‘Can’t Do It Anymore’: SEAL Team Star David Boreanaz Set to Leave Drama After Season 7 to Give His Body a Break
David Boreanaz, despite his passion for portraying the reality of SEALs, has decided to take a break from the intense physical demands of the Paramount+ series. The actor will leave the military drama after the seventh and final season of SEAL Team, which is set to premiere with its first two episodes on Sunday, August 11. Boreanaz, 55, admitted that his body was strained, explaining that while he took good care of himself, the intense physical demands took their toll. “My body just couldn’t do it anymore!… I take good care of myself, but at some point, your body just doesn’t move the way it used to,” he candidly shared in a new interview with People ahead of SEAL Team Season 7’s premiere.
He emphasized the commitment he and his co-stars made to portraying the lives of the elite authentically, noting that “there are no shortcuts for soldiers” when filming realistic scenes and that they underwent rigorous training.
The father of two recounted one particularly challenging experience, saying he once carried a 250-pound stunt double on his back and twisted his ankle after tripping over a rock. “My ankle was swelling up, but I had to keep going. You learn from the SEALs how to push through pain,” the Bones star added. He described the SEALs as men who, even when faced with serious injuries, would still crack jokes as a coping mechanism.
Boreanaz also revealed that he has undergone four MRI scans in the past four months due to injuries to his knee, hip and shoulder sustained from the demanding role.
Still, the actor, best known for his role as Angel on WB’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has received recognition from real Navy SEALs for his “authentic” portrayal of their lives in the military. Boreanaz expressed deep gratitude that his work has resonated with many in the profession.
As his long run with SEAL Team, which debuted in 2017, draws to a close, the actor is looking forward to the holidays, although he admits that relaxing isn’t his forte. “Vacations are great until the second day, and then I’m on my knees thinking about what we’re going to do next,” he shared. He’s reportedly already committed to new projects.
Boreanaz, who is also a television producer and director, finds fulfillment in his work, which is his form of relaxation. He struggles to calm his mind and is eager to dive into his next project, reflecting his long television career. Despite his busy schedule, Boreanaz values presence and emphasizes it as the foundation of his work ethic. For now, he plans to spend time with his two children, Jaden, 22, and Bella, 15. Previous seasons of SEAL Team are available to stream on Paramount+, with new episodes of Season 7 airing weekly starting August 11.
