Mark Harmon Reveals Why Austin Stowell Was Destined to Play Young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins
Mark Harmon, the iconic star and producer of NCIS, knew he had found the perfect actor to play a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs the moment Austin Stowell walked into the audition room. Despite stiff competition, Harmon recalls that Stowell’s presence was undeniable.
“There was heavy competition,” Harmon shared with PEOPLE. “But Austin stood out. Before he even said a word, you could feel the room shift. Someone even said, ‘That’s a movie star.’”
Stowell, best known for Bridge of Spies, earned the coveted role after an extensive search for the prequel series NCIS: Origins. The show explores Gibbs’ early days and the path that led him to his NCIS career. Harmon, who played Gibbs for 19 seasons on the flagship series, is now co-producing Origins and occasionally stepping into the spotlight as the older Gibbs, narrating key moments from his past.
Stowell’s dedication to the role impressed the Origins team, including executive producer David J. North, who praised his embodiment of Gibbs. “Austin studied Mark, studied the show, and brought a leadership quality that echoes what Mark brought on set,” North said. Stowell also embraced the responsibility, saying, “I know what Gibbs represents to the fans and the show. I don’t want to let them down.”
Joining Stowell in Origins is Kyle Schmid, who plays a young Mike Franks, Gibbs’ mentor. The cast and crew are confident the new series honors the legacy of NCIS while bringing fresh energy to the franchise.
Mark Harmon summed it up best: “We got everyone we wanted for this show.”
Catch the premiere of NCIS: Origins Monday, Oct. 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
