'NCIS' Season 14 Update: A Closer Look at Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo; His Character Is Not Coming Back to the Show
Female audiences used to criticize him for being chauvinistic but when Michael Weatherly decided to tone down his character's portrayal in "NCIS," Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo was received better. However, being a charming goofball continued to amuse and annoy some critics at the same time. CBS and Weatherly have both confirmed in January 2016 that he is departing the show. Recently, reports say that Weatherly is making a comeback to the series but it appears that it's not happening at all.
Weatherly left "NCIS" after his character Tony DiNozzo found out that he has a living daughter with former Special Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). David was killed during a mortar attack in Israel. Senior NCIS field agent DiNozzo left the series to look for answers and take care of his daughter. Weatherly told TV Insider that his departure stemmed from de Pablo's exit and his dream of branching out professionally.
Fans were thrilled upon learning that Weatherly is making a comeback to the police procedural series as his character become famous among viewers. However, the recent news of him not returning to the show broke their hearts. It is said that Weatherly decided not to return to the show following Mark Harmon's plans of leaving the series. Harmon played as NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in "NCIS."
Celebeat reports that Harmon has a serious health condition and plans to leave the show to take care of his health. It is said that his doctor recommended him to rest for a while to get back to being healthy again. Many fans believe that Harmon's plans leaving the series has affected Weatherly's decision of not returning to "NCIS."
Weatherly appeared on both series "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "NCIS: New Orleans" with Mark Harmon. The two has developed a strong friendship during their time in "NCIS" and fans believe that one can't perform without the other. Nonetheless, fans are still hoping that Weatherly would change his mind and decides to return to the series soon.