Rocky Carroll is looking back with gratitude after wrapping his historic run as Leon Vance on NCIS.
The actor revealed he was initially shocked to learn his character would be killed off in the show’s milestone 500th episode, especially since the decision wasn’t something he had planned himself. However, he soon embraced the storyline and its significance.
Carroll described his nearly two-decade tenure as extraordinary, comparing it to a lifetime achievement in television.
Vance’s death comes while protecting the agency from a corrupt agent, delivering a dramatic and heroic sendoff for one of the show’s most respected leaders.
And while fans are still reacting emotionally to the twist, Carroll confirmed the possibility remains open for Vance to return in future flashback scenes—meaning the character’s legacy isn’t finished just yet. ⭐