Michael Weatherly has built a remarkable career in the entertainment industry, making a name for himself in television and film. He is particularly celebrated for his role as the witty and charismatic Special Agent Tony DiNozzo on NCIS. However, prior to his rise to fame and becoming a familiar figure on screen, Weatherly faced the challenges that many aspiring actors encounter while trying to establish themselves in Hollywood. During his early career, Weatherly had an eye-opening experience that put him at odds with Bill Cosby. His introduction to acting came through a role on The Cosby Show, where he was cast as Theo Huxtable's roommate after the original actor became unavailable. In a 2012 interview, Weatherly shared how he received the call to be part of the production.

He explained that he was the same build as the previous actor, leading to an invitation to meet with Cosby. He recalled that Cosby welcomed him in a track suit, cigar in hand, with a rubber chicken adorning the door of his dressing room. Although Weatherly felt he performed adequately, he surprisingly did not receive a second invitation to return.

The reason behind this might lie in Weatherly's odd behavior during rehearsals, which reportedly irritated Cosby. Navigating the complexities of Hollywood can be challenging, especially for newcomers, and Weatherly was not exempt from experiencing this firsthand.

Weatherly’s opportunity on The Cosby Show ended up being a one-time gig. He humorously noted in an interview with a publication that during rehearsals, he didn't quite grasp the nuances of the acting world at that time. In a light-hearted attempt to fit in, he affixed a subway token to his forehead, proclaiming himself as the token white guy. This quirky moment did not help his chances of being invited back.

Despite his initial misstep and the lack of a callback from The Cosby Show, Michael Weatherly persevered. He continued to pursue his passion for acting and ultimately secured a role in NCIS, which emerged as one of the most cherished and widely praised series on television.

For fans eager to catch up on Weatherly's journey, NCIS is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix.