Max Thieriot Details His Emotional Reaction to Exiting ‘SEAL Team’
For SEAL Team fans, one of the most difficult moments in recent television history was learning that Max Thieriot, who played the fan-favorite character Clay Spenser, would be leaving the show. Thieriot, who had been a central figure in the series since its premiere in 2017, became synonymous with the role of the dedicated and sometimes tortured Navy SEAL. But in 2022, the actor made the heartbreaking decision to exit the series as a series regular in its sixth season.
While this decision sent shockwaves through the SEAL Team community, Thieriot has finally opened up about his emotional journey through the process of leaving the show. The actor’s departure was not just a career shift, but also a deeply personal moment for him, as it represented both the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. In this article, we will explore the emotional aspects of Thieriot’s decision, his reflections on his time with SEAL Team, and what this means for both the actor and the show moving forward.
Max Thieriot’s Journey on ‘SEAL Team’
1. The Rise of Clay Spenser
Max Thieriot’s portrayal of Clay Spenser, a Navy SEAL who struggled with the emotional toll of war while balancing family and personal relationships, made him a fan favorite from the start. As a character, Clay was known for his complex nature—combining grit, strength, vulnerability, and a deep commitment to his teammates. His journey from a rookie SEAL to a seasoned operator who navigated personal and professional struggles resonated with many viewers, making Thieriot’s exit all the more emotional for fans who had come to know and love the character over five seasons.
2. The Show’s Impact on Thieriot
For Thieriot, SEAL Team was more than just a job. It became a family. The bond formed with his co-stars, the crew, and even the military consultants was something he held dearly. SEAL Team wasn’t just about playing a role—it was about embodying the sacrifices that real-life Navy SEALs make every day. In interviews, Thieriot has mentioned how deeply the role impacted him, noting that he gained a profound respect for the military and its men and women in uniform. But it wasn’t just the show’s storyline that left a mark—it was the relationships built during the show’s run that would make his departure all the more emotional.
Max Thieriot’s Emotional Reaction to Exiting ‘SEAL Team’
In his own words, Thieriot described his exit from SEAL Team as “bittersweet.” Although his decision to leave was ultimately a professional one, the emotional weight of leaving his SEAL Team family was something that took him by surprise. He openly admits that the emotional farewell to the show, his character, and his colleagues was far more difficult than he initially anticipated.
1. The Strain of Leaving a Character Behind
Clay Spenser had been a part of Thieriot’s life for several years, and the actor had become emotionally attached to the character. Like many actors who pour their hearts into their roles, leaving a beloved character behind is not always an easy task. Thieriot explained that Clay had become a reflection of himself in some ways, and that saying goodbye to him was akin to saying goodbye to a part of his own identity.
“I spent a lot of years growing with this character, and Clay was with me through some pretty important years of my life. Saying goodbye was more than just a career shift—it was an emotional farewell to someone I had poured a lot of myself into. I had a lot of pride in playing him, and in a way, I grew up alongside him,” Thieriot shared.
2. The ‘Brotherhood’ of the Cast
One of the most poignant aspects of Thieriot’s exit was his departure from the SEAL Team cast, many of whom he considered close friends and “brothers.” The camaraderie between the actors on-screen translated to real-life bonds that were difficult to leave behind. For Thieriot, SEAL Team wasn’t just a job—it was a family. His castmates, including David Boreanaz, Neil Brown Jr., A.J. Buckley, and Jessica Paré, became his support system, and their relationships off-screen mirrored the ones that developed on-screen between their characters.
“I’ve always said this show is about the brotherhood, and that’s true not just on screen but off screen as well,” Thieriot said. “The bond we share as actors is something I will carry with me forever. It’s hard to put into words how much this cast and crew meant to me. It’s not just a job we did; it’s a life we lived together.”
The emotional toll of leaving such a close-knit team was something Thieriot didn’t expect. The thought of not seeing his co-stars every day, of not filming in the same high-stress environments where they had all shared victories and defeats, made his exit from SEAL Team especially difficult.
3. Transitioning to New Opportunities
Though leaving SEAL Team was emotionally challenging, Thieriot also expressed excitement about exploring new opportunities. His decision to leave the show was largely driven by a desire to pursue other creative ventures, particularly his passion for writing, directing, and producing. Thieriot has since launched his own production company and is exploring new roles both behind and in front of the camera.
“It’s a complicated thing, leaving something that you’ve worked so hard on and invested so much of yourself in, but at the same time, there’s a part of me that is excited to see what else is out there. I’m ready for new challenges, and I’ve always loved the idea of exploring different creative outlets,” Thieriot explained.
His passion for new projects was clear when he spoke about his upcoming work, including a new TV series and potential movie roles. He also mentioned how important it was for him to grow as a storyteller and continue to challenge himself creatively.
Why Thieriot’s Departure Was a Turning Point for ‘SEAL Team’
1. A Shift in the Show’s Dynamic
Thieriot’s exit from SEAL Team marked a significant shift in the show’s dynamic. As one of the central characters, Clay’s absence left a noticeable void in the narrative. The series had always focused on the close relationships between the team members, particularly the bond between Clay and Jason (played by David Boreanaz). With Clay’s departure, fans were uncertain how the team would cope with this loss, both emotionally and strategically.
“Clay’s journey had always been intertwined with Jason’s. The two of them had a bond that wasn’t just about their work as SEALs but about their personal struggles and triumphs. Losing Clay is a big deal for both Jason and the show,” Thieriot noted.
To keep the show fresh and emotionally engaging, the creators introduced new characters and storylines, but the departure of such a pivotal character undoubtedly left a gap. Fans have since expressed a mix of emotions, from sadness at the loss of a favorite character to curiosity about how the show would evolve without him.
2. The Legacy of Clay Spenser
Max Thieriot’s portrayal of Clay Spenser was one of the most memorable aspects of SEAL Team. The character’s complex personality, filled with vulnerability, determination, and a commitment to his fellow SEALs, resonated with audiences. Clay’s evolution from a rookie to a seasoned operator mirrored Thieriot’s own journey on the show, and his departure signals the end of an era for SEAL Team.
“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Clay. He taught me so much, not just as an actor but as a person,” Thieriot said. “He was a reflection of so many of the things I value—loyalty, bravery, and the strength to admit when you’re struggling.”
Though Thieriot has left the series, the legacy of Clay Spenser will continue to live on in the hearts of fans who followed his journey from the very beginning.
What’s Next for Max Thieriot?
Max Thieriot has already stepped into new roles and projects following his exit from SEAL Team. His decision to leave the show has opened up new doors for him both as an actor and as a producer. Thieriot is currently involved in a number of exciting projects, including a lead role in a new drama series and the development of several film projects.
For fans of Thieriot, it’s not the end of his career but rather a new beginning. His next ventures promise to showcase his versatility as both an actor and a creator, and it’s clear that his time on SEAL Team has only set the stage for even greater opportunities.
