Rocky Carroll recently reflected on his emotional journey as he bids farewell to his beloved character, Director Leon Vance, in the long-running television series NCIS. After 18 seasons of portraying the steadfast leader of the NCIS team, Carroll’s character met a shocking fate during the show’s landmark 500th episode, which aired on 24 March. This significant event has left a major mark on both the series and its dedicated fanbase.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Carroll recounted the moment he was informed of Vance’s impending demise. The actor revealed that the show’s executive producer, Steve Binder, approached him in November with plans for a dramatic turning point in the NCIS storyline. “We want to do something big. We want to do something that shocks our loyal viewers and just really turns the NCIS universe upside down,” Carroll recalls Binder saying, which immediately piqued his interest.
The plot unveiled to Carroll involved a conspiracy to dismantle the agency, with Vance ultimately sacrificing his life to protect it. This twist not only took Carroll by surprise but also evoked a profound moment of reflection for him. “I remember sitting there for a minute and having this out-of-body experience,” he shared. As the gravity of the situation sank in, he acknowledged the weightiness of the storyline and expressed admiration for the creative direction the show was taking.
As he considered his departure, Carroll noted that his acceptance of the storyline came remarkably quickly. “Honestly, it is a great story. It’s a terrific story,” he stated, highlighting the narrative’s core message of justice. This theme resonates deeply with viewers, emphasising the traditional good versus evil dynamic that has been a hallmark of the series since its inception.
On the day of filming his final scenes, Carroll found the atmosphere on set to be particularly poignant. His unique experience as both an actor and director gave him a deeper connection to his colleagues, making the farewell even more emotional. “I have a very unique and different relationship with the guys on the crew,” he explained, emphasising the bonds formed through his multiple roles on the show.
This farewell was not just a goodbye for Carroll; it was also an opportunity to honour his character. Carroll revealed that one of he and Binder’s foremost concerns was to ensure that the audience felt the depth of the moment. Upon completion of filming, he felt the tribute was successfully conveyed. Carroll recalled Binder expressing that it would be “a love letter to your character,” and he believes they achieved that sentiment.
Having joined NCIS in 2008 during its fifth season, Carroll had never anticipated such a lengthy tenure on the show. He expressed gratitude for the chance to have such a fulfilling run, comparing it to living a long life. “Eighteen seasons, to me, that’s the equivalent of living to be 105,” he joked, noting the bittersweetness of the occasion while also expressing appreciation for the experiences gained throughout his time on the series.
Although his time as Vance has drawn to a close, Carroll is optimistic about his future with NCIS. He teased the prospect of returning in a different capacity, mentioning discussions about flashbacks that could potentially feature Vance. “I’m sort of a visiting relative,” he said. “It’s not your traditional, ‘He shot his last scene and there he goes off into the sunset, never to be seen again.”
As he embraces this new chapter, Carroll is also contemplating life beyond NCIS. He shared aspirations of following in the footsteps of notable figures like Anthony Bourdain, hoping to embark on adventures that involve exploring diverse cultures and cuisines. “Having my own show, à la Tony Shalhoub or Eva Longoria, would be the fun job if I wasn’t acting or directing,” he revealed.
For now, he is taking the time to enjoy his experiences and reflect on the remarkable journey NCIS has afforded him. After nearly two decades of storytelling, Carroll’s commitment to the series and his character of Director Vance will surely be remembered fondly by fans long after he steps away from the role.