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Michael Weatherly spent years as Tony DiNozzo onNCIS, always cracking jokes and charming his way through crime scenes. But for all his charisma, he was often seen as Mark Harmon’s second-in-command. That all changed when he finally stepped into the spotlight withBull.
No longer just the wisecracking sidekick, Weatherly took center stage as Dr. Jason Bull, a character built around his talents.
HowBulllet Michael Weatherly step out ofNCIS’Mark Harmon’s shadow
Michael Weatherly knew when to make his move. After 13 seasons as Tony DiNozzo onNCIS, he decided it was time to step away. But CBS wasn’t ready to let him go. Instead, they handed himBull, a fresh start and a chance to finallystep out of Mark Harmon’s shadow.
Unlike DiNozzo, who thrived under Gibbs’ leadership, Dr. Jason Bull was the one calling the shots. Weatherly embraced the shift. He no longer needed approval or validation. He was the leader now. The role let him trade in his plastic gun for something new: a deeper dive into human behavior.
“We miss you a little bit”: The NCIS Star Who Missed Michael Weatherly So Much She Facetimed Him After He Left the Show
Weatherly saw similarities between his two characters. DiNozzo had instincts, always guessing“the wife did it,”whileBull’s approach was more layered. He was still fascinated by people, but this time, he had the tools to understand them. The biggest change, though, was no longer answering to a boss like Gibbs. Weatherlysaid,
I think the DiNozzo that is in Bull is that he has a twinkle in his eye. He appreciates human behavior. People are fascinating. I think Tony always had his own predictive thing. He always thought it was the wife. But Bull’s a little bit more expansive in his thinking.
He continued,
But what it really comes down to is DiNozzo required this framework, where there was somebody above him. He needed Gibbs [Mark Harmon] to sit on him, hold him down, and mentor him. He needed that approval and validation and that inclusion. He needed that family.
Bull has this team. They have a family dynamic and he’s a leader inside it. Unlike Gibbs, Bull is not coming at it from a place of ruling by fear or intimidation. He rules with a more inclusive, Kumbaya, up with people [attitude].
OnNCIS,DiNozzo needed structure. He craved guidance. In Bull, the dynamic flipped. Weatherly led a team, but not through fear or intimidation.Bull’sleadership was built on inclusivity – a sharp contrast to Gibbs’ rule.
Pauley Perrette: “Grueling” NCIS Schedule Is Why Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, and Sean Murray Couldn’t Be in More Movies
Stepping intoBullgave Weatherly the freedom he had been looking for. No more sidekick status. No more second-in-command. This was his show, his spotlight. And after years of playing the comic relief, he finally proved he could carry a series on his own.
How Michael Weatherly’s real slap becameNCIS’most iconic running gag
Michael Weatherly’s flirtatious charmdidn’t just define Tony DiNozzo; it gaveNCISone of its funniest running gags. That famous Gibbs slap? It wasn’t scripted. It was all Mark Harmon.
Backwhen Weatherly joinedNCIS, he had a reputation as a ladies’ man. Fresh off a breakup with Jessica Alba, he was chatting up a young extra on set. Harmon wasn’t having it. Out of nowhere, he smacked Weatherly on the back of the head.
The producers loved it. The slap made it into the scene, and just like that, anNCIStradition was born. Fans ate it up. Every time DiNozzo got too cheeky, Gibbs was there to set him straight.
Michael Weatherly’s Flirtatious Nature Gave Birth to NCIS’ Most Hilarious Gibbs-Dinozzo Trend – Report
Even though DiNozzo has moved on, the slap remains legendary – proof thatNCIS’ best moments weren’t always scripted.
NCISandBullare available to watch on Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
