NCIS star Mark Harmon reflects on the one and only request he made before joining the CBS show. Best known for his portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Harmon remained a prominent presence on NCIS for 19 seasons despite numerous cast changes. Even after his departure in 2021, Gibbs’ influence on the show persists.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote his new book, Ghosts of Honolulu, Harmon reveals that his character’s name was almost a deal breaker. He admits that while he didn’t like NCIS at first, the name Leroy Jethro Gibbs piqued his interest. At one point, the name was changed to something more common, like Bob Johnson, which almost caused a problem for Harmon. He insisted it had to be Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The creator initially resisted, but Harmon prevailed, and he was pleased with the decision.
Will Mark Harmon Ever Reappear on NCIS..?
NCIS has done well to fill the void left by Harmon’s absence, bringing on veteran actor Gary Cole to play Alden Parker. Nonetheless, Gibbs’ potential return lingers.
Despite leaving the show, Harmon has stated that his character is not “retired.” Executive producer Steven Binder, who has stated that Gibbs will not be gone forever, has bolstered those sentiments.
Unlike other dramas where characters are given a grand send-off (perhaps only returning for the series finale), the ongoing nature of NCIS allows familiar faces to appear for a few episodes at a time. Before bidding farewell, Gibbs decides to remain in Alaska rather than return to Washington, D.C. and continue his career with NCIS. It’s an emotional farewell, with Gibbs declaring that he’s found peace.
Harmon has explained why he is leaving NCIS. He explains that, like his character, he is aging. He’s also stated that Gibbs’ exit plot makes sense. But, reading between the lines of everything that’s been said, it may only be a matter of time before Harmon makes a brief appearance.
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