US EditionCincy Actor Has Character Killed Off Hit CBS Show After 18 Seasons
Director Leon Vance was fatally shot by a corrupt agent in NCIS's 500th episode, marking a major turning point after 18 seasons, producers said.
- On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, NCIS aired its milestone 500th episode, killing off Director Leon Vance after 18 seasons on the long-running CBS crime procedural.
- Executive producer Steven D. Binder decided to kill off Vance for the 500th episode to create a 'spectacular' moment, aiming to send 'shockwaves through the TV community and the fan base.'
- During the episode, Vance was fatally shot by a corrupt agent while saving the agency, then experienced a surreal reunion with the young version of late Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard before entering heaven.
- Vance's sacrifice saved the agency from a smuggling conspiracy, leading to NCIS's reinstatement and the return of Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker from retirement.
- Despite his character's departure, Rocky Carroll will continue directing episodes for the show; he already returned to set in January to film an upcoming Season 24 episode.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Who Killed Leon Vance? Inside the Brutal Conspiracy in the NCIS 500th Episode
In its landmark 500th episode, aired on CBS on 24 March 2026, NCIS sprang a gut-wrenching twist. It killed off Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll across 18 seasons. A treacherous Army CID agent shot him dead while Vance fought desperately to save the agency. The betrayal played out in season 23's episode 13. Vance held firm against a shadowy smuggling ring out to bury NCIS forever. Fans of the show's tough procedural edge reeled from t…
Rocky Carroll's long-running 'NCIS' character Leon Vance is dead (and that's OK with him)
Actor Rocky Carroll, whose character Leon Vance has been part of 'NCIS' since 2008, had a life-changing 500th episode Tuesday night. Now he's talking about the big twist.
Is Rocky Carroll leaving “NCIS”? Unpacking the 500th episode's shocking twist
"NCIS" is going to look a lot different from here on out. Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance in 'NCIS' season 23Credit: CBSWarning: This article contains spoilers for NCIS season 23, episode 13, "All Good Things." All good things must come to an end. It's right there in the title of NCIS's 500th episode, which puts an end to a very good thing, indeed — Rocky Carroll's performance as the toothpick-chewing, no-nonsense NCIS director Leon Vance.Vance, who…
‘NCIS’ Shocks Fans With Major Character Death After 18 Seasons & The Actor Speaks Out | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip
NCIS‘ Steven D. Binder is addressing a shocking death in the series, and the actor is also speaking out about their future on the show. The executive producer and showrunner of the hit CBS series spoke out in a new interview about a particularly emotional exit after nearly two decades that just aired on Tuesday (March 24). Keep reading to find out more… The 500th episode of NCIS sadly saw the exit of Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll …
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