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'Lethal Weapon' star Damon Wayans channeled his character's catch-phrase 'I am too old for this' when discussing plans to leave the show.
USA TODAY

"Lethal Weapon" may be suffering another loss.

During an interview with Electronic Urban Report on Wednesday, Damon Wayans announced he is leaving the Fox drama later this year after production on the third season wraps.

"Wayans said," I'm going to be quitting the show in December after we finish. "So I really do not know what they are planning, but that's what I'm planning. I'm 58-year-old diabetic and I'm working 16-hour days. "

When asked if he's simply "over it," Roger Murtaugh says, "I'm done, like Murtaugh said, I'm too old for this."

Related: Clayne Crawford shares his story of the story on 'Lethal Weapon' firing: 'I snapped'

Seann William Scott in "Lethal Weapon." (Photo: Ray Mickshaw / Fox)

Wayans is under contract for more seasons of "Lethal Weapon," though, so quitting could be difficult.

But Wayans assured he's not joking. The actor said the rigorous schedule is not only relevant to his health.

"It's hard for me to play this loving, supportive father, husband, friend on TV and be the guy in life that is telling everybody, 'I can not work,'" Wayans said, adding he could not be there for their mother and daughter during their recent surgical procedures due to filming.

He continued: "It's not about me … I'm from a big family, a loving family … I'm not there … To me it's just not worth it. "

Wayans noted that he is giving the show's production team "enough time to find a replacement." As for his post-Murtaugh plans: "I'm going back to the stage and try to find my smile again."

USA TODAY has reached out to the Wayans' representative for comment. Fox declined to comment.

more: How 'Lethal Weapon' wrote out Clayne Crawford, and wrote in Seann William Scott

"Lethal Weapon" (Fox, 2016-18): Based on the Mel Gibson franchise and Danny Glover, strait-laced detective Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) is paired with the eccentric Martin Riggs (Clayne Crawford). Crawford was replaced by Seann William Scott as Murtaugh's new partner in the third season. (Photo: Ray Mickshaw, FOX)

His announcement comes a week after "Lethal Weapon" killed off actor Clayne Crawford, who played loose-cannon cop Martin Riggs in the first two seasons.

Wayans and Crawford had a contentious relationship behind the scenes, which eventually became more public. Variety released audio of an expletive-laced argument between the co-stars in May before Crawford was finally dismissed from the show.

In the audio and video clips, the two argue over an injury. (Wayans was hit in the head by shrapnel.)

Crawford was replaced by "American Pie" alum Seann William Scott, who made his debut on the show Wesley Cole on the Season 3 premiere Sept. 25.

Related: 'Lethal Weapon' renewed, but Seann William Scott replaced fired star Clayne Crawford

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