Michael Weatherly to leave 'NCIS' after 13 seasons

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Actor Michael Weatherly announced via Twitter Tuesday that he is leaving the CBS investigative drama NCIS after 13 seasons.

"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," he tweeted. "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime."

"I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!" he said in another Twitter post.

Weatherly, 47, did not give a reason for his departure or any details about how his character will make his exit. The actor made headlines when he was arrested in November on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons pic.twitter.com/GR7YSsmsKJ

— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016