Shane Harper on 'NCIS: New York' Character, Cut Scenes, and His Own Career

Shane Harper, known for his role in "Good Luck Charlie," is now portraying Special Agent Wyatt Sellers in the latest "NCIS" spin-off, "NCIS: New York." Harper shared insights into his character, who hails from Alaska and is navigating life in New York after a personal loss. "I like that there’s this kind of built-in dynamic of loss in his life, and he’s trying to come back from it and figure it out," Harper told Decider. The actor noted that the character's Alaskan roots and recent arrival in the bustling city make him feel like a "fish out of water."

Wyatt's character is further defined by his nickname, "Milkman," given to him by his colleague Nick Schaeffer, played by Scott Caan. The nickname stems from Wyatt's habit of drinking whole milk, even in social settings. Harper recalled a specific scene that was ultimately cut from the pilot episode, where he had to drink several glasses of milk. "We had, like, 20 minutes of extra footage from the pilot that had to get cut—which was a good thing, [because it] means there was a lot of great stuff," Harper explained. "But there’s a scene that got cut at the end. We’d just taken the bad guys down, and we’re all just kind of like relaxing after a long day, and I pour this giant glass of milk, and I chug the whole thing. We filmed that, and it’s not in the pilot. I had to drink like four or five glasses of it. But you know, I’m committed to my craft, I guess."

Harper also discussed his on-screen chemistry with co-star Jacqueline Byers, who plays Special Agent Addy Ross. "I think Jackie and I have our own opinions of where it may go," Harper said regarding potential romantic sparks between their characters. "I think it’ll be a fun relationship dynamic for the fans to think about and different fan theories. And we’ll see. I think that they’re very opposite, but sometimes we know that opposites attract, so you don’t know… It could get very interesting."

The actor praised his co-stars, including LL Cool J and Scott Caan, for their welcoming nature. "These stars that have been on massive TV shows for many, many, many years, you never know how it’s going to be when you show up, especially as the new kid on set," he said. "But they’ve been nothing but really warm and welcoming." Harper highlighted LL Cool J's supportive demeanor, noting, "He’s just been unbelievably supportive, and he’s a great number one. He’s really encouraging of everybody to do their thing, and that’s nice."

Regarding the show's setting, Harper expressed his enthusiasm for filming on location in New York City. "We’re in all the boroughs, we are everywhere. New York has such a diversity of culture and vibes. Like everywhere you go, not one place is the same," he stated. A particular highlight was filming in Central Park. "When I walked onto the set, I was like, 'I can’t believe we’re filming in Central Park. What a dream.'" he recalled.

Hamilton also touched upon his past role in the Disney Channel show "Good Luck Charlie," acknowledging the lasting impact of a particular diss track about his character, Spencer Walsh. "Iconic. I mean, me saying it’s iconic is a little bit cringy, I understand. But it is," Harper said. "We get stopped about that. Like, ‘Oh, that song, it’s so catchy.’ Yeah, it exists in the ether."