NCIS Kills Beloved Character After 18 Years — And Fans Aren't Happy

Popular police drama NCIS aired its landmark 500th episode on Wednesday night, and fans were in for a shock when series veteran Director Leon Vance was killed in an unexpected twist.

Vance—played by Rocky Caroll—has been a permanent member of the NCIS cast for eighteen years. He joined the cast in 2008 and quickly became a fan-favorite character, but the show's writers have now confirmed that he's gone for good.

It is never easy to say goodbye to any of our characters,” executive producer Steven D.