Mark Harmon, born on September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California, was destined to follow in the footsteps of his parents. His father, Tom Harmon, was a former football player-turned-broadcaster, while his mother, Elyse Know, was an artist and actress.
Despite his parents’ fame, Harmon was initially unaware of their celebrity status. However, as he grew older, he started accompanying his father to football games, and even played as a quarterback for the UCLA Bruins. Yet, his true passion lay in the theater and film industry.
Harmon’s path towards acting began when his sister-in-law married Ricky Nelson, who was starring in the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Harmon had the opportunity to fill in for an actor on Nelson’s spinoff Ozzie’s Girls, and that experience ignited his love for acting.
With the support of his wife and family, Harmon made the decision to pursue acting full-time, leaving behind his dreams of becoming a professional football player. He quickly found success in television shows like 240 Robert, Flamingo Road, and The Love Boat. Harmon’s breakthrough came when he became a series regular on the drama St. Elsewhere.
After working in the industry for many years, Harmon felt the need to prioritize his family and spend more time with them. It was during this time that he received the script for the television series NCIS and was captivated by the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
The first episode of NCIS aired in September 2003 and although it took time for the show to gain recognition, it eventually became a huge hit, with millions of viewers tuning in each week. The international success of NCIS is something that Harmon still finds astounding. He has become one of the most well-known actors on the show and is recognized by fans all over the world.
Harmon’s dedication and leadership on the set of NCIS have earned him praise from his co-stars. Sean Murray, who plays Timothy McGee on the show, describes Harmon as a mentor and one of his best friends. Harmon’s qualities as a leader have played a significant role in making the show what it is today.
Another co-star, David McCallum, had a hilariously memorable first meeting with Harmon. Harmon was star-struck when he met McCallum, who played Illya Kuryakin on the show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Their chemistry on screen was evident, and their friendship off-screen has grown over the years.
After an impressive run of 423 episodes, Harmon’s final episode as Leroy Jethro Gibbs aired on October 9. Fans were left surprised by his departure, as Harmon had requested a low-key exit without any prior promotion. He wanted to avoid any twists being spoiled on social media and believed a low-key farewell was more fitting.
While Harmon’s future plans remain uncertain, he expressed his desire to spend more time with his family. He also has several projects in development with his production company, Wings Productions.
In an interview with Men’s Journal, Harmon revealed that if he hadn’t pursued acting, he would have become a carpenter. Carpentry still holds a special place in his heart, as he enjoys the craftsmanship and the lasting impact of a well-built project.
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS has left a lasting impact on both the show and its fans. While his departure from the series is bittersweet, fans remain hopeful for his return in the future.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Mark Harmon’s outstanding work on NCIS and wish him well in his future endeavors. Share this article with your friends and family on Facebook to honor the remarkable journey of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs!
