Unfortunately for fans of Michael Weatherly, "NCIS" season 13 will be the last for the actor. The star will be seen in action for the last time as fan-favorite Special Agent Tony DiNozzo by the end of the current season. It was Weatherly's decision to end his stint in the long-running police procedural drama.
"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character and I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," the actor told TV Line. "[CBS Corp. CEO] Les Moonves and CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime," he added.
Weatherly went on to say that he will miss his "NCIS" co-stars and the people he worked with, who he said he learned to treat as his family. He then thanked them and fans that followed up to this day in "NCIS" season 13 for the "fantastic ride."
CBS made Weatherly's exit from "NCIS" official in a statement to E! Online. "After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season," CBS announced.
The network is thankful for the actor's contributions that ultimately helped the show achieve the success and popularity it enjoys today and considers him "a valued part of the CBS family."
"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," the network added.
Fans will see Weatherly as Agent DiNozzo up until the "NCIS" season 13 finale. It is unclear how his exit will be designed but Carter Matt hopes that DiNozzo's sendoff will also be an opportunity for the show to give Cote de Pablo's character Ziva a proper farewell of her own.
The publication argues that her exit was sudden and quick. With Weatherly following her footsteps, the site suggests that de Pablo could take part in a scene or two during the finale by inviting DiNozzo to start again in a place far away.
