David Boreanaz Suggested Jessica Capshaw for Her Bones Role

Jessica Capshaw stepped into the role of Rebecca Stinson on “Bones” back in 2006 because David Boreanaz thought his friend would be perfect for the part.

Since ending her 10-season run on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Capshaw has become a familiar face to television fans through her starring role as Blythe Hart on the “9-1-1” spinoff series “9-1-1: Nashville.” Before playing the wife of fire captain Don Hart Jr., portrayed by Chris O’Donnell, and mother of Ryan Hart, played by Michael Provost, the actress made a two-episode appearance on the show starring Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel.

Stinson shares a past relationship with Seeley Booth, played by Boreanaz, which resulted in the birth of their son, Parker. Early in Season 2, the series explores their history as Booth grows suspicious of Stinson’s new boyfriend and cautious about their son spending time with him.

Later in the season, Temperance “Bones” Brennan, played by Deschanel, investigates Booth and Stinson’s past romance and why Stinson declined a marriage proposal when she became pregnant.

While Capshaw appeared in only two episodes, her character provided deeper context for Booth’s personal life and romantic relationships. Stinson was mentioned again in Season 3, and their son Parker continued to appear in subsequent seasons.

In a retrospective interview on the “Boneheads” podcast with Deschanel and Carla Gallo, Capshaw discussed how she secured the guest role.

“It was all David.”

Capshaw said, recounting their history.

The two actors became friends after starring together in the 2001 horror film “Valentine” and remained close over the years. When the character of Booth’s ex needed casting, Boreanaz suggested Capshaw for the part. Discussing the right-love-wrong-time dynamic of Stinson and Booth, Capshaw said that “it wasn’t for lack of love and coming together, but it just wasn’t in the cards.” The characters continue to co-parent Parker as the series progresses.

Capshaw also discussed the experience of filming a steamy scene with Boreanaz in the fifth episode of Season 2.

“You guys know, [sex scenes are] awkward. … I think maybe because we were such good friends, it’s worse.”

Capshaw said.