Sarah Clarke of '24' joins 'NCIS'

LOS ANGELES, March 23 (UPI) -- Sarah Clarke is joining long-running CBS series NCIS.

News outlets reported the 44-year-old actress will guest star on the final two episodes of Season 13, with the option to become a series regular in Season 14.

Clarke will play FBI special agent Tess Monroe, a multiple divorcée who's described as being "as sexy as she is strong." The character has a strong commitment to her team and views her fellow agents as family.

"Beneath a no-nonsense shell, Tess has a big heart and believes in honor, justice and doing what's right," Entertainment Weekly reported. "She'll fight to protect those values, and her team, with fierce determination and a tinge of sarcasm along the way."

Clarke is known for playing Nina Myers on 24 and Renée Dwyer in the Twilight movies. She portrays Eleanor Wish on Amazon series Bosch, which co-stars Titus Welliver and premiered a second season March 11.

"We feel so fortunate to have Sarah Clarke joining us to play Tess," NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg said. "I've been a fan of hers going back to 24 and more recently, Bosch. She's a gifted actress, a total pro, and we can't wait to introduce her to our NCIS family."

Word of Clarke's casting follows news Michael Weatherly will leave NCIS after Season 13. CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller previously said the network is "looking at a couple additions" but not "a direct replacement" for the actor.

NCIS premiered in 2003 and was renewed for a 14th and 15th season with Mark Harmon in February. The series stars Harmon as Leroy Gibbs, with Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto and David McCallum as "Ducky" Mallard.