"NCIS" has reached a huge milestone this year: the CBS drama series recently concluded shooting its 300th episode - which is set to air on Tuesday, March 15. However, as the celebrations continue, cast members are bidding goodbye to Special Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, after 13 long seasons.
According to CinemaBlend, it was in January when Weatherly first revealed and confirmed that the 47-year-old actor will be leaving the show at the end of the current season.
Are DiNozzo and McGee reliving their glory days? #NCIS
A photo posted by NCIS (@ncis.cbs) on Jan 19, 2016 at 2:06pm PST
Talking to Entertainment Tonight, Weatherly shared his sentiments about leaving the show:
"I have had the most extraordinary journey and ride. It's been a hugely gratifying and awesome experience and I pray that when I'm in my old folks rest home - which is only a few years from now - that I will look back on these 300 episodes. I'm really most impressed with the audience that found this show and the fans out all around the world who love these characters. If anything, that's what's kept this show going." In spite of the saddening news, the whole "NCIS" cast and crew, as well as its fans, have been nothing but ecstatic about the show's longevity on the air.
Join us for the celebration of #NCIS' 300th episode! A photo posted by NCIS (@ncis.cbs) on Jan 29, 2016 at 4:25pm PST
"You kick it right back to the scripts and people," Mark Harmon replied regarding the show's success. "It's a very different collection of professionals who all are proud of what they do. They work hard every day, and we like coming to work, and we like each other."
Harmon, who's been playing the role of Special Agent Gibbs, added, "I've said often, there's nothing wrong with loving your job, and there's a lot to love here." He continued, "We've worked hard to get it to this place and [now] it's about taking an appreciation of that."
