11 Famous Actors Were Considered to Play Gibbs on ‘NCIS’ Before Mark Harmon (There Are 2 Oscar Winners On The List!)

Before Mark Harmon was cast as the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, several other actors were considered for the role. Here are 11 famous actors who were reportedly in the running, including two Oscar winners:

1. Scott Bakula – Known for Quantum Leap and later joining NCIS: New Orleans.
2. Don Johnson – Famous for his role in Miami Vice.
3. Tom Selleck – The star of Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods.
4. Harrison Ford (Oscar nominee) – Known for Indiana Jones and Star Wars.
5. Tommy Lee Jones (Oscar winner) – Star of The Fugitive and Men in Black.
6. Sam Elliott – Recognized for his deep voice and roles in The Ranch and A Star Is Born.
7. Kurt Russell – Famous for his roles in Escape from New York and The Hateful Eight.
8. Kevin Costner (Oscar winner) – Star of Dances with Wolves and Yellowstone.
9. Richard Dean Anderson – Best known as MacGyver and his role in Stargate SG-1.
10. David James Elliott – Famous for his role in JAG, the series from which NCIS spun off.
11. Patrick Swayze – Star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost.

Ultimately, Mark Harmon won the role and made Gibbs one of the most beloved characters in television history.