NCIS star Mark Harmon reflects on the one request he had before joining the CBS series, recalling how he had to insist on making a change.
Star of NCIS Mark Harmon considers the one wish he had before to joining the CBS series. As he plays Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on long-running procedurals, Harmon has established himself as one of the most recognizable performers. For 19 seasons, Harmon stuck with the original NCIS, and despite multiple cast changes, his main character remained a major component. After Harmon leaves NCIS in 2021, Gibbs’ influence will endure.
But in an interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote his new book, Ghosts of Honolulu, Harmon reveals that his character’s name was nearly a dealbreaker. Harmon says that he didn’t like NCIS at first, but he was intrigued by the name of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. That almost became a problem when, according to Harmon, Gibbs’ name was briefly changed to something far more common. Read the full quote below:
“When I first read the script, I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. In addition to attempting to stay at home with my small family, I was reading other things. I wanted to try to be at home more. once reading “Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” I had the notion, “Huh, I like that name,” but the name altered for a split second once I determined I loved the project’s concept.
Bob Johnson, or a similar figure. “No, no, it has to be Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” I exclaimed. I responded, “Why not?” to the inventor who answered, “No, you can’t play a guy named Leroy Jethro Gibbs.” After that, it returned, and I was relieved about it.
Will Mark Harmon Ever Return to NCIS?
With veteran actor Gary Cole taking on the role of Alden Parker, NCIS has successfully filled the vacuum created by Harmon’s departure. Still, Gibbs’s possible comeback remains a mystery. Though Harmon is leaving the show, he has made it clear that his character is not “retired.” Executive producer Steven Binder, who has hinted that Gibbs won’t be leaving permanently, reinforced those feelings.
Unlike other dramas in which characters get a grand sendoff (perhaps returning only for the series finale), the ongoing nature of NCIS means that familiar faces can pop in for a few episodes at a time. Before giving his farewell, Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska instead of returning to Washington D.C. and continuing his career with NCIS. It’s an emotional goodbye, with Gibbs saying that he’s found a sense of peace.
Harmon has addressed the reason for leaving NCIS. He explains that, like his character, he’s getting older. He’s also mentioned that Gibbs’ exit storyline makes sense. But reading between the lines of everything that’s been said, it could be only a matter of time before Harmon at least makes a small cameo.