In a heartfelt and emotional interview, longtime NCIS star  Wilmer Valderrama has officially confirmed their exit from the beloved series. Fighting back tears, the actor revealed that the decision was “one of the hardest” they’ve ever had to make in their career.

“I’ve grown with this character, with this cast, and with the fans,” they said during the interview. “Leaving NCIS feels like saying goodbye to family.” The emotional moment left fans reeling, especially after weeks of rumors and speculation about their future on the show.

The actor’s departure marks another major change in a series that has already said goodbye to several original cast members over the years. While they didn’t give away specific details about how their character will exit, they did promise a “powerful send-off” that honors their journey on the show.

Fans across social media shared their heartbreak and support. “Not ready for this,” one fan posted. “They’ve been the soul of the show for years.” As NCIS prepares to move forward, the loss of another fan-favorite leaves a noticeable void that won’t be easily filled.