The question of "How old is Mark Harmon?" is one of the most frequently searched queries by fans of the iconic *NCIS* star, and as of December 2025, the beloved actor is 74 years old. This milestone age for Thomas Mark Harmon, born on September 2, 1951, comes at a time when his career is experiencing a significant and exciting new chapter, proving that age is truly just a number in Hollywood. Far from retiring after his departure from the main *NCIS* series, Harmon has transitioned into a powerful role behind the scenes while also preparing for a highly anticipated on-screen return.
The veteran actor, best known for his 19-season run as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is currently driving one of the most talked-about television events of the 2025 season: the prequel series *NCIS: Origins*. Not only is he serving as an executive producer, but he is also the voice narrating the story of a young Gibbs. This professional pivot, combined with a major personal life update—becoming a first-time grandfather earlier in 2025—cements his status as a figure whose life is as dynamic and captivating as the characters he portrays.
Mark Harmon: Biography and Professional Profile
Mark Harmon’s career is a testament to longevity and versatility, spanning over five decades in film and television. His journey from a college football star to one of television's most recognizable faces is detailed in his comprehensive profile:
- Full Name: Thomas Mark Harmon
- Date of Birth: September 2, 1951
- Current Age (Dec 2025): 74 years old
- Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
- Parents: Tom Harmon (Heisman Trophy winner and sportscaster) and Elyse Knox (actress and fashion designer)
- Spouse: Pam Dawber (Married March 21, 1987)
- Children: Two sons: Sean Harmon and Ty Harmon
- Recent Personal Milestone (2025): Became a first-time grandfather.
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Graduated with a B.A. in Communications. Was the starting quarterback for the UCLA Bruins.
- Key Roles: Dr. Robert Caldwell (*St. Elsewhere*), Simon Donovan (*The West Wing*), and most famously, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (*NCIS*).
- Current Role (2025): Executive Producer and Narrator of *NCIS: Origins*.
The Gibbs Legacy Continues: Harmon's 2025 Return
The biggest news surrounding Mark Harmon in 2025 is his deep involvement with the new prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*. This project is a fresh, unique take on the character that defined his later career, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The series is set in 1991 and explores the early days of Gibbs’s career as a newly minted special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office.
Executive Producer and Narrator
Harmon is not just lending his name to the project; he is heavily involved as an executive producer, guiding the creative direction of the show. Furthermore, he serves as the series’ narrator, a crucial role that connects the established, seasoned Gibbs that fans know with the younger, less experienced version portrayed on screen. This narrative device ensures that Harmon’s voice, literally and figuratively, remains the backbone of the *NCIS* universe.
The Family Collaboration: Sean Harmon’s Role
Adding a layer of personal significance to the project is the fact that Mark Harmon is executive producing *NCIS: Origins* alongside his son, Sean Harmon. Sean Harmon is no stranger to the Gibbs character, having previously played the younger version of his father's character in several flashback episodes of the original *NCIS* series. While Austin Stowell has taken on the main role of the young Gibbs for the new prequel, the father-son production team ensures the authentic spirit of the character is maintained.
The Surprise 2025 Crossover Event
In a move that thrilled the *NCIS* fanbase, Mark Harmon is slated to reprise his role as Gibbs for a surprise cameo in a special *NCIS* and *NCIS: Origins* crossover event. This highly anticipated episode is scheduled to air on November 11, 2025. His return, even if brief, is a major draw for the series, confirming that the connection between Harmon and the character of Gibbs is as strong as ever, giving fans a glimpse of the beloved agent after his quiet departure in Season 19.
A Lifetime of Milestones: From Quarterback to Grandfather
Before achieving international fame as an Emmy-nominated actor, Mark Harmon’s life was already one of distinction. His journey is a compelling narrative of diverse talents and a commitment to privacy that has kept his personal life stable in the often-turbulent world of Hollywood.
UCLA Football Star
Harmon's early career was defined by athletics. He was the starting quarterback for the UCLA Bruins in the early 1970s, earning the National Football Foundation Award for All-Around Excellence in 1973. His talent was such that he received offers to play professional football, but he ultimately chose to pursue acting, a decision that would redefine his life and television history.
The Enduring Marriage to Pam Dawber
One of the most remarkable aspects of Harmon’s personal life is his enduring marriage to actress Pam Dawber, known for her starring role in the sitcom *Mork & Mindy*. The couple married in 1987 and have maintained a notoriously private life, a deliberate choice they made to shield their children and their relationship from the intense media scrutiny that often plagues celebrity couples. Their 38-year marriage is a rare and respected accomplishment in the industry, reflecting a shared commitment to prioritizing family over fame.
A New Chapter: Becoming a Grandfather in 2025
In a heartwarming personal update, Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber celebrated becoming first-time grandparents earlier in 2025. This new role adds a beautiful layer to the actor's life, showing him embrace a new, softer chapter away from the intense drama of the *NCIS* set. This personal milestone, alongside his renewed professional vigor with *NCIS: Origins*, underscores the fact that Mark Harmon, at 74, remains a figure of both professional and personal inspiration.
The Role of a Lifetime: Leroy Jethro Gibbs
While his early roles in series like *St. Elsewhere* and films like *Summer School* were pivotal, it was his 2003 casting as Gibbs that solidified his legacy. For nearly two decades, he portrayed the stoic, rule-bending, boat-building NCIS agent, becoming one of the highest-paid and most-watched actors on television. His influence extended beyond acting, as he also served as an executive producer on *NCIS*, a role he continues to hold across the franchise. His decision to step back from the main series in 2021 to a recurring capacity, and now his full transition to EP and narrator for the prequel, demonstrates a strategic career evolution that ensures his impact on the franchise will continue for years to come.
In conclusion, Mark Harmon is 74 years old in December 2025, but his age is merely a footnote to a career that is actively expanding. With the launch of *NCIS: Origins*, his role as executive producer and narrator, and the excitement surrounding his 2025 cameo as Gibbs, Harmon is proving that the most compelling chapters of a star’s life can often be the most recent ones. His enduring marriage, his new role as a grandfather, and his continued influence over a massive television franchise ensure that he remains a dominant and highly relevant figure in the entertainment world.
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