David Boreanaz, 55, reveals he's had 'four MRIs in four months' and needs to give his body a rest after grueling SEAL Team finale

David Boreanaz has revealed he's undergone 'four MRIs in four months'  and his body cannot take the strain anymore of filming SEAL Team - as he prepares to bow out in the show's seventh and final season.

The Buffy actor, 55, who has played Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Jason Hayes on the Paramount+ military drama since 2017, said the rigor of transforming into an elite soldier had left him with no other choice but to leave the show.

He told People: 'My body just can’t do it anymore!' before adding 'There were no shortcuts' in the training he and his castmates underwent.

He recalled directing a scene where he had to carry a 250lb stunt double on his back, saying: 'Ten feet in, I hit a rock, and my ankle twists, and I fall flat down. 

'My ankle is ballooning, but I had to keep going. 

David Boreanaz has revealed he's undergone 'four MRIs in four months' and his body cannot take the strain anymore of filming SEAL Team - as he prepares to bow out in the show's seventh season

David Boreanaz has revealed he's undergone 'four MRIs in four months' and his body cannot take the strain anymore of filming SEAL Team - as he prepares to bow out in the show's seventh season

The Buffy actor, 55, who has played Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Jason Hayes on the Paramount+ military drama since 2017, said the rigor of transforming into an elite soldier had left him with no other choice but to leave the show (pictured August 2024)

The Buffy actor, 55, who has played Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Jason Hayes on the Paramount+ military drama since 2017, said the rigor of transforming into an elite soldier had left him with no other choice but to leave the show (pictured August 2024)

'You learn from the SEALs how to push through pain — I’m talking guys who have had their arm blown off and are cracking jokes because that’s how they deal with it. It’s very intense.

'I take good care of myself, but it gets to a point where your body’s not moving like it used to... I think I’ve had four MRIs in the past four months, for my knees, hips, shoulders. It’s been quite a journey.'

He said real-life Navy SEALS have thanked him for the 'real representation' in the show. 

The show, which premiered in 2017, follows 'the lives of the elite Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high-stakes missions our country can ask.' 

Neil Brown Jr., AJ Buckley, Toni Trucks, and Raffi Barsoumian co-star as other members of the team 

SEAL Team originally premiered on CBS, but switched to Paramount+ during  season 5. 

Boreanaz said in a statement announcing season seven: 'For six seasons I have been fortunate and blessed to be a part of an outstanding cast and crew.

'Every day spent was a note of thanks to our men and women in the military and Special OPS. I thank our fans, and I’m proud we were able to make this show to shine light in the darkness toward so many suffering today. 

He told People : 'My body just can’t do it anymore!' before adding 'There were no shortcuts' in the training he and his castmates underwent

He told People : 'My body just can’t do it anymore!' before adding 'There were no shortcuts' in the training he and his castmates underwent

'I take good care of myself, but it gets to a point where your body’s not moving like it used to... I think I’ve had four MRIs in the past four months, for my knees, hips, shoulders. It’s been quite a journey'

'I take good care of myself, but it gets to a point where your body’s not moving like it used to... I think I’ve had four MRIs in the past four months, for my knees, hips, shoulders. It’s been quite a journey' 

'I look forward to season seven and the opportunity to end this series with love and gratitude.”

Season 7 of SEAL Team will drop on Paramount Plus with a double bill on Sunday, August 11.