PART 01 of 10
Mark Harmon: A Career and Departure from NCIS
Mark Harmon, born in Burbank, California, rose to prominence as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running series NCIS, captivating audiences for nearly two decades. Gibbs was first introduced on the legal drama JAG in 2003 before NCIS premiered later the same year.
Before his iconic role on NCIS, Harmon showcased his talent in various TV procedurals like Reasonable Doubts, Charlie Grace, and The West Wing. He also appeared in films such as Freaky Friday (2003), alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, Chasing Liberty (2004), and Weather Girl (2009).
After leading NCIS for 18 seasons, Harmon bid farewell to the series in 2021. Gibbs’ departure was scripted as him opting to stay in Alaska after solving a case there, rather than returning to Washington, D.C.
Reflecting on his portrayal of Gibbs and his exit from NCIS, Harmon expressed in a special featurette on the season 19 DVD release, “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep that fresh and to keep it challenging. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did.”
While Gibbs may no longer be a regular on the show, Harmon clarified that the character is “not retired” but is living in Alaska, leaving open the possibility of future appearances.
Executive producer Steve Binder hinted to PEOPLE that fans might see Gibbs on-screen again, stating, “Our North Star has always been staying true to our characters … never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
In his personal life, Harmon has been married to actress Pam Dawber since 1987, and they are parents to two sons.
