Mark Harmon, born in 1951 in Burbank, California, was raised in a family with strong ties to both sports and Hollywood. His father, Tom Harmon, was a Heisman Trophy winner, and his mother, Elyse Knox, was an actress. These influences shaped Markβs early years, laying the foundation for his future career.
Initially pursuing college football at UCLA, Harmon eventually transitioned to acting in the 1970s. He landed early roles in shows like St. Elsewhere and Reasonable Doubts, which helped build his diverse acting career.
Harmonβs portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS catapulted him to global fame. The spin-off from JAG became a massive hit, cementing his place as a TV icon.
Behind the scenes, Harmon faced some tensions on set, particularly a conflict with a co-star, which ultimately led to her departure, adding drama to the production.
After 19 successful seasons, Harmon left NCIS in 2021. While he stepped down as a regular cast member, he continued to serve as an executive producer, leaving a lasting legacy on the show.
