Before becoming a household name as the charming and witty Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, Michael Weatherly was just another fresh-faced actor trying to make his mark in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. However, his very first foray into acting came with a memorable (and somewhat embarrassing) misstep that almost cost him big—both professionally and personally.
It all went down during his first-ever acting gig: a guest appearance on The Cosby Show. The role? He was cast as the roommate of Theo Huxtable after the original actor had to drop out. Weatherly was thrilled, but little did he know, his antics would soon make a lasting impression on one of the biggest stars of the time—Bill Cosby himself.
An Unexpected Encounter with Bill Cosby
In 2012, Weatherly shared the story during an interview on CBS This Morning, recalling his first meeting with Cosby. “She called me and said, ‘Get out to Queens, you’re gonna meet Bill Cosby. If he signs off on you, you’re working this afternoon.’” Weatherly recalls. He was ushered into Cosby’s dressing room, where the legendary comedian sat in a track suit, puffing on a cigar with a rubber chicken nailed to his door. A quirky introduction, to say the least.
But things quickly took a turn when Weatherly, eager to make a memorable impression, revealed just how much of a “greenhorn” he really was.
The “Token White Guy” Incident
“I didn’t know my a** from my elbow,” Weatherly admitted, laughing about his rookie mistake. During rehearsals, he decided to tape a subway token to his forehead as a joke, proudly declaring, “I’m the token white guy.” Unfortunately, the joke didn’t land the way he intended. Cosby, known for his sharp wit and high expectations, wasn’t exactly amused.
When Cosby asked, “What’s that?” Weatherly proudly explained his joke, but it didn’t go over well. As he put it, “They did not invite me back.” In hindsight, it’s clear that Weatherly’s attempt to be the life of the party may have crossed a line, especially in the eyes of Cosby, who was deeply committed to the professionalism of the show.
From Embarrassment to NCIS Stardom
Though Weatherly’s first brush with Hollywood fame didn’t go as planned, the actor didn’t let that setback define him. He would go on to land roles in several TV shows and movies, and eventually, he became the beloved Tony DiNozzo on NCIS—one of the most successful and long-running procedural dramas in TV history.
As for The Cosby Show, that was a one-time gig for Weatherly. Despite his awkward debut, he learned valuable lessons that would guide him throughout his career, ensuring that the next time he shared a stage with a legend, he’d be a little more prepared for the spotlight.
In the end, it was a priceless lesson in humility—and perhaps a reminder that, in Hollywood, sometimes you have to know when to dial back the jokes, especially when dealing with icons like Bill Cosby.
