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 departure, which occurred 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. Despite efforts by producers to ease his workload by reducing his screen time and introducing Gary Cole to fill the void, Harmon felt he had given his all to the program and had earned the right to step down.
Family also played a significant role in Harmon’s decision. He expressed a desire to spend more time with his wife of 25 years, Pam Dawber, and their two children, Sean and Ty. Harmon longed to return to his ranch in Montana, where he could tend to his horses, work on his home, indulge in his passion for working on automobiles, and enjoy time in the garage.
Although Harmon will retain his role as an executive producer on NCIS, the possibility of his return to the show is uncertain. Insiders suggest it’s challenging to envision his comeback as Harmon seeks a break and the opportunity 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 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.
