If you’re a huge NCIS and Tony DiNozzo fan, then you had better grab a box of tissues. Basically, what I’m about to tell you is so much worse than that time Cote de Pablo exited the show. That’s right; this news is even more heartbreaking than saying goodbye to Ziva David.
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Michael Weatherly is leaving NCIS after 13 seasons, the actor confirmed via Twitter Tuesday. Alongside several photos, he wrote, “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!”
He will make his final appearance as the lovable and hilarious DiNozzo at the end of the current season. If you need to cry, scream or curl up in the fetal position, by all means please do. I’ve been there, done that.
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
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TV Line, who first reported the news alongside Weatherly, revealed it was the actor’s decision to leave and also released the following statement from CBS.
“After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this 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. 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.”
Before any confirmation was made about the devastating exit, NCIS‘ David McCallum let Weatherly’s departure slip in an interview with U.K.’s Vulture Hound. “DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, we’ve told people a long time ago, is leaving at the end of the season,” he spilled. “So the writers have to decide what to do when one of the four members of the original cast leaves.”
Despite the heartbreaking news, fans are reacting in an unexpected, yet touching, way. On Twitter, they started using the hashtag “#ThankfulForDiNozzo” and expressing how much they’ll miss him and what they love about him so much. The tweets just go to show you how much of an impact Weatherly has made as Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo.
#ThankfulforDiNozzo because how many guys would burn an Puccini CD to help their grieving soulmate memorialize her sisters birthday?
— talimom (@BrooksDslbrooks) January 5, 2016
#ThankfulForDiNozzo for being part of the 3 musketeers. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iKvDPNlSAF
— “Diversity Tsarina” Rox (@Eteriy) January 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/xBrittnoe/status/684521753888997377
https://twitter.com/realityxash/status/684521702160732164
Even Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer tweeted his surprise, who has starred in a few Season 13 NCIS episodes.
.@M_Weatherly
WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!?Glad I got in under the wire. Hope we get to have some fun on the next one!
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) January 5, 2016
As someone who started watching NCIS because of both Weatherly and Tony, well, I am going to miss him immensely. That said, the series can make it up to me by reuniting Tony with Ziva at Season 13’s end. Even better, bring de Pablo back and show the two in Paris.
NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
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