“NCIS” star Michael Weatherly will leave the long-running CBS franchise at the end of the current season. He’s been part of the cast for 13 years, playing special agent Anthony DiNozzo.
The star made the announcement in a series of tweets, saying “DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons.” He also credited CBS CEO Les Moonves for giving him “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/eqF5y6GSNw
— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
In a statement CBS said, “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 #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 signed a two-year development deal with CBS back in 2014 as part of his production company, Solar Drive productions. He is one of the series’ remaining original cast members, along with Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette and David McCallum.
