5 Jan 2016
Just breaking…
Michael Weatherly Image: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Michael Weatherly will be leaving CBS’ hit drama NCIS at the end of Season 13. Weatherly was one of the original cast members of the crime drama series, playing Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, and he was a fan favorite. He will be sorely missed. Weatherly brought a lot of humor to the show as shown in the clip below (courtesy of CBS Broadcasting, Inc.)
“After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season,” CBS stated. “He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as ‘Very’ Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today – the No. 1 drama in the world. We thank Michael for all of his contributions to this successful franchise and look forward to continuing to develop projects with him as part of our ongoing development deal.”
Weatherly also confirmed his plan to leave the show by writing, “DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons. Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew and cast, who are like family to me, and to the fans all over the world — THANK YOU, it’s been a fantastic ride!”
Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.
— Michael Weatherly ()
DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons
— Michael Weatherly ()
David McCullum (Ducky on the popular series) revealed Weatherly’s impending departure in an question and answer session he held with United Kingdom’s Vulture Hound Magazine, saying “DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, we’ve told people a long time ago, is leaving at the end of the season. So the writers have to decide what to do when one of the four members of the original cast leaves.
We along with fans are curious how the writers will have DiNozzo bow out of the show. This season has introduced several possible ideas already, including discussions about leadership and whether he wanted to be a “Gibbs” and also about family and whether he wanted to settle down and have a family. Our hope is that they don’t kill off DiNozzo so that if things worked out with the show and with Weatherly, he could do guest appearances now and again.
We wish Weatherly well in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing him in new projects.
Stay tuned, we are sure more is coming to this story….
In the meantime here is a clip of a song by Weatherly called “Under the Sun” that came out in 2014 (courtesy of CBS Broadcasting, Inc.):