The departure of NCIS stars like Pauley Perrette, Mark Harmon, and Michael Weatherly has left fans with countless questions about the reasons behind their exits. Pauley Perrette, who portrayed Abby Sciuto, announced her departure in 2018, citing a desire for a new chapter in her career and personal life. While the official reasons remain somewhat private, Perrette has hinted at behind-the-scenes tensions and her decision to leave was partially influenced by wanting to avoid the toxic work environment rumors that surfaced in the media. Despite the speculation, she expressed her gratitude for her time on the show and her love for the fans.

Mark Harmon, who played the beloved Leroy Jethro Gibbs, also made the decision to step back from NCIS after 18 seasons. His departure was not as abrupt as Perrette’s, as Harmon chose to reduce his role in the show due to personal reasons and a desire to focus on other creative projects. Similarly, Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo, left the show in 2016 to pursue a new venture with the series Bull. While Weatherly’s exit was more centered around exploring new opportunities, both he and Harmon left NCIS at the peak of their careers, reinforcing that sometimes stars step away from iconic roles to pursue personal growth, creative freedom, and a need for change.