Mark Harmon’s Legacy Lives On in NCIS — On and Off the Screen
Early in Season 19 of NCIS, fans bid an emotional farewell to a TV icon. Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs for over 400 episodes since the show’s 2003 debut, stepped away from the series in the fourth episode of the season, titled “Great Wide Open.” While Harmon, now 70, may not return to the series, his presence continues to loom large both in the storylines and in the hearts of his castmates.
Gibbs’ Lasting Impact on NCIS
Although Gibbs found peace in Alaska and said goodbye to longtime colleague and friend Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), he remains a vital part of the NCIS universe. Harmon’s name continues to appear in the opening credits, and Gibbs is often mentioned in the dialogue—reminding fans that his influence is far from gone.
In the Season 19 winter premiere, “Pledge of Allegiance,” Gibbs’ legacy took on a new dimension when Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) revealed a touching secret: Gibbs had quietly deposited $10,000 into the accounts of both McGee and Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). The reason? They were now part of the “Leroy Jethro Gibbs College Scholarship Club,” a fund created in honor of Gibbs’ late daughter, Kelly. Over the years, Gibbs had continued contributing to the fund to help support the families of fellow agents—a gesture that reveals the depth of his character, both on and off the screen.
Behind the Scenes: Harmon as Mentor and Friend
Mark Harmon’s leadership wasn’t limited to his role as Gibbs. According to his co-stars, Harmon’s real-life persona closely mirrors the calm, grounded authority he brought to his character. Sean Murray, who has portrayed McGee since the show’s first season, has frequently praised Harmon’s mentorship.
Their bond actually predates NCIS. Murray recalled working with Harmon as a teenager on the series Harts of the West in the early 1990s. Even then, Harmon left a strong impression on the young actor—one that Murray carried with him years later when they reunited on NCIS. That early connection deepened during their decades of collaboration, as Murray has often credited Harmon with shaping his professional approach.
Praise from the NCIS Family
Harmon’s impact extends to many members of the NCIS ensemble. Cote de Pablo, who played fan-favorite Ziva David, referred to him as both a mentor and a friend. She described their working relationship as one “forged in fire,” with Harmon offering the kind of support and guidance that made him feel like a father figure.
Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo, echoed those sentiments. He highlighted Harmon’s honesty, professionalism, and humility as the driving forces behind the show’s enduring success. According to Weatherly, Harmon led the NCIS cast with authenticity and care, balancing dedication with a calm, ego-free demeanor.
Even Harmon’s wife, actress Pam Dawber, has acknowledged the positive environment he cultivated on set. She noted that he always strived to do right by everyone—on-camera and behind the scenes—while never seeking the spotlight for himself.
A Legacy That Endures
Though Mark Harmon may no longer appear on screen each week, his legacy is firmly cemented in NCIS. His character’s values—loyalty, leadership, and quiet compassion—continue to shape the team he left behind. For fans and cast alike, Gibbs is more than just a former team leader; he’s a symbol of the heart and soul that has kept NCIS going strong for over two decades.
As viewers continue to follow the evolving cast and stories, Gibbs’ name remains a touchstone—a reminder of the enduring mark left by a character, and a man, who helped define one of television’s most iconic shows.
