For more than a decade, Michael Weatherly brought wit, charm, and just the right amount of mischief to Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo on NCIS. Now, as he reprises the fan-favorite role in Paramount+’s NCIS: Tony & Ziva opposite Cote de Pablo, Weatherly is also taking a moment to look back at the unforgettable guest stars who made his time on the original series even more special.
Revisiting the Golden Era of Guest Stars
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the New York City screening of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, the 57-year-old actor lit up when asked about his favorite celebrity guest appearances during his 13-season run.
“Wow. I mean, there are so many funny stories,” Weatherly said with a smile. “Charles Durning was a really amazing guest star. Bob Newhart was hilarious, and I got to watch him do something that, it’s too long a story for here, but I’ve probably told it somewhere. And Robert Wagner, of course—he became the guest star that recurred as my father. We got to meet so many Hollywood royalty. Lily Tomlin. Just so many people. It’s hard to pick a favorite.”
For Weatherly, these appearances weren’t just cameos; they were opportunities to learn from some of the most respected performers in Hollywood.
Charles Durning: An Emmy-Nominated Turn
Durning, best known for Dog Day Afternoon and Tootsie, left his mark on NCIS in season 2 when he played a Marine veteran in an Emmy-nominated performance. His presence elevated the procedural into something richer, reminding audiences—and cast members—of the depth the show could achieve.
Bob Newhart: A Lesson in Comedy and Craft
Weatherly was quick to single out comedy legend Bob Newhart, who guest-starred as Walter Magnus, a former NCIS Chief Medical Examiner, in season 8. Newhart’s signature dry humor brought levity to the series, and Weatherly recalls that his time on set came with invaluable lessons.
“Bob taught me something, just by the way he worked,” Weatherly explained, adding that the performance stayed with him long after filming wrapped.
Newhart passed away at 94 in 2024, making his NCIS role even more meaningful to fans who remember his scene-stealing wit.
Robert Wagner: From TV Father to Lifelong Friend
Perhaps the most memorable guest star for Weatherly was Robert Wagner, who portrayed Anthony DiNozzo Sr., Tony’s larger-than-life father. Appearing in 13 episodes, Wagner brought warmth and humor to the father-son dynamic, often giving fans a deeper look into DiNozzo’s complicated family life.
The connection between the two actors ran deeper than their on-screen bond. In 2004, Weatherly portrayed a young Wagner in The Mystery of Natalie Wood, cementing a unique Hollywood link. Years later, Weatherly shared a candid photo of the two catching up, writing: “Hanging #oldschool with the incomparable Robert Wagner last night. Beautiful, baby.”
Other Hollywood Greats Who Stepped Into the NCIS World
NCIS has long attracted an eclectic list of guest stars. From Jamie Lee Curtis to Zac Efron, Millie Bobby Brown, and Taye Diggs, the series became a playground for Hollywood’s finest, each leaving a unique stamp on the crime procedural’s legacy.
For Weatherly, these encounters were part of what made his years on NCIS feel like “a masterclass in television.”
Tony & Ziva: A New Chapter Begins
While Weatherly reminisces fondly about the past, his focus is firmly on the future. In NCIS: Tony & Ziva, he and Cote de Pablo reunite for an action-packed European adventure. The story finds Tony and Ziva on the run with their daughter after learning they’ve become targets, forcing them to confront old wounds and relearn how to trust each other.
“It’s about survival, yes,” Weatherly explained at the screening, “but it’s also about rediscovery. Can Tony and Ziva really find their unconventional happily ever after?”
The spinoff, led by showrunner John McNamara, also stars Amita Suman, Maximilian Osinski, Lara Rossi, Isla Gie, Nassima Benchicou, Terence Maynard, Julian Ovenden, and James D’Arcy.
Why the Memories Still Matter
With NCIS about to enter its 23rd season and Tony & Ziva delivering a fresh twist on a beloved romance, Weatherly’s reflections serve as a reminder of how the series grew into a cultural giant. Its power wasn’t only in its mysteries or action sequences—it was in the relationships, the humor, and the moments when Hollywood royalty walked through the doors of Gibbs’ squad room.
“Looking back,” Weatherly said, “it really was like a family. And when those legends came to play with us, it made it feel even more special.”
✨ Bottom Line: Michael Weatherly isn’t just celebrating the return of Tony DiNozzo—he’s honoring the guest stars who helped define NCIS’s golden years. And as Tony & Ziva gives fans a long-awaited reunion, those memories of Hollywood royalty ensure the past remains just as treasured as the future.
