The Demands of NCIS: Why Sasha Alexander Walked Away
The entertainment industry is a world of excitement and challenges, especially for TV actors working on hit shows. While landing a leading role might seem like the pinnacle of success, the reality can often be far more grueling. For Sasha Alexander, who portrayed fan-favorite Agent Kate Todd on NCIS, the intense demands of the job led to a difficult decision to leave the show.
Donald Bellisario’s Tough Call
Alexander’s departure wasn’t an impulsive move. In fact, it left the show’s creator, Donald Bellisario, with a tough choice. As he revealed in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Alexander approached him in tears, expressing that she could no longer handle the long hours and demanding schedule.
“I had already started writing the last episode of the season and was getting ready to go to Australia for a break,” Bellisario shared. “Sasha came in two days before I was to leave, and with tears in her eyes, she said, ‘I just can’t work this hard.’”
Understanding her struggles, Bellisario decided not to force Alexander to stay. “You don’t want to force someone to work when she says this is not what she expected it to be,” he explained. Though letting her go was a tough decision, especially given her on-screen chemistry with co-star Michael Weatherly, Bellisario respected her wishes.
Why Sasha Alexander Left
The decision to leave NCIS wasn’t an easy one for Alexander, especially considering how much fans loved her character. However, the grueling schedule—filming 24 episodes a year, often for 17-hour days—had taken a toll on her.
In an interview with TV Guide, Alexander reflected on her time with the show:
“People don’t realize that on a network show, you make 24 episodes a year—that’s 10½ months a year, 17 hours a day. It’s hardcore. Plus, people really loved the character, and the way they did it was really shocking… it was a bullet to the head, you know?”
Despite the backlash from devoted fans, stepping away allowed Alexander to prioritize her well-being and pursue other opportunities.
Life After NCIS
After leaving NCIS, Alexander took on a leading role in Rizzoli & Isles, which offered her the work-life balance she needed. The shocking death of Agent Kate Todd disappointed many fans, but it ultimately allowed Alexander to explore a career that better aligned with her personal and professional goals.
Sometimes, stepping back is necessary to move forward, and Alexander’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and well-being—even in the face of fan expectations.
You can stream NCIS on Paramount+.
