In a stunning twist that left fans reeling, CBS drama "NCIS" killed off Director Leon Vance — portrayed by Rocky Carroll for nearly two decades — during the series' milestone 500th episode that aired Tuesday night, marking the end of one of television's longest-running character arcs while opening new storylines for the procedural powerhouse.

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The episode, titled "All Good Things," featured Vance fighting to protect his team and the agency amid a dramatic shutdown and merger into Army CID. In the emotional climax, Vance realizes he is speaking with a vision of the late Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard — portrayed in a younger form — who appears as an "angel of death." Vance then walks toward the light after being fatally shot, having sacrificed himself in the line of duty without wearing a vest.

Carroll, 62, who joined the show in Season 5 in 2008 as Assistant Director Vance before rising to the top role, spoke candidly in multiple interviews released Wednesday about the creative decision. He revealed he learned of the plot twist in November and shot his final scenes on Dec. 11.

"I've been able to wrap my mind around it and come to terms with it because I've known about this since November," Carroll told Variety. "The last scene, where Director Vance realizes that he's been talking to basically the grim reaper, the angel of death, and walks toward the light — that was shot on Dec. 11."

In an exclusive with People magazine, Carroll described the experience as "incredibly emotional," noting the weight of saying goodbye to a character who had become a central pillar of the NCIS universe. He emphasized that the decision to kill off Vance was not his own but a bold storytelling choice by the writers to create lasting impact during the landmark episode.

"It wasn't my idea," Carroll told TVLine. "I couldn't have asked for more" in terms of the quality of his exit storyline. He praised the script for giving Vance a heroic, meaningful send-off that tied into the show's themes of legacy, sacrifice and family.

The 500th episode also brought a surprise return of Ducky, a fan-favorite character previously played by the late David McCallum, further amplifying the emotional stakes. Fans took to social media with a mix of shock, heartbreak and praise for the performances, with many calling Carroll's work Emmy-worthy.

Despite the on-screen death, Carroll's connection to "NCIS" is far from over. The veteran actor and director — who has helmed more than two dozen episodes of the series — confirmed he will return behind the camera to direct at least one episode in the coming weeks of Season 23 and has been invited to continue directing in Season 24.

"When the smoke clears, I come back in a month to direct an episode. It's not as final as it might feel," Carroll said in a USA Today interview. He noted the show's history of "ghost stars" and flashbacks, joking that he might appear more frequently in that capacity than in real life.

Carroll also reflected on the rarity of his tenure. "For an actor to work one job, one character, on a hit series for 18 seasons, it's an anomaly," he said. "To me, it's the equivalent of living to be 105." He shared that his daughter, who was just 6 when he started on the show, will turn 25 in May and has known only this chapter of his career.

The milestone episode arrives as "NCIS" continues its remarkable run. The franchise has surpassed 1,000 episodes across its various iterations, a feat Carroll has previously called an "incredible, rare era" in television. CBS has renewed the flagship series for additional seasons, with Season 24 discussions already underway heading into the 2026-2027 television year.

Born Roscoe Carroll on July 8, 1963, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Tony-nominated actor built a diverse resume before joining "NCIS." He starred as Joey Emerson on the Fox comedy-drama "Roc" from 1991 to 1994 and earned acclaim for stage work, including performances in August Wilson's plays. His film credits include roles in "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" opposite Oprah Winfrey.

On "NCIS," Vance brought gravitas and complexity to the leadership role, often clashing with Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs while fiercely protecting his agents. Carroll's portrayal earned him a loyal following and respect within the industry for his steady presence amid cast changes, including the departures of original stars like Mark Harmon.

Producers have described the Vance exit as a creative evolution rather than the result of any behind-the-scenes conflict. The storyline allows the team to face new challenges without their longtime director, potentially introducing fresh dynamics and leadership shifts in upcoming episodes.

Fan reactions poured in immediately after the broadcast. Many expressed sadness over losing a beloved character, with comments like "NOOOOOOO!! They just killed Leon off for what????" appearing alongside praise for the "brilliant writing" and "powerful episode." Others noted the emotional weight, saying they had "tears in my eyes."

Carroll is scheduled to appear on "CBS Mornings" with Gayle King on Wednesday, March 25, to discuss the episode further. He has also teased participating in fan events, including potential Q&As where he anticipates fielding stunned questions about the twist.

Looking ahead, Carroll expressed gratitude for his time on the series and excitement about continuing to contribute creatively as a director. He highlighted the close-knit cast and crew, many of whom have become like family after nearly two decades of working together, watching each other's children grow up.

The death of Vance represents one of the most significant cast changes for "NCIS" in recent years and is expected to reverberate through the remainder of Season 23. Showrunners have hinted at exploring the team's resilience and adaptation in the wake of the loss, while leaving room for flashbacks or dream sequences involving the character if story needs arise.

"NCIS" remains a ratings juggernaut for CBS, consistently drawing millions of viewers weekly through a combination of procedural cases, character-driven drama and franchise crossovers. The 500th episode not only honored the show's history but also propelled it forward with high-stakes storytelling.

For Carroll, the experience has been bittersweet but ultimately fulfilling. "I spent the last 18 years on one of the most beloved shows on the planet," he reflected. As he transitions to a primarily behind-the-camera role, fans can expect his influence on the series to continue shaping its future.

The episode is now available for streaming on Paramount+ , where viewers can revisit Vance's journey from his introduction in Season 5 through his dramatic farewell.

As "NCIS" enters this new chapter without Director Vance on screen, Carroll's legacy as the steady hand guiding the agency endures — both in reruns and in the episodes he will help craft from the director's chair.