The Five Biggest Things Mark Harmon Is Doing Now After Leaving NCIS: The Gibbs Era Isn't Over!

Mark Harmon is not retired. As of December 2025, the beloved actor has successfully transitioned from his iconic on-screen role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs to a powerful behind-the-scenes position, cementing his legacy within the *NCIS* universe and beyond. His current focus is heavily centered on expanding the franchise he led for nearly two decades, alongside a rare, highly-anticipated on-screen return that has fans buzzing. The latest and most significant update is Harmon’s dual role in the new prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*, where he serves as both an executive producer and the show's narrator. This move ensures the character's spirit and the franchise's authenticity remain intact, even as a younger actor takes on the role of Gibbs. Furthermore, the actor recently made a guest appearance as the older, retired Gibbs in a major crossover event with the flagship show, proving that the Gibbs era is far from over.

Mark Harmon: Complete Biography Profile

Thomas Mark Harmon is an American actor, producer, director, and former college football quarterback, best known for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the global phenomenon, *NCIS*.

• Full Name: Thomas Mark Harmon
• Born: September 2, 1951 (Age 74 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
• Parents: Tom Harmon (Heisman Trophy winner, football player, and sports broadcaster) and Elyse Knox (actress and model).
• Spouse: Pam Dawber (actress, married since 1987)
• Children: Two sons, Sean Harmon and Ty Christian Harmon.
• Education: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played quarterback for the UCLA Bruins.
• Career Highlights: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for *Reasonable Doubts* and an Emmy Award for *The West Wing*. Starred in *St. Elsewhere* and *Chicago Hope* before landing the lead role in *NCIS* in 2003, which he held for 18 seasons.

1. Executive Producer Role on the NCIS Prequel: NCIS: Origins

The most significant endeavor for Mark Harmon nowadays is his work as an executive producer on the prequel series, *NCIS: Origins*. This new show, which premiered in 2024, delves into the early days of his iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, starting in 1970.

Harmon is not just a name attached to the project; he is actively involved in shaping the narrative. His presence provides a crucial link to the original series and ensures the backstory of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service agent is true to the character fans know and love. This transition from lead actor to executive producer is a common, but powerful, move for long-running television stars, allowing him to maintain creative control and influence over the franchise's future.

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The series stars Austin Stowell as the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, but the family connection runs even deeper. Harmon’s own son, Sean Harmon, who previously played a younger Gibbs in flashback episodes of the main *NCIS* series, is also a producer on *Origins*. This generational collaboration is a major factor in the show's topical authority and fan appeal.

2. The Voice of Gibbs: Narrator of NCIS: Origins

Beyond his producing duties, Mark Harmon has taken on the role of the series narrator for *NCIS: Origins*. This is a brilliant creative choice that keeps his voice—literally—at the heart of the franchise.

As the narrator, Harmon guides the audience through the formative years of Gibbs' career, offering a retrospective, world-weary perspective that only the older, retired agent could provide. This narrative device bridges the gap between the young agent's adventures and the seasoned, rule-breaking leader fans remember. It keeps the core essence of the character alive and relevant, even when he is not physically on screen.

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This role is a perfect fit for Harmon's current phase of his career, allowing him to be a central creative force without the grueling day-to-day demands of starring in a weekly drama. It’s a testament to his commitment to the *NCIS* universe and his desire to see the Gibbs legacy continue in a meaningful way.

3. The Highly-Anticipated On-Screen Return: The 2025 Crossover

Fans who missed seeing Gibbs on screen received a massive surprise with the news of Mark Harmon’s return. In late 2024 and early 2025, CBS announced a major crossover event between the original *NCIS* and the new *NCIS: Origins* series.

This event featured Harmon reprising his role as the older, now-retired Leroy Jethro Gibbs for a rare guest appearance. The crossover, which was slated for November 11, 2025, was one of the most talked-about television events of the season, marking his first major on-screen return since his departure from the main series in 2021.

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The appearance was brief but impactful, serving as a powerful moment for the franchise. It confirmed that the character is still alive, well, and enjoying his quiet life in Alaska, leaving the door open for future guest spots. His return was a clear signal to fans that while he is no longer the star, Gibbs remains the spiritual anchor of the entire *NCIS* world.

4. Life as a Private Family Man with Pam Dawber

Outside of his professional commitments, Mark Harmon is known for being intensely private, a trait he shares with his wife, actress Pam Dawber, famous for her role on *Mork & Mindy*. The couple has been married since 1987, a rare and enduring partnership in Hollywood.

With the reduced filming schedule that comes with being a producer and narrator, Harmon has been able to dedicate more time to his personal life. He and Pam Dawber have two grown sons, Sean and Ty Christian Harmon, and are now grandparents. This focus on family is a major reason he initially stepped back from the demanding schedule of being the lead on *NCIS*.

His commitment to privacy is legendary; the family rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances together. This intentional withdrawal from the spotlight allows him to enjoy a quiet, stable life away from the constant scrutiny of the entertainment industry, a stark contrast to his 18 years as one of television's biggest stars.

5. Expanding His Production Empire: Wing and a Prayer Productions

Harmon is not just an actor; he is a shrewd businessman. His production company, Wing and a Prayer Productions, has been instrumental in his continued involvement with the *NCIS* franchise. The company is the banner under which he executive produces *NCIS: Origins*.

While the focus of the company is currently on the *NCIS* universe, Wing and a Prayer Productions serves as the vehicle for his broader creative ambitions. By controlling the development and production side of the show, Harmon has secured a long-term, lucrative, and creatively fulfilling position in television. This strategic move allows him to mentor new talent, shape the future of the franchise, and explore other potential projects as a producer, director, and writer, leveraging the reputation and success he built as an actor. This shift in focus is a clear indication that his career is moving into a powerful new phase behind the camera.