Michael Weatherly Leaving ‘NCIS’

Michael Weatherly is exiting “NCIS.”

The actor, who plays Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, is leaving the CBS hit show at the end of the current season. 

“DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons,” Michael wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

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“Les Moonves & CBS gave me the
opportunity of a lifetime,” he continued on Twitter, posting a pic with
co-star Pauley
Perrette (Moonves is President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS).

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!” he added, concluding his Tweets. 

CBS also issued a statement over the news.

“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 #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,” the network’s statement read.

— Jolie Lash