Michael Weatherly’s role as Tony DiNozzo on NCIS not only skyrocketed his career but also showcased his knack for improvisation, leaving a lasting mark on the show and its audience. Before landing the part, Weatherly was in a challenging phase, waiting tables and busking on subways. While he had some prior acting credits, it was his portrayal of the witty and charismatic DiNozzo that brought him widespread fame.
One of Weatherly’s most iconic improvised moments came during the season 7 episode Truth or Consequences. In this episode, Tony is interrogated under the influence of truth serum as Gibbs, McGee, and Tony risk their lives to save Ziva from a Somali prison camp. Reflecting on the scene during an interview at Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch with Cote de Pablo, Weatherly revealed he ad-libbed a line that left a lasting impression.
During the intense interrogation, Tony, confident in Gibbs’ impending rescue, exudes his trademark sarcasm. After being struck, Weatherly improvised: “Can I get a glass of chardonnay? Because that would go so well with the taste of blood I have in my mouth.” The line was so memorable that CBS included it in the show’s promotional trailer.
For Weatherly, this moment marked a turning point in how NCIS was marketed. While the show had long been successful, he felt its unique tone and humor hadn’t been fully captured in prior commercials. The season 7 trailer, featuring his improvised line, highlighted the blend of drama and humor that set NCIS apart from other procedural dramas.
Although Weatherly left the show after 13 seasons, he made a cameo in season 21 to honor the late David McCallum. Fans are eagerly anticipating his reunion with Cote de Pablo in the upcoming spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva, cementing his enduring connection to the series that transformed his career.
