This Is Why Maria Bello Had To Leave NCIS

NCIS has become a mainstay for CBS with an incredible 10 million viewers who tuned in to the show's Season 18 premiere. And, all told, the series comprises more than 400 episodes following the action, drama, occasional humor, and romance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services team. But sadly, viewers recently had to say goodbye to Special Agent "Jack" Sloane, played by Maria Bello , in the middle of season 18. While the show has survived some high-profile — and even controversial — exits in the past, like Pauley Perrette and Lauren Holly, fans wondered whether Bello's departure was also packed with drama. But, as it turned out, Bello's contract was good for only three years, and considering this was her third year, she did not decide to renew it. On her last day of filming, she posted to Instagram: "And that's a wrap for Jack Sloane!!! I've learned many things on this journey for the last three and a half years. I learned about commitment and community. I've learned that the woman I am enjoys process over product. I've never worked with a kinder, more generous group of people." The star also went on to acknowledge everyone who had contributed to the show's massive success over the years, adding, "I understand why this show after 18 years is the most watched in the world — you must all feel our love. Keep watching. I have a feeling there will be many more years to come. Thank you to all of my pals at NCIS and to all of our fans. I am truly grateful." So where is she headed after officially walking away from a hit series? It appears the Coyote Ugly star has several other projects that she's focusing on. According to Newsweek, she's writing and producing the film, The Woman King, starring Viola Davis. Bello describes it as a period action drama inspired by the real life Amazons of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The star explained to TV Insider, "It's a female Braveheart based on 5,000 women warriors in Dahomey , modern-day Benin . The French said they were the biggest badasses they'd ever fought." Referencing an additional pilot project based in Haiti, she also hinted at another upcoming production on Instagram, posting, "We will not know our full power until we know our full history. [Lorraine Silvera] , [Dominique Crenn] and I are making it our mission to bring you stories of the women who have impacted our world and the women who are impacting it today. […] Our voices, our ancestors, our heroines who have fought and are fighting for freedom deserve to be honored and recognized." It appears Haiti holds a special place in Bello's heart. She is the US Global Ambassador for Women of Haiti. And in 2012, as she was honored for her advocacy work there, Bello told the San Diego Union-Tribune, "I'm very fortunate to be in the position where I can hear your voices and tell the world what you have to say." But while her real life appears to be packed to the brim, Bello didn't leave NCIS without tugging on a few heartstrings. The actor departed the show by having her character stay in Afghanistan — not by moving to Costa Rica as had been teased earlier in the season. After Bello's exit, NCIS tapped Katrina Law as a recurring character for the season's last two episodes, according to Deadline. Still, it sounds like Bello will miss her time on the show, as will a countless number of devoted fans. Bello posted to Instagram: "Dear Gibbs — my pal — Did we or didn't we? Who will ever know. They will only know that we loved each other dearly and were grateful for our time together with our crew. Love. Jack Sloane." Followers chimed in on the comments of her post, with one user writing, "Loved Jack throughout her presence in the show. You brought her to life and gave us a beautiful role model for getting through tough [times]. Thank you!" Looks like wherever Maria Bello goes from here, her fans will certainly follow. #NCIS #MariaBello #Actress