Why Did Maria Bello Leave NCIS, and What Is She Up to Now?

As NCIS season 21 approaches, fans have been curious about why actress Maria Bello departed from her role as Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane.

Jack Sloane, a forensic psychologist, had a significant presence on NCIS, and Maria Bello portrayed this character. However, just three years after her introduction, viewers bid farewell to her in season 18. Despite her relatively short stint on the show, Sloane became a fan favorite.

Upon her debut in season 15, she joined NCIS’ Major Case Response Team under the guidance of NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon). She provided valuable offender profiles and occasionally joined the team in the field to assist in their investigations.

However, Maria Bello chose not to renew her three-year contract, leading to Sloane’s departure from the series. While rumors of on-set conflicts circulated, the actress shared positive sentiments about her NCIS experience when announcing her exit.

Maria Bello confirmed her departure on Instagram, sharing photos of her character and a behind-the-scenes farewell kiss with co-star Mark Harmon. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her colleagues and fans. She acknowledged the show’s enduring popularity and hinted that there were many more years to come.

Following her NCIS exit, Bello explored other opportunities in her career, including a role in the 2020 film “The Water Man” and a significant role as Jordan Forester in Netflix’s “Beef,” which earned her acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2023. She also ventured into writing and producing, notably for “The Woman King,” a project featuring Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega.

Insiders have indicated that her decision to leave CBS was influenced by her partner, Dominique Crenn, who was battling cancer at the time. Despite her contractual obligations, Bello returned to NCIS for the first seven episodes of season 18 to provide her character with a fitting and emotional farewell.

In the storyline, Sloane’s departure was prompted by her emotional exhaustion after a case involving her murdered friend, Darya Borov. She chose to resign from the NCIS team and relocate to Afghanistan, where she would continue the mission her late friend had started.