Mark Harmon has bid farewell to his iconic role as special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS after 18 seasons, leaving fans shocked and emotional. This exit, which took place on the October 11 episode of the long-running police procedural series, wasn’t entirely unexpected among his colleagues, as it had reportedly been in the works for a while.
Harmon, a veteran actor at 70, who had been a central figure in the show since its inception in 2003, decided to step away due to exhaustion from the daily grind, according to inside sources. The producers had tried to make things easier for him by reducing his screen time and introducing Gary Cole to the series to fill the void. However, Harmon felt that he had given his all to the program and had earned the right to step down.
Family played a significant role in Harmon’s decision as well. He has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, including his wife of 25 years, Pam Dawber, and their two children, Sean and Ty. Harmon has longed to return to his ranch in Montana, where he can tend to his horses, work on his home, enjoy time in the garage, and indulge in his passion for working on automobiles.
Although Harmon will retain his role as an executive producer on NCIS, the possibility of his return to the show is uncertain. The insider suggests that it’s challenging to imagine him coming back, as Mark is seeking a break and a chance to have some fun. Nevertheless, his absence will be deeply felt by the show’s cast, crew, and fans.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who appeared in several episodes of the series during season nine, expressed her best wishes for Mark Harmon on social media, sharing a vintage photo of the two on set. She praised Harmon’s leadership and the pleasure of working alongside him and his team, referencing their memorable collaboration. Curtis also mentioned the introduction of Gary Cole to the show and expressed her admiration for Harmon’s excellent work.