Mark Harmon, born in Burbank, California on September 2, 1951, had a unique upbringing. With a father who was a former football player-turned-broadcaster and a mother who was an artist and actress, it seemed like Mark was destined for a career in either football or acting.
But Mark had grander dreams. He wanted a career in theater or film. He got a taste of the acting world when he spent time with his brother-in-law Ricky Nelson, who was acting on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. This experience ignited Mark’s passion for acting.
Mark made the bold decision to give up on his dream of becoming a professional football player and focus on his acting career instead. After taking acting classes, he quickly landed his first TV and movie roles. Throughout his career, Mark had the opportunity to work with esteemed actors like Michael Caine and Jason Robards, who became his mentors.
One of Mark’s breakthrough roles was on the drama series St. Elsewhere, where his exceptional acting abilities caught the attention of producers. However, after working in the industry for over a decade, Mark realized that he was missing out on important moments with his family.
He made the difficult decision to step back from his demanding career and prioritize spending time with his loved ones. It was during this time that he received the script for the television series NCIS and was captivated by the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Mark’s portrayal of Gibbs on NCIS resonated with audiences worldwide. The show became a massive hit with millions of viewers each week. Mark’s performance earned him a People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor in 2017. Despite the show’s success, Mark remains humble and often finds it hard to grasp its international reach.
Throughout his time on NCIS, Mark developed strong relationships with his co-stars. Although there were some reported tensions with a fellow cast member, overall, Mark was well-liked on set. His co-star Sean Murray, who plays Timothy McGee, described Mark as a mentor, best friend, and the “quarterback” of the show.
After an incredible 423 episodes, Mark Harmon’s final episode as Leroy Jethro Gibbs aired on October 9. While his departure left fans inconsolable, there is still hope for a future reunion. The show’s showrunner and executive producer Steven D. Binder affirmed that Leroy Jethro Gibbs should never be counted out.
Mark’s departure from NCIS was handled with subtlety, as he preferred a low-key exit. He wanted to avoid any unnecessary drama and twists, and thus asked the network not to promote his final episode heavily. This decision allowed Mark to gracefully transition from the show and focus on his family and potential future projects.
Outside of acting, Mark has expressed an interest in carpentry. In an interview, he revealed that he would have pursued a career as a carpenter if not for acting. He finds satisfaction in working with materials and creating something that can outlast him.
Mark Harmon’s contribution to NCIS as Leroy Jethro Gibbs is immeasurable. While we will miss seeing him on the show, we are grateful for the outstanding work he has done. Let’s honor Mark Harmon by sharing this article with friends and family on Facebook!
