After 18 years as NCIS Director Leon Vance, Rocky Carroll’s departure from the long-running series came in dramatic fashion during the show’s 500th episode – a moment that left fans stunned.

Carroll admitted he didn’t initially know his character would be k1lled off. When producers revealed the plan, he was surprised, but quickly came to appreciate the impact of the storyline. Vance’s death – sacrificing himself to save the agency and expose corruption – offered a rare sense of closure, especially for such a central character in a series that has spanned more than two decades.

Watching the episode for the first time at a public screening, Carroll said he experienced it like any other viewer. His main concern was whether the episode would hold up – but he walked away impressed, calling it a powerful and well-executed installment.

When Carroll first joined NCIS in Season 5, his character wasn’t immediately embraced. Vance was initially seen as an outsider, a strict authority figure stepping into an established team. Over time, however, both the writers and cast helped shape him into a more layered character. Storylines exploring his personal life – especially the loss of his wife – allowed audiences to connect with him, eventually making him a core part of the NCIS family.

Carroll also revealed that the idea of k1lling off Vance had been discussed years earlier, but was repeatedly set aside as the character grew in importance, particularly through his strong on-screen relationship with Mark Harmon’s Gibbs.

Despite his character’s death, Carroll isn’t fully stepping away from the series. In addition to acting, he has directed episodes since 2015 and recently helmed multiple installments, including the return of Ellie Bishop. He’s already been invited back to direct again, and he hinted that Vance could still appear through flashbacks or as part of the show’s tradition of revisiting past characters.

Looking ahead, Carroll says he’s open to new opportunities but isn’t in a rush to commit to another demanding role. After nearly two decades on NCIS, he’s considering focusing on directing, or even taking time to travel and explore new creative paths.

While Vance’s death marks the end of a significant chapter, Carroll believes the character’s legacy will endure—perhaps even becoming more impactful in hindsight.