Mark Harmon, a mainstay of NCIS since its inception in 2003, has bid a heartfelt farewell to his iconic role as special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs after 18 seasons, leaving fans across the globe shocked and emotional. Harmon’s departure, which unfolded in the October 11 episode of the long-running police procedural series, had been anticipated among his colleagues, as rumors of his exit had been circulating for some time.
At 70 years old, Harmon, a seasoned actor, made the decision to step away from the daily grind of the show due to exhaustion, according to inside sources. Despite efforts by producers to alleviate the strain by reducing his screen time and introducing Gary Cole to fill the void, Harmon felt it was time to move on, having poured his heart and soul into the program.
Family also played a significant role in Harmon’s decision, as he expressed a longing to spend more time with his wife of 25 years, Pam Dawber, and their two children, Sean and Ty. His desire to return to his ranch in Montana, where he can immerse himself in tending to his horses, working on his home, and indulging in his passion for automobiles, further solidified his resolve to depart from the series.
While Harmon will retain his role as an executive producer on NCIS, the possibility of his return to the show remains uncertain. Insiders suggest that the actor is seeking a break and an opportunity to enjoy life outside of the spotlight. Nevertheless, his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt by the show’s cast, crew, and legions of devoted fans.
In the wake of Harmon’s departure, Jamie Lee Curtis, who guest-starred in several episodes of the series during season nine, took to social media to express her best wishes for the esteemed actor. Sharing a vintage photo of the two on set, Curtis lauded Harmon’s leadership and the pleasure of collaborating with him and his team, while also praising the introduction of Gary Cole to the show and expressing admiration for Harmon’s outstanding work.
