Daniel Ezra Is Leaving “All American ”After 6 Seasons: 'Spencer's Goodbye'

Ezra called his role as Spencer in the CW hit series the "most life-affirming character I’ve ever played"

<p>Troy Harvey/The CW</p> Daniel Ezra

Troy Harvey/The CW

Daniel Ezra

Daniel Ezra is stepping back from his starring role on the CW’s All American.

On Tuesday, June 25, PEOPLE confirmed that Ezra, 32, has decided to move on from All American as a series regular after six seasons on the show. He isn’t leaving for good, though, as he assured fans he will return to the show as a guest star in the future.

“After making the difficult decision to leave All American, my sole focus became completing the journey of the most life-affirming character I’ve ever played in the manner he deserves,” Ezra said in a statement. “Thanks to [EP] Nkechi and the writers, I got my wish. Season 6 is ‘Spencer’s goodbye.’”

He added: “I’ll miss him. I’ll miss our cast and crew. I hope it’s been as fun to watch him as it has been to play him.”

Just one night before the news broke, a new episode of season six, which is currently airing, showed a peek into Ezra’s character’s future. After getting drafted into the NFL, the scene cut to Spencer in the Super Bowl and getting engaged to love interest Olivia (Samantha Logan).

<p>Troy Harvey/The CW</p> (left to right) Bre-Z as Tamia Cooper, Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker, Daniel Ezra as Spencer James, and Samantha Logan as Olivia Baker

Troy Harvey/The CW

(left to right) Bre-Z as Tamia Cooper, Michael Evans Behling as Jordan Baker, Daniel Ezra as Spencer James, and Samantha Logan as Olivia Baker

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Executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll praised the actor — who has also directed several All American episodes throughout the years — for his work on the show since season 1 and shared her wishes for the future.

“Partnering with Daniel Ezra over the last six seasons to bring Spencer’s story to life has been such an amazing, fulfilling, experience,” Carroll said in a statement. “Daniel truly is a gift and brought so much to the character on and off the field.”

Carroll continued: “And while Spencer has achieved his NFL dreams, I’m grateful Daniel will still remain an important part of this family, both in front of and behind the camera as we step into a new, exciting chapter of All American.

The theme of season six of the CW sports drama, which is the network’s most-watched show, has been new beginnings for the characters. Now, with two more episodes left, viewers will see Ezra’s character Spencer planning his wedding to Olivia before the season wraps on Monday, July 15.

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All American airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

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