Mark Harmon, best known as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, proved he’s still going strong at 72 in a rare public sighting last week. The Emmy-nominated star was spotted carrying two massive 42-pound water jugs with ease as he returned to his Pacific Palisades home, dressed casually in a green shirt, jeans, and work boots.
In another set of exclusive shots, Harmon was seen in a bright red athletic quarter-zip top while picking up his mail. The actor, who leads a quiet life with his wife of 37 years, Mork & Mindy actress Pam Dawber, looked healthy and strong.
Harmon stepped away from NCIS in 2021 after nearly two decades, sharing in 2022 that playing Gibbs was “challenging” and “honest,” and that he left when the character’s arc naturally concluded.
Behind the scenes, Harmon nearly exited the show years earlier due to alleged tensions with co-creator Donald P. Bellisario. According to E! News, Harmon and other cast members pushed back against Bellisario’s micromanagement, last-minute script changes, and grueling hours, which ultimately led to Bellisario’s departure in 2007 to keep Harmon on board.
Although there were rumors Harmon might not return for season 19, he reportedly came back temporarily to help secure the show’s renewal.
Originally a spin-off of JAG, NCIS has since launched several successful spinoffs, including NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawaii.