NCIS’s enduring success owes much to its iconic cast, including Agent Leroy Gibbs, Donald “Ducky” Mallard, and Tony DiNozzo. Tony, portrayed by Michael Weatherly, charmed fans for 13 seasons before his emotional departure.
But here’s the twist – Weatherly almost didn’t take the role. At the time, he was busy working on another project in Australia, playing actor Robert Wagner in ABC’s “The Mystery of Natalie Wood.” Despite his overseas commitment, NCIS creator Don Bellisario was determined to cast him.
Weatherly’s availability was a challenge, but Bellisario flew to Australia, where they discussed the opportunity. This meeting ultimately secured Weatherly’s role as Tony DiNozzo, a character beloved by fans for years.
The rest, as they say, is NCIS history. Tony’s complicated relationship with his father, portrayed by Robert Wagner, added depth to the character and became a memorable part of the show. The character was last seen in 2019, sharing updates about his son and Ziva’s new life in Paris with the NCIS team.