Grab Your Tissue! Michael Weatherly to Leave 'NCIS' at the End of Season 13

The Special Agent Tony DiNozzo depicter on the CBS police procedural series is exiting the show after 13 years.

January 6, 2016

AceShowbiz -

Michael Weatherly, one of the original stars on "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service", is leaving the show after 13 years. CBS announced the sad news on Tuesday, January 5.

"After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season," so read a statement released by the network. "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 took to his Twitter account to confirm his departure. "DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," he wrote. "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!"

DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons pic.twitter.com/GR7YSsmsKJ
— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016

Editors' Pick

Weatherly has been on the show since the first episode. He's the second lead of "NCIS" to exit the broadcast television's highest-rated drama after Cote de Pablo, who left the show in 2014.