At 72 years old, Mark Harmon has become a household name due to his portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit TV show NCIS. After an impressive 19 seasons on the show, Harmon has recently opened up about his true feelings and some surprising facts that may shock fans.
During an interview promoting his new book Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, the actor discussed his experience on NCIS. Harmon revealed that he almost didn’t take the role and may have never been a part of the show if certain circumstances hadn’t aligned.
When he first read the script, Harmon admitted, “I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. I was reading other things and trying to spend more time at home with my young family.” However, there was one thing that caught his attention and ultimately sealed the deal for him – the character’s name: Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon said, “I read ‘Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ and thought, ‘Huh, I like that name.’ And then for a brief second, the name changed.”
Interestingly, it was the show’s creator, Donald P. Bellisario, who initially wanted to change the character’s name. Harmon insisted, “No, no, it’s gotta be Leroy Jethro Gibbs.” After some back and forth, the name ultimately remained, and Harmon was thrilled about it.
Reflecting on his time on NCIS, Harmon expressed his gratitude for every episode and the hard work of the entire team. He mentioned, “As an actor, you don’t think in those terms. You’re thinking, ‘TV series, if it does three years, we’re gifted.’ But they’ve done well and they’ve worked hard, and so it’s a really good group of people.”
The show’s success has even led to the creation of spin-off series, such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawaii, and NCIS: Sydney. Harmon believes that the show’s unique blend of characters and humor is what sets it apart. He stated, “It had a case, but the case isn’t what drove it – I think that’s still true.”
As for the future of his character, Harmon has left the possibility of Gibbs returning open. He humorously speculated, “He’s probably sitting in a stream up in Alaska fishing. Is he going to get out of the stream? I don’t know. But if he is, I don’t know about it.”
Mark Harmon’s revelations about his time on NCIS truly demonstrate his deep connection to the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. After almost two decades of portraying the beloved agent, it’s clear to see why he holds the show close to his heart. What are your thoughts on his candid comments? Share in the comments and pass on this intriguing detail to other NCIS fans!
