Sonja Flemming/CBS(NEW YORK) — NCIS star Michael Weatherly announced Tuesday that he is leaving the hit CBS drama.
Weatherly, who plays Special Agent Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, has been with the show since its premiere in 2003.
In a series of tweets, he wrote, “DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn’t have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons. [CBS President and CEO] 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!” he added.
CBS said in a statement obtained by TVLine.com that Weatherly “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.”
The network noted that Weatherly will leave at the end of the current season. It said it will continue to collaborate on projects with Weatherly as part of an ongoing development deal.
NCIS also stars Mark Harmon and Pauley Perrette.
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