NCIS stunned longtime viewers during its milestone 500th episode by saying goodbye to Director Leon Vance — one of the series’ most enduring characters. After nearly two decades on the show, Rocky Carroll reflected on the surprising storyline, calling it a meaningful tribute to the character’s legacy.
Carroll revealed he learned about Vance’s fate months before filming the farewell scenes and had time to process the emotional send-off. Rather than seeing the exit as abrupt, the actor described the episode as a “love letter” that honored the character’s journey.
Having joined the show in Season 5, Carroll never expected his role to last 18 seasons. Now, even though Vance’s story has reached its conclusion, he remains closely connected to the series through his ongoing work as a director — and doesn’t rule out future appearances.