Can destiny be formed by the actors we admire on the big screen? For Michael Weatherly, the actor with a current net worth of $45 million, the answer is a booming ‘yes’! His role as Tony DiNozzo on the popular television series NCIS has made him widely recognized in the entertainment industry. In addition to his successful acting career, his charm & wit off-screen have earned him popularity among fans and other celebrities.
But imagine a young Weatherly who, like a true fan, is obsessed with Tom Hanks’ performances and unintentionally followed the Toy Story star into the acting world. Years later, after establishing his own acting career, Weatherly experienced a surreal twist of fate when he served drinks at Hanks’ party but someone mistakenly assumed him to be the waiter.
The Surprising Connection Between Michael Weatherly & Tom Hanks
You may know Michael Weatherly as the charming and talented actor from hit TV shows like NCIS, but did you know that his career was partially inspired by none other than Hollywood legend Tom Hanks?
In a 2008 TV Guide interview, Weatherly revealed that Hanks was instrumental in shaping his passion for acting. From watching “every Tom Hanks movie” to being moved by his performance in Joe Versus the Volcano, the former credited the Big actor as a major influence in his decision to pursue a career in Hollywood:
I saw every Tom Hanks movie on opening day — which is how I came to Joe Versus the Volcano. That was the catalyst [to become an actor]. My girlfriend Betsy thought I was a lunatic to move to New York. And clearly Betsy was on the money.
But their connection goes even deeper than just a shared admiration for each other’s work. Weatherly, whose current net worth is $45 million (Celebrity Net Worth), once served drinks at a party hosted by Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, where everyone mistook the Bull actor for a waiter.
The father of three told Virgin Media:
I’ve met Fergie. I was dating someone who was friends with her. We ended up going to Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson’s, hotel room for a party, but no one knew who I was. Everyone was well known except me. I ended up getting the drinks – they thought I was a waiter.
Despite his own success and fame, Weatherly humbly shared the amusing anecdote of being the unknown guest at a star-studded event. It just goes to show that even the biggest names in this movie business can have their moments of misidentification.
Michael Weatherly Drops Major Hint About NCIS Spin-Off
Will there be another season or spinoff of NCIS? Not so lately, Michael Weatherly solicited feedback from viewers regarding a potential spin-off. He took to X to share an image of himself with Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva David on the popular show.
Weatherly, 55, who played Tony DiNozzo up until the season 13 finale, made a surprise appearance in a season 21 special episode honoring the late David McCallum, the actor who played Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard on NCIS. In the photo that the former shared on social media, Weatherly hinted at a potential spin-off starring de Pablo and asked fans what they would name the show if it were to ever come to pass:
Getting ready to announce the Title of our new show… NCIS: Something … I’d love to hear what you think it might be……. pic.twitter.com/3X3ZakqJGw
— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) April 28, 2024
Earlier this year, Deadline reported that the untitled spinoff, starring Weatherly & de Pablo and written by John McNamara, had received a 10-episode series confirmation from Paramount+. Production on the highly anticipated spinoff is set to commence later this year.
The show will follow Tony (Weatherly) and Ziva (de Pablo) as they go on the run across the continent. Along with Shelley Meals, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain, and De Pablo as executive producers, Paramount Global Content Distribution handles the distribution of the forthcoming series.
NCIS is streaming on Paramount+.
