring in one of your favorite TV series.
3. Unique Look and Presence
Her striking features and expressive performances make her memorable, even in small roles. She has a distinct presence that sticks with audiences long after her scenes are over.
How NCIS: Hawaii Elevated Her Career
Landing a main role in NCIS: Hawaii gave Al-Bustami the chance to showcase her talents on a larger platform. With millions of viewers tuning in, her popularity skyrocketed.
Fan Reception
Lucy Tara quickly became a fan-favorite character, especially because of her relationship with Kate Whistler. Their on-screen chemistry has made them one of the most beloved couples in the NCIS universe.
Future in the NCIS Franchise
With her growing popularity, fans speculate whether Lucy Tara could appear in other NCIS spin-offs. Could we see her in a crossover with NCIS: Los Angeles or NCIS? Only time will tell!
Conclusion
Yasmine Al-Bustami’s journey to stardom has been filled with diverse roles across multiple genres. Whether you recognize her from supernatural dramas, crime procedurals, or comedies, her talent is undeniable. Now, as Lucy Tara in NCIS: Hawaii, she’s winning hearts worldwide. Keep an eye on her—she’s only getting started!
