If you spent any part of the late nineties or early 2000s glued to your television on Friday nights, you probably have a very specific image of Karri Turner burned into your brain. She was Lieutenant Harriet Sims—the heart and soul of the JAG headquarters. She was kind, a bit quirky, and eventually, one half of the show’s most beloved couple alongside Bud Roberts.
But Hollywood is a strange place. One minute you’re starring in 112 episodes of a massive procedural hit, and the next, you’re seemingly off the radar. Naturally, fans have started asking: how old is Karri Turner now, and where did she go?
The answer is actually a bit more complicated than just a number on a birth certificate, because there are actually two very prominent women named Karri Turner making waves in 2026. Let's clear up the confusion and get into the real details.
How Old Is Karri Turner the Actress?
Let’s start with the face you know from the screen. Karri Kathleen Turner was born on December 21, 1966.
If you’re doing the quick math in your head right now, that means as of early 2026, Karri Turner is 59 years old. She’ll be hitting the big 6-0 milestone this coming December. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday she was navigating the complex social hierarchies of the Navy on JAG, but the calendar doesn't lie.
She originally hails from Fort Worth, Texas, but she didn't stay there long. She grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and eventually made her way to California to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. That Texas-Arkansas mix probably helped her nail that approachable, grounded energy she brought to Harriet Sims.
The "Two Karri Turners" Confusion
If you’ve been Googling lately, you might have seen some headlines that made you do a double-take. You might see references to a "Dr. Karri Turner" who just got married or is leading a major ministry.
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Here is the deal: they are different people.
- The Actress: Karri Turner (59) is the JAG veteran and Groundlings alum who spent years touring with the USO.
- The Minister: Dr. Karri Turner (43) is a prominent theologian, author, and speaker who recently married Atlanta Mega Pastor Jamal Bryant in late 2024.
It’s an easy mistake to make. Both are incredibly successful, both have a presence in the public eye, and they literally share the same name. But if you’re looking for the woman who played Tara Scully on The X-Files or voiced characters in the South Park pilot, you’re looking for the 59-year-old acting vet.
Why We Don’t See Her on Screen as Much
After JAG wrapped up its massive run in 2005, Karri Turner didn't just disappear; she shifted her focus. While she did some film work—appearing in Get Smart (2008) and An American Carol—she became deeply involved in something much more personal: the USO.
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She actually completed over 13 USO tours. Think about that for a second. That isn't just a weekend trip. She traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other high-conflict zones to perform for troops. She often went with comedians like Kathy Griffin and Michael McDonald.
She once mentioned in an interview that performing for the military was one of the most rewarding things she’d ever done. It wasn't about the fame or the paycheck; it was about the connection. She saw how much the character of Harriet Sims meant to real-life service members, and she wanted to give back to that community.
A Quiet Return to the NCIS Universe
For the die-hard fans who were wondering if she’d ever step back into the uniform, 2020 gave us a little treat. She made a guest appearance on NCIS—the very show that spun off from JAG decades ago.
She didn’t return as Harriet, though. She played a character named Micki Kaydar in the episode "In the Wind." Seeing her back on a CBS procedural felt like a full-circle moment. It reminded everyone that even at 59, she still has that same spark that made us love her in the nineties.
What Karri Turner Is Doing in 2026
So, what does life look like for her today? Unlike many stars who live their entire lives on Instagram or TikTok, Turner keeps a relatively low profile. She has always been a "working actor" at heart—someone who values the craft and the community over the red-carpet glitz.
- Stage Work: She has a massive background in theater (think Godspell and Hamlet), and she has continued to engage with the West Coast Ensemble theater company.
- Voice Acting: People often forget she was a voice in the very beginning of South Park. She’s always kept a foot in the door with voice-over work and smaller indie projects.
- Mentorship: Having come up through the Groundlings, she remains connected to the improv and comedy scene in Los Angeles, often supporting younger performers finding their way.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're a fan of Karri Turner and want to keep up with her or revisit her best work, here is how you can do it without getting lost in the "other Karri" news:
- Check the Credits: When looking for her news, always verify if the article mentions JAG or her acting history. If the article mentions "New Birth Missionary Baptist Church," it's about the Dr. Karri Turner.
- Stream the Classics: JAG is widely available on streaming platforms like Paramount+. If you haven't seen her 1997 appearance in The X-Files as Dana Scully's sister-in-law, it’s a must-watch for her dramatic range.
- Support the USO: Since this was her passion for over a decade, supporting military entertainment programs is a great way to honor the work she did off-camera.
Karri Turner’s age—59—is really just a testament to a career that has spanned over three decades of television history. Whether she’s on a stage in LA or a base in the Middle East, she’s remained one of the most genuine figures in the industry.