In an exclusive interview, ‘NCIS’ star Mark Harmon shared the heartwarming love story between him and his wife, Pam Dawber, renowned for her role in ‘Mork and Mindy.’
Their journey unfolded 37 years ago, sparked by a spontaneous cold call initiated by Harmon. It all began when, after a mutual friend’s planned group date, he sought permission to call Dawber directly. Harmon, now 72, fondly recalled, “I said, can I just call? Can I get a number and just cold call, and so I did. I got the number and I called, and I got an answering machine, and I started to leave a message.”
Their first date took place that night, marking the beginning of a lasting connection. Exactly one year later, they celebrated their marriage.
Harmon’s enduring relationship with Dawber came to public attention when he was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986, expressing his desire for a long-term, monogamous relationship.
The couple, now parents to two adult sons, Shawn and Tai, has seen Shawn follow in his father’s footsteps on ‘NCIS,’ while Tai pursues a career as a screenwriter.
When asked about the secret to their enduring love, Harmon responded, “I have no secret. We laugh. You got to laugh, and you got to talk and communicate; that’s the fun part. Maybe you just get fortunate and find the right one.”
Harmon’s commitment to family has always been paramount, influencing his decision to portray Special Agent Gibbs on ‘NCIS’ for 19 seasons. Despite the demands of his career, Harmon emphasizes the importance of being present for family moments, underscoring the value of laughter, communication, and finding the right life partner.
As they celebrate 36 years of marriage, Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber’s enduring love story serves as a testament to the beauty of serendipitous beginnings and the power of genuine connection.