CBS and Michael Weatherly have confirmed his exit from “NCIS” after 13 seasons. The original cast member will leave the show at the end of the current season.
“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,” CBS said in a statement to TVLine.
“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 issued his own statement in a series of tweets just hours before “NCIS” returned from its winter hiatus.
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
Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/eqF5y6GSNw — Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
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!
— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
The 47-year-old actor has starred on the CBS drama since it spun off from “JAG” in 2003. His co-stars Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette and David McCallum also started at the show’s inception.
McCallum let slip Weatherly’s exit a day earlier in interview published by UK’s Vulture Hound Magazine. He plans to play Donald “Ducky” Mallard for another season if his health allows him at 82 years old.
“NCIS” airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS.
