Rob Kerkovich is an established American actor and writer best known for his portrayal of Sebastian Lund on the long-running CBS procedural series NCIS: New Orleans. Over his career spanning two decades, Kerkovich has balanced high-profile television roles with a diverse array of guest appearances in acclaimed sitcoms and appearances in major motion pictures. Beyond his on-screen presence, he has made significant contributions as a writer and a creative force in the podcasting industry.

The Definitive Role as Sebastian Lund in NCIS: New Orleans

For many viewers, Rob Kerkovich is inseparable from the character of Sebastian Lund. Appearing in 155 episodes between 2014 and 2021, Kerkovich’s character served as the intellectual heart of the New Orleans team.

Initially introduced as a quirky, socially awkward forensic scientist and medical examiner’s assistant working under Dr. Loretta Wade, Sebastian Lund underwent one of the most significant character arcs in the NCIS franchise. Throughout the seven seasons, the character transitioned from a lab-bound scientist to a fully-fledged NCIS Special Agent. This transformation allowed Kerkovich to display a range of performance styles, moving from comedic relief and techno-babble delivery to physically demanding action sequences.

Significant Television Roles and Guest Appearances

While NCIS: New Orleans provided long-term stability, Kerkovich built his reputation through a prolific series of guest spots on some of the most influential comedies and dramas of the 21st century. His ability to inhabit distinct, often humorous characters made him a favorite for casting directors in the Los Angeles television scene.

Major Recurring and Guest Roles

  • Chasing Life (2014–2015): Kerkovich played Graham in 12 episodes of this Freeform drama. His performance provided a supportive and grounded presence within the show’s emotional narrative regarding a young woman’s battle with leukemia.
  • CSI: Miami (2009): In a precursor to his later forensic role, he appeared as Cameron West in two episodes of the Miami spin-off.
  • Modern Family (2012): In the episode titled "Yard Sale," Kerkovich appeared as the "Toaster Guy," a memorable comedic guest spot that showcased his timing alongside the main cast.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013): He appeared in the pilot episode as "Blunder," a character that helped establish the tone of the legendary police comedy.
  • Parks and Recreation (2013): Kerkovich played Dirk in the episode "The Cones of Dunshire," participating in one of the series' most iconic subplots involving Ben Wyatt’s complex board game.
  • New Girl (2014): He guest-starred as Tim in the episode "Fired Up."
  • 2 Broke Girls (2012): Played the character Judah in the holiday-themed episode "And the High Holidays."

Other Notable TV Credits

Kerkovich’s television filmography also includes appearances in:

  • House of Lies as Shane
  • Masters of Sex as Jeremy
  • Go On as a waiter
  • Happy Endings as "Normal Guy #1" (a show for which he also served as a writer)
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm

Filmography and Feature Film Appearances

Kerkovich’s film career began in the mid-2000s and includes participation in cult classics and high-concept genre films.

Early Career and Genre Films

  • The Devil Cats (2004): His early work includes this mockumentary about an all-girl rock band, where he played "Front Boy."
  • Cloverfield (2008): Kerkovich appeared as a party-goer in this groundbreaking found-footage monster film produced by J.J. Abrams. While the role was minor, it placed him in one of the most discussed films of that decade.
  • Still Waiting... (2009): He played Mason in this sequel to the cult comedy Waiting..., working alongside actors like Justin Long.
  • The Rebound (2009): In this romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kerkovich played the character Mitch.

Recent Film Projects

  • The Atticus Institute (2015): Kerkovich took on a more serious, dramatic role as Agent Barnes in this supernatural horror film presented as a documentary.
  • Galaxy of Horrors (2017): He appeared in the "Flesh Computer" segment of this science fiction anthology.
  • Loners (2019): Playing "Fed #226," Kerkovich participated in this satire about a government program targeting introverts.

Writing Credits and Creative Ventures

Rob Kerkovich is not solely an actor; his creative output extends to writing and digital media. He was a member of the comedy troupe "Summer of Tears," which helped sharpen his improvisational and writing skills early in his career.

Writing for Happy Endings

One of his most notable creative achievements was writing the episode "Like Father, Like Gun" for the ABC sitcom Happy Endings. This dual capability of performing and writing is a testament to his deep understanding of the comedic genre.

The Glass Cannon Podcast

In recent years, Kerkovich has expanded his reach into the tabletop gaming and podcasting space. He is a prominent cast member in The Glass Cannon Podcast's "Time for Chaos" series, a high-production-value playthrough of the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game. His involvement in this space has introduced him to a new demographic of fans who value his improvisational skills and character development in a non-visual medium.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rob Kerkovich

What was Rob Kerkovich's first major role?

While he had several guest spots in the late 2000s, his first major, multi-episode television role was in Chasing Life (2014), closely followed by his series regular status on NCIS: New Orleans.

Did Rob Kerkovich leave NCIS: New Orleans before it ended?

No, Rob Kerkovich remained with NCIS: New Orleans from its premiere in 2014 until its series finale in 2021, completing a full seven-season run.

Is Rob Kerkovich a writer as well as an actor?

Yes, he has professional writing credits, most notably for the television series Happy Endings. He also wrote and directed the short film Bluegrass in 2016.

What is Rob Kerkovich's background in comedy?

Before his television success, Kerkovich was part of the Los Angeles-based comedy group "Summer of Tears." He also studied theater at the University of Southern California (USC), which provided the foundation for both his dramatic and comedic work.

Summary of Professional Contributions

Rob Kerkovich has established a versatile career characterized by a transition from character actor in prestige comedies to a leading figure in a major television franchise. His portrayal of Sebastian Lund remains a highlight of the NCIS universe, praised for its evolution from scientific curiosity to field-tested bravery. With a background in writing and a burgeoning presence in the podcasting world, Kerkovich continues to be a multi-faceted professional in the entertainment industry. Whether through guest appearances in "Modern Family" or intense procedural drama, his work is defined by a consistent ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles.