Standing at 5’5” (165 cm), Katrina Law—known for her commanding presence and versatility—has carved a distinct space in entertainment, especially through her role as Dr. Emily Shepherd on the hit CBS drama NCIS. A graduate of the University of Southern California’s theatre program, Law rose to prominence with a blend of intelligence, emotional depth, and fierce professionalism, traits that have defined her career across film, television, and digital platforms.

Her personal life, including key milestones such as marriage and enduring stability, reflects the same resilience mirrored in her onscreen characters. While her professional achievements—particularly her role in NCIS—have earned acclaim, her personal details, from age to height, offer deeper insight into the actress’s enduring presence in the public eye.

Born on July 19, 1981, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Katrina Dawn Law emerged from a multicultural background that shaped her global perspective.

Standing at 5’5”, she initially appeared on screen not as a blockbuster star but as a nuanced performer choosing roles that emphasized depth over glamour. Her height, modest yet functional, has never limited her physical presence on set—whether dramatizing desk-bound investigation or off-screen tactical command on NCIS. At 42 (as of 2023), Law remains a senior figure in the series, balancing a steady career with personal milestones that echo the discipline intrinsic to her characters.

Katrina Law’s journey into law enforcement storytelling began long before NCIS. Prior to joining the show, she delivered standout performances in series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Lincoln Rifleman, consistently portraying intelligent women navigating high-stakes environments. When cast in NCIS as Dr.

Shepherd—a clinical but deeply empathetic medical officer embedded within the Navy’s investigative cell—she embodied the show’s fusion of procedural rigor and human complexity. Her character combines sharp diagnostic skill with an undercurrent of personal strength, reflecting Law’s own capability for authority and tenderness.

Age, Height, and Presence: The Physical Profile of Katrina Law

As of 2024, Katrina Law is 43 years old—a milestone marking over four decades of sustained artistic contribution.

At 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), her stature exudes grounded confidence without ostentation. This height supports her commanding screen presence, allowing her to navigate tense interrogations and collaborative leads with authenticity and authority. In the world of action-driven costume dramas like NCIS, physicality often amplifies perceived power; Law’s combination of moderate height and lean build reflects intentional casting—emphasizing intelligence and presence over traditional leading-lady physiques.

Marital Stability and Personal Life Behind the Character

Within the spotlight, Law has consistently valued privacy, especially regarding her personal life. Married to fellow actor and producer John Carroll Lynch—a long-time collaborator and co-star in several projects—she upholds a partnership rooted in mutual respect and professional synergy. Judaism is central to her identity, and her marriage reflects a foundation built on shared values and intellectual alignment.

Unlike many industry figures who face relentless media scrutiny over relationships, Law and Lynch maintain a discreet, stable union—evidence of her prioritization of personal grounding alongside a demanding career.

Katrina Law’s Role in NCIS: A Career Pillar

Law’s portrayal of Dr. Emily Shepherd on NCIS has become a defining element of the series’ evolution.

Initially introduced as a specialist in forensic medicine, Shepherd grows into a linchpin of the team, blending scientific rigor with compelling emotional arcs. Her character often bridges the gap between clinical detachment and heartfelt connection—mirroring Law’s own balance of professionalism and personal depth. The role demands versatility, skills Law has refined through years of varied roles, resulting in a performance praised for authenticity and emotional nuance.

Impact Beyond On-Screen: Advocacy and Influence

Beyond performance, Law’s Indian-Hawaiian heritage—rooted in multicultural identity—shapes her public voice. She advocates subtly but steadily for diversity in storytelling, using her platform to support inclusive narratives without symbolic tokenism. In interviews, she stresses the importance of genuine representation, noting, “Acting lets me reflect the world as it is—complex, interconnected, and deeply human.” This philosophy permeates her work on NCIS, where characters like Dr.

Shepherd embody multi-faceted identities that resonate beyond stereotype.

Legacy in Star Trek and Military Genre Cinema

Though NCIS occupies a different narrative universe than traditional Star Trek sci-fi, Law’s influence echoes the franchise’s legacy of strong, principled female leads. Her characters consistently exemplify competence and integrity, reflecting a tradition initiated by iconic non-fiction figures like herself—female professionals navigating male-dominated spaces.

Within the military procedural genre, Dr. Shepherd represents a modern iteration of disciplined, compassionate authority—a standard Law upholds with quiet consistency.

As Katrina Law continues to shape her career beyond NCIS, her calculated choices—geographic, professional, and personal—underscore a deliberate commitment to legacy.

Standing at 5’5” yet radiating presence, in a role that demands both intellect and empathy, Law exemplifies how sustained excellence defines a true television landmark. Her story, woven through age, commitment, and quiet strength, remains as compelling off-screen as any dramatic arc she plays. In the realm of official law enforcement drama, she stands not just as a performer, but as a living testament to the power of disciplined artistry.