The Three Shocking New Roles Of Mark Harmon: From NCIS Producer To Freaky Friday Star

The iconic face of NCIS, Mark Harmon, is officially back in the spotlight, but not just as the beloved Agent Gibbs. After stepping away from his full-time role on the procedural drama in 2021, the actor has surprised fans with a triple-threat career move, taking on major new roles as a producer, a narrator, and a feature film actor in projects slated for 2025 and beyond. This career resurgence confirms rumors that Harmon was "bored out of his mind" during his brief retirement, and he still has "gas left in the tank" for more big-screen and television work.

The news, confirmed in late 2024 and early 2025, reveals that the veteran performer is not only guiding the future of the *NCIS* universe but is also making a dramatic return to the big screen in a role "fiercely different" from his nearly two-decade-long portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

Thomas Mark Harmon: A Full Biography Profile

Thomas Mark Harmon, a multi-talented American actor, producer, writer, television director, and former college football player, has built a legacy spanning five decades in Hollywood.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Thomas Mark Harmon
• Born: September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California.
• Parents: Tom Harmon (college football great and Heisman Trophy winner) and Elyse Knox (actress and fashion designer).
• Education & Early Career: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college football as a quarterback. He initially considered careers in advertising or law before pursuing acting.
• Iconic Roles: Known for playing Dr. Robert Caldwell on *St. Elsewhere* and, most famously, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on *NCIS* for 18 seasons.
• Production Company: Founded his own company, Wings Productions, in 2014, which helped produce the spin-off series *NCIS: New Orleans*. This company continues to develop projects from its Culver City base.
• Accolades: Received the 2,482nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 1, 2012.

The Three Major New Roles Defining Mark Harmon’s Career Comeback

Mark Harmon’s post-*NCIS* career is characterized by a strategic shift, leveraging his experience behind the camera while simultaneously accepting high-profile acting roles that break the Gibbs mold. His upcoming projects for 2025 are a clear indication that his retirement was short-lived, with a full slate of work that keeps him deeply involved in the television landscape and back on the silver screen.

1. Executive Producer and Narrator of ‘NCIS: Origins’

Mark Harmon’s most significant new role involves steering the future of the *NCIS* franchise through a prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*. This move sees him transition from lead actor to a powerful executive role, guiding the creative direction of the show's storytelling. Harmon, alongside his son Sean Harmon, is producing the series, which will explore the earliest years of the beloved character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, starting in 1991.

The prequel is set to shed light on how Gibbs became the complex, rule-breaking special agent fans came to know. The series will star Austin Stowell as the young Gibbs, providing a fresh face to the iconic character, while Harmon himself will serve as the all-important narrator, linking the past and present narratives.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Project Title: *NCIS: Origins*
• Harmon's Role: Executive Producer and Series Narrator.
• Starring: Austin Stowell (as Young Gibbs).
• Co-Stars/Entities: Kyle Schmid (as Young Mike Franks), Mariel Molino (as Cecilia "Lala" Dominguez).
• Significance: This role solidifies Harmon’s commitment to the *NCIS* universe, ensuring the legacy and authenticity of the Gibbs character remains intact.

2. Reprising the Iconic Role as Gibbs in a Crossover Event

Despite his retirement from the main cast, Harmon is set to make a dramatic return as the older, now-retired Leroy Jethro Gibbs. This highly anticipated guest appearance will take place during a major crossover event between the flagship *NCIS* series and the new *NCIS: Origins* prequel.

The crossover is slated for November 11, 2025, and marks the first time fans will see the retired Gibbs back on screen since his emotional departure in Season 19. The return is a huge win for viewers who have missed the character's presence and have been following the ongoing "retirement rumors" surrounding the actor. The promotional material has teased an "unrecognizable" look for the retired Gibbs, adding to the intrigue of his brief, yet impactful, return.

• Event: *NCIS* and *NCIS: Origins* Crossover.
• Role: Reprising Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
• Date: November 11, 2025.
• Fan Intention: This appearance directly answers the fan curiosity about whether Gibbs would ever return to the franchise.

3. The Big-Screen Comeback in ‘Freaky Friday 2’ (Freakier Friday)

Perhaps the most unexpected and exciting new role for Mark Harmon is his return to feature film acting in the sequel to the beloved 2003 comedy, *Freaky Friday*. The film, sometimes referred to as *Freakier Friday*, sees Harmon reprising his role as Ryan, the partner (and now likely husband) of Tess Coleman, played by Jamie Lee Curtis.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

This role is a significant departure from the serious, stoic demeanor of Agent Gibbs. Ryan is a lighter, more comedic character, providing Harmon with a necessary career step away from the procedural drama that defined his last two decades. The sequel brings back the original core cast, including Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman, and introduces new entities like Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Manny Jacinto. Harmon’s involvement in this Disney project highlights his versatility and hints that he is actively seeking roles that challenge his established dramatic persona.

• Project Title: *Freaky Friday 2* (or *Freakier Friday*).
• Role: Ryan (Tess Coleman's Husband/Partner).
• Co-Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Chad Michael Murray.
• New Cast Entities: Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto.
• Career Impact: A major big-screen role that is "fiercely different" from Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

The Future of Mark Harmon: Producer, Actor, and NCIS Legacy

Mark Harmon’s career trajectory in the mid-2020s is a fascinating study in creative evolution. By taking on the mantle of Executive Producer and Narrator for *NCIS: Origins*, he ensures his continued influence over the naval criminal investigative service world, managing the legacy of his character through his production company, Wings Productions.

Simultaneously, his return to acting in *Freaky Friday 2* demonstrates a desire to explore new creative avenues and engage with different genres. This blend of behind-the-scenes power and on-screen diversity suggests that Mark Harmon is not merely "un-retiring," but rather entering a new, powerful phase of his career. The anticipation for both his brief return as Gibbs in the 2025 crossover and his comedic turn as Ryan is a testament to the enduring appeal of one of television's most iconic actors.

Fans can look forward to a busy 2025, where the influence of Thomas Mark Harmon will be felt across network television and major motion pictures, proving that the former UCLA quarterback still has plenty of plays left to run.