- Lucas Black's character, Christopher Lasalle, was killed off in season 6 of NCIS: New Orleans.
- Here's why the actor really chose to leave the show.
The NCIS: New Orleans world was forever changed when Christopher Lasalle, played by Lucas Black, was killed in season 6.
Lucas, 36, was one of the original cast members on the popular NCIS spinoff, and fans were absolutely shocked when Lasalle was shot while trying to avenge his brother's death in the episode “Matthew 5:9." Some even went so far as to say the series was “ruined” now that he’s exited, but we’re not ready to go that far quite yet.
Lucas has found so much success on NCIS: NOLA that it left us all wondering: Why did he leave? Before you assume the worst, it doesn’t sound like any drama or bad blood amongst the cast has anything to do with it. In fact, it seems he simply wants to spend more time with his wife, Maggie O’Brien, and their kids, daughter Sophie Jo, and son Augusta “Gus” York.
“The show has been so good to me over the years, [it] exceeded my expectations and goals but this job isn’t easy for me,” he said in the video above. “There’s a lot of priorities in my life that get sacrificed for me to be here. But it’s time for me to focus on those priorities in my life.”
His co-star, CCH Pounder further confirmed that information. “The growing of becoming a movie star, and becoming a this, and becoming a that,” she said. “'That' most important thing is to be a family man, and I think he’s chosen that over all the other choices.”
Though he’s saying goodbye to Lasalle, Lucas still appreciates his many years as the beloved character. He took to social media shortly after the big revelation to thank viewers for tuning in.
“That’s all she wrote for agent Lasalle. But I wanted to take this time personally to thank all you fans out there for your love and support,” he said. “You were there to celebrate the victories and to pick me up when I needed it, and I appreciate that.”
He continued, “A chapter has ended. What a great journey it was, thank you guys so much. May God bless you.”
We’ll miss you, Lasalle!
Catch up on 'NCIS: New Orleans'
Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.
