Michael Weatherly Leaving "NCIS"
by Matt Webb Mitovich
January 5, 2016


"NCIS" favorite Michael Weatherly is exiting the CBS drama after 13 seasons, TVLine can exclusively confirm.

The actor will make his final appearance as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo at the end of this season.





“After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season,” reads a statement from CBS.

“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,” the statement continues, “and look forward to continuing to develop projects with him as part of our ongoing development deal.”





Weatherly immediately responded to TVLine’s reporting, sharing on Twitter:

“DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character and I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons…. Les Moonves and 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!”

http://tvline.com/2016/01/05/michael-weatherly-leaving-ncis-season-13/

The show's over. The 2 people the show couldn't lose was Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly.

http://tvline.com/2016/01/07/michael-weatherly-leaving-ncis-exit-storyline/

Here are some ideas for writing out Special Agent Tony DiNozzo.

http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2016/JUNE.html

30. ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER 06/02 **#13** (http://goo.gl/Yf7gGx)

If you have read the site for any length of time, you know my number one rule of show business is to never leave a hit. You just never know if the stars will shine down on you again so milk every last drop off that hit. If Grey’s Anatomy is still on the air 20 years from now, Ellen Pompeo will still be there earning that check. Sometimes though, the situation becomes so difficult that you are left with no choice but to leave. This celebrity didn’t want to leave the show. He follows the rule, but he had to leave because it was killing him to stay. He was not the first to leave but he will be missed more than the other who left. It is hard to come to work on a show, no matter how big it is if you are constantly being bullied and demeaned and treated like a second class citizen. If you do not suck up to the star of the show and literally call him the greatest the world has ever seen, then you will have a miserable time on the set. Being a bully is not something done for the cameras, it is a real life thing. Our celebrity said he was having trouble sleeping at night. He developed a nervous tic that would start when his tormentor’s name was mentioned. Our celebrity was having panic attacks and just could not keep kissing the butt of someone he really disliked and who showed no respect to the accomplishments of our celebrity. Ultimately, our celebrity had to walk away and for once I think it was the right move to make.

Actor: Michael Weatherly (Anthony DiNozzo) (http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ncis/news/a787097/we-finally-know-why-michael-weatherly-is-leaving-ncis-hes-going-to-play-dr-phil-in-a-cbs-pilot/)
Show: "NCIS"
Bully: Mark Harmon (forced co-creator Donald P. Bellisario to leave show (http://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/bellisario-to-leave-ncis-1117964354/))
Other actor who left: Cote de Pablo (Ziva David)