“NCIS” has seen several cast members leave the show over its long run, and their departures have been due to various reasons, ranging from personal decisions to behind-the-scenes conflicts. Here’s a breakdown of why some of the key former stars of “NCIS” left the show:
1. Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo)
- Reason for Leaving: Michael Weatherly, who played the charismatic Tony DiNozzo, left the show in 2016 after 13 seasons. His departure was largely due to a desire for change and to explore new opportunities. He went on to star in the legal drama “Bull.”
- Quote: Weatherly mentioned he wanted to spend more time with his family and explore new creative challenges.
2. Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto)
- Reason for Leaving: Pauley Perrette, who portrayed the beloved forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, left the show in 2018 after 15 seasons. Her departure was surrounded by controversy, with Perrette hinting at on-set conflicts and safety concerns. She later revealed that she had a falling out with co-star Mark Harmon over an incident involving his dog biting a crew member.
- Quote: Perrette tweeted about being “terrified” on set, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes tension.
3. Cote de Pablo (Ziva David)
- Reason for Leaving: Cote de Pablo left “NCIS” in 2013 after playing Ziva David for eight seasons. Her departure was a surprise to fans, and de Pablo cited personal reasons and wanting to leave on her terms. She later expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of her character, leading to her exit.
- Quote: De Pablo mentioned she didn’t like the way Ziva’s storyline was going and felt it was time to move on.
4. Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)
- Reason for Leaving: Mark Harmon, the show’s lead as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, reduced his role in the show before officially leaving as a regular in 2021 during the 19th season. His decision was influenced by a desire to step back from acting and take on more of a behind-the-scenes role as an executive producer.
- Quote: Harmon hinted that Gibbs had run his course, and he wanted to pursue other endeavors.
5. Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd)
- Reason for Leaving: Sasha Alexander left the show after just two seasons. Her character, Caitlin Todd, was shockingly killed off in the season two finale. Alexander has stated that the demanding work schedule was too much, and she wanted to pursue other projects.
- Quote: Alexander said the show was physically demanding, and she needed a break from the grueling schedule.
6. Lauren Holly (Jenny Shepard)
- Reason for Leaving: Lauren Holly, who played NCIS Director Jenny Shepard, left the show in 2008 after three seasons. Her departure was reportedly mutual, and her character was killed off. Holly later shared that she felt bored and creatively unfulfilled, prompting her to leave.
- Quote: Holly stated she felt her character was no longer evolving, which led to her exit.
7. Jennifer Esposito (Alex Quinn)
- Reason for Leaving: Jennifer Esposito joined “NCIS” in Season 14 as Special Agent Alex Quinn, but she left after just one season. Her departure was explained as a creative decision by the show’s producers, who wanted to go in a different direction.
- Quote: Esposito tweeted that she wasn’t planning to leave but respected the showrunners’ decision.
8. Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop)
- Reason for Leaving: Emily Wickersham, who played Ellie Bishop, left the show after eight seasons in 2021. While she didn’t give a specific reason for her departure, Wickersham hinted at wanting to explore new opportunities and expressed gratitude for her time on the show.
- Quote: Wickersham shared on Instagram that it was a “good run” but it was time to move on.
9. Duane Henry (Clayton Reeves)
- Reason for Leaving: Duane Henry played MI6 officer Clayton Reeves and left the show in 2018 after two seasons. His character was killed off, and Henry later revealed that his departure was due to the showrunners not knowing how to further develop his character after the death of Gary Glasberg, the showrunner who had brought him on board.
- Quote: Henry mentioned that it was difficult to continue without Glasberg, who had a vision for Reeves.
10. David McCallum (Ducky Mallard)
- Reason for Leaving: Although David McCallum hasn’t officially left “NCIS,” his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard has significantly diminished in recent seasons. McCallum reduced his screen time to focus more on his personal life and semi-retirement.
- Quote: McCallum has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family while still occasionally appearing on the show.
These departures reflect a mix of personal decisions, creative differences, and, at times, behind-the-scenes tensions, all contributing to the ever-changing cast of “NCIS.”
