Michael Weatherly Reveals the Surprising Inspiration Behind Tony DiNozzo’s Character!

Michael Weatherly, famous for his role as the charming and mischievous Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, opened up about how he shaped the character. Known for his humor and charm, Weatherly revealed that his inspiration came from none other than Supernatural star Jensen Ackles. After working together on Dark Angel, Weatherly admired Ackles’ relaxed and free-spirited approach, which influenced his portrayal of Tony. “I started watching all these movies with Cary Grant and thinking, ‘What did he do? How do I do that?’” Weatherly shared on the NCIS: Off Duty podcast.

But the behind-the-scenes story doesn’t stop there. Weatherly’s on-screen chemistry with Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David, was born from a rocky start. The two initially clashed during their audition, with Cote recalling, “I thought, ‘This guy is sabotaging my audition.’” However, their fiery dynamic evolved into a deep bond, reflecting Tony and Ziva’s complex relationship on screen.

From comedy to tension, Weatherly’s portrayal of Tony was a mix of years of experimentation and spontaneous improvisation, cementing him as the perfect fit for the role fans have come to love.