Sean Harland Murray was born on November 15, 1977, at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. The son of Craig Harland Murray, a Navy officer with a 30-year career, Sean spent his childhood moving between military bases around the world — from Australia and Singapore to London and across the U.S. This early life of constant change instilled in him adaptability and resilience, qualities that would later shape his acting career. After his parents’ divorce, Sean moved with his mother to Los Angeles during his teenage years, bringing him closer to the heart of the entertainment industry. In 1998, his mother married legendary TV producer Donald P. Bellisario, making Sean part of a family deeply rooted in Hollywood.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Sean’s acting journey began at a young age. He appeared as a child extra in films like My Blue Heaven and quickly moved into more significant roles. In 1993, he appeared in Disney’s now-classic Hocus Pocus, playing Thackery Binx, the boy transformed into a black cat. He also starred in TV series such as Harts of the West, steadily building experience and visibility in Hollywood.
His defining career moment came in 2003 when he joined the cast of NCIS as Special Agent Timothy “Tim” McGee. Initially portrayed as a junior and somewhat timid agent, McGee grew under Sean’s nuanced performance into a central, highly respected member of the team. Over the years, Sean has expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to evolve with the character on one of television’s most enduring procedural dramas.
Personal Life
In November 2005, Sean married educator Carrie James. The couple had two children: daughter Caitlyn (“Cay”) in 2007 and son River in 2010. After nearly two decades together, Sean and Carrie separated in March 2024 and finalized their divorce in May 2025. Despite personal challenges, Sean has maintained a reputation as a dedicated professional both on and off-screen.
Notable Highlights
- While his role in Hocus Pocus was brief, the film’s enduring cult status has kept Sean’s performance memorable.
- Sean holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Australia, reflecting his multinational upbringing.
- He belongs to a prominent entertainment family, with his stepfather Donald P. Bellisario and stepsister Troian Bellisario both well-known in the industry.
The Journey
Sean Murray’s story is one of steady perseverance. From a globe-trotting military childhood to early roles in film and television, and eventually a long-term starring role on NCIS, his career reflects consistency, adaptability, and dedication. Off-screen, he has navigated the complexities of family life while maintaining his professional trajectory. Today, Sean Murray stands as a familiar face on television, a testament to talent, hard work, and the quiet power of building a career over decades.
