Mark Harmon’s Surprising Request Before His Final ‘NCIS’ Episode Leaves Fans Astonished

Mark Harmon bid farewell to “NCIS” after an impressive 423 episodes. His last episode aired in mid-October, leaving fans heartbroken with Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ departure from the show.

Harmon’s future plans remain uncertain, although he hasn’t ruled out a possible return to the series. For now, he prioritizes spending more time with his family, who interestingly played a key role in his NCIS journey.

Recent revelations about Harmon’s exit shed light on a unique request he made before his final episode…

Mark Harmon, born in Burbank, California, in 1951, had illustrious parents, with his father, Tom Harmon, a former football player turned broadcaster, and his mother, Elyse Know, an artist and actress. Despite growing up around fame, he was oblivious to his parents’ celebrity status.

Mark accompanied his father to broadcasts as a child and later played football as a quarterback for the UCLA Bruins. While football could have been a viable career, his fascination with theater and screen acting took hold.

His connection to pop star Ricky Nelson, who was acting in “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” opened doors for Mark. When he filled in for an absent actor on the spinoff series “Ozzie’s Girls,” Mark’s interest in acting was solidified.

He abandoned dreams of a football career, returned to acting lessons, and gradually landed roles in film and television, learning from mentors like Michael Caine and Jason Robards.

After featuring in series like “240 Robert” and “Flamingo Road” and making appearances on “The Love Boat,” Mark’s breakthrough came when he became a regular on the drama “St. Elsewhere.”

With time, the demands of a busy acting career took a toll on his family life, prompting him to reconsider. Missing important moments in his children’s lives, he made the decision to prioritize family.

Around that time, he received the script for “NCIS,” a show focused on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Mark was drawn to the humor and the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show premiered in September 2003, gradually gaining international recognition and spawning several spinoffs.

Despite the show’s immense success, Mark struggled to grasp its worldwide popularity, and he was known to be humble and amiable on set. Colleagues praised his leadership qualities, emphasizing his impact on the show’s success.

Mark’s final episode on “NCIS” aired on October 9, signaling his departure from the long-running series. CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl indicated that Mark would always be part of the show, leaving the possibility of his return open.

Mark Harmon’s exit from “NCIS” surprised fans as he wanted to keep it low-key, free of dramatic advertising. This decision caught many off guard, as there was no public announcement of his departure.

Now, with more time for his family, Mark may continue acting or explore other projects through his production company, Wings Productions, located in Culver City, California. Additionally, he expressed his passion for carpentry and acknowledged that he might have pursued it as a career.

Mark Harmon’s legacy as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS” remains cherished, and fans hold hope for his potential return to the show in the future. For now, he deserves a well-earned break to savor life’s moments. Share this article on Facebook to honor Mark Harmon’s remarkable journey.