Julian McMahon Leaving ‘FBI: Most Wanted’: Fans and Co-Stars React

Martin Holmes
16 Comments
Julian McMahon as Jesse in FBI Most Wanted
Mark Schäfer/CBS

Julian McMahon, who plays agent Jess LaCroix in FBI: Most Wanted, is leaving the CBS crime drama after almost three seasons. His final episode is scheduled to air on March 8.

The news was first reported by Deadline, who stated that McMahon’s final appearance will be filmed this week. A new character is expected to be introduced to fill the spot left by McMahon’s Jesse, who headed up the FBI’s Most Wanted Unit.

“Over the past few months, the producers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had discussions about my departure from the show in favor of additional creative pursuits and the transition of my character Jess LaCroix,” McMahon told Deadline. “These ongoing conversations have given us an opportunity to orchestrate a seamless and productive way for me to leave the show.”

“I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list,” he added. “I wish the show, and its cast & crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess; he is a good man.”

Fans were heartbroken by the news of McMahon’s exit and took to social media to share their thoughts.

“I don’t know about you guys but I am really hurt and upset to hear this,” tweeted one viewer. “I really didn’t want him to leave he was one of my favorite characters in #FBIMostWanted I really wonder how the show is going to handle his exit and what’s going to happen after his exit.”

Another added, “We’ll miss you Lacroix. He was the best part of the show and the team.”

YaYa Gosselin, who plays Jesse’s daughter Tali LaCroix on the hit show, also shared her reaction to the news on Instagram. She posted a photo of herself with her TV dad, writing, “40 episodes with you. I love you with all my heart always and forever.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by YaYa Gosselin (@yayagosselin)

In a statement to Deadline, the show’s creator Dick Wolf said, “We are saddened to see Julian leave. His portrayal of agent Jess LaCroix has been a key factor in the success of FBI: Most Wanted. We will miss him and we wish him the best in his next chapter.”

Get to Know 'FBI: Most Wanted's Newest Team Member, Kristin Gaines
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Get to Know 'FBI: Most Wanted's Newest Team Member, Kristin Gaines

Check out more fan reaction to McMahon’s exit below.

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Conversation16 Comments

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  1. C

    CyanPin

    NO!! First Mark Harmon, then "Bull", now the star of my definite favorite of the FBI shows(which is my favorite because of him). What is next? I'm afraid, I'm very afraid.

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    1. O

      OrangeBucket

      Anything h that’s worthwhile is cancelled and the junk remains

      1. O

        OrangeBike

        So very true, all of the good leading stars are going away, leaving us with barely any other things to watch. By the way “Bull is leaving as well? “ Did I understand this correctly? I hope not.

  2. P

    PurpleGlasses

    It breaks my heart to hear he’s leaving. He’s the main reason why Most Wanted is the BEST of the FBI franchise. It won’t be the same without Jess (Julian) 😭💔

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  3. C

    CyanBasketball

    I think it is horrible ! First the storyline had an FBI agent, with a daughter,and his late wife’s parents. Now they are all gone. How can this show survive without Jess LaCrox? He had the right personality for this show. Nobody on the show now can replace him. What I don’t understand is why after only three seasons is Julian McMahon would start a show and then only stay for three seasons. That doesn’t make sense. Most actors want a successful show,so why quit! I a so disappointed.

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  4. O

    OrangeGuitar

    Show will never be the same without jess

    1

  5. P

    PurpleBug

    WORDS CANNOT BEGIN TO EXPRESS my absolute SADNESS about Julian LEAVING! I've been watching since the beginning, and enjoy all of the Tuesday night line up (My one and only favorite night for TV). While I can understand the creative differences between Actors and Directors, I wish the entire actor La Croix extended family characters leaving (Including another long time favorite Teri O'Guinn) 😩 DIDN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN!

    GOD BLESS Julian and All of the FBI'S MOST WANTED CAST 🙏

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  6. R

    RedLobster

    NOOOOOOOOO! He's the reason I watch this. Have loved him since Nip/Tuck days. I'll follow him to his next project.

    1

  7. B

    BlueFan

    He probably want to get back to movies when they first cast him and kellan I was shocked I was like aren't they film actors 3 seasons later they both gone

    1

  8. P

    PurpleRing

    The show isn't the same without lacroix and family. It really STINKS now. I feel Dick Wolf should have kept lacroix alive and replaced him with another actor and kept his family on the show. The agents personal story lines are boring and not interesting at all. Lacroix's personal family life was the whole story line that kept you watching. Now it's just another run of the mill catch the bad guy law enforcement show. Dick wolf better get someone as a main character instead of McDermott from law and order organized crime because he isn't any good as a good guy. He is a great bad guy actor. I'd have to give the show after lacroix left 2 thumbs down.

  9. B

    BlueBoomerang

    Will miss you Jess but wish you the best in whatever you are working on.

  10. B

    BlueSnow

    BUT whyyy is he leaving?

  11. G

    GreenElephant

    This is so disheartening, you start watching a show, you become invested. You begin to love the characters who are on the show. Then one of the main characters decides to leave, which changes the dynamic of the show. There choice could work then again it may not. Who knows? Jesse had started a love interest and we were excited where that would go. I am sorry to see you go but also am happy you are following your heart. Life is to short too short. Good luck and am hoping they do not kill you off, perhaps you can come back.

  12. P

    PurpleBug

    Words Cannot Begin To Express my absolute SADNESS about the FBI'S Most Wanted Show! I've watched it from the beginning and Jess (Julian) is my favorite! While I understand the need of creative actors, I also am MOURNING the loss of ALL of the La Croix extended family characters AS WELL! The Grandparents, Tali, Sara, and ESPECIALLY Jess's Dad...Teri O'Quinn, Another favorite actor😩I Love Tuesday Nights on Channel 2, but am disappointed with so MANY RERUNS FROM COVID !!

    GOD SPEED Julian, and the rest of the ENTIRE CAST!

    1 1

  13. O

    OliveFlower

    I really enjoyed his role on the show and hopefully they will cast another great actor to take over. Maybe Michael Weatherly has matured enough to run with the role.😂😂

    1 1

    1. B

      Blue8Ball

      Hadn't thought of Weatherly, but not bad idea.

      2