After years of playing fan-favorite Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, Michael Weatherly’s departure from the show came as a shock to fans. While his exit left many wondering about the reasons behind his decision, new details have shed light on a key factor: romance. The actor recently revealed that a significant romantic relationship played a major role in his choice to walk away from the series. Weatherly admitted that after many years working on the show, he felt it was time for a change—not just professionally, but personally as well.

At the time of his departure, Weatherly had developed a romantic relationship with NCIS producer and fellow actress, Bojana Novakovic. This relationship, which eventually led to marriage, became a major catalyst for his decision to leave the show. Weatherly shared that he wanted to focus more on his personal life and prioritize his relationship, especially after spending much of his career working long hours away from loved ones. The desire to step back from the demanding NCIS schedule allowed him to explore new chapters in both his personal and professional life.

Weatherly’s exit wasn’t abrupt or out of the blue; he had been considering leaving for some time. While NCIS was a major part of his career, he expressed that the intense workload and the emotional toll of playing Tony DiNozzo had left him craving new opportunities. His decision to step away from the character was influenced not only by his relationship with Novakovic but also by a desire to pursue new creative ventures and focus on projects that would allow him more balance in his life.

Since leaving NCIS, Weatherly has gone on to find success with Bull, a legal drama series where he starred as Dr. Jason Bull. His exit from NCIS remains a bittersweet moment for fans, but understanding the romantic and personal motivations behind it offers closure to the mystery of why the beloved character, Tony DiNozzo, ultimately left the team. Fans can still fondly remember Weatherly’s iconic portrayal of Tony, but now they can also appreciate the personal reasons that led to his decision.