Overview
- Mark Harmon was inspired to portray Gibbs on NCIS due to the character’s distinctive name, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
- The character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs plays a pivotal role in the enduring appeal and success of NCIS, thanks to his unique traits.
- Fans can enjoy NCIS seasons 1-19 on Hulu and seasons 1-22 on Paramount+ to revisit the adventures of Gibbs.
Since Mark Harmon’s iconic character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, bid farewell to his team in Alaska during NCIS Season 19, Episode 4, titled “The Great Wide Open,”viewers have deeply felt his absence. Gibbs, a U.S. Marine Corps sniper with a traumatic past involving the loss of his wife and daughter, approaches each case with a blend of precision and emotional depth. Additionally, Gibbs’ famous set of rules guides both his professional and personal decisions. Following 19 seasons of captivating storytelling, viewers caught a glimpse of Gibbs’s origins through the first season of the prequel, NCIS: Origins, narrated by Harmon himself.
While Harmon has delivered impressive performances in various roles—most notably as Simon Donovan in Season 3 of The West Wing—none are comparable to his portrayal of Gibbs. In a recent interview, he shared intriguing insights into what drew him to this character.
The Element that Resonated with Mark Harmon
Harmon reflected, “As I was going through various scripts, one stood out, and the name Leroy Jethro Gibbs struck a chord with me. I recall a moment when the name was changed to something like Bob Robinson, and I immediately reached out to insist it revert back to Gibbs. Someone questioned whether I could play a character named Leroy Jethro Gibbs. My response was, ‘Why not?’
He elaborated, “If that name hadn’t existed, I may not have taken the role.”
This revelation might surprise fans, who might assume Harmon was primarily attracted to the series due to its thrilling action or the potential for long-term success. However, it’s clear that the distinctive name of Gibbs played a significant role in his decision to join the cast.
Many fans agree that Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a name imbued with a sense of strength and uniqueness. As Harmon aptly pointed out, names like “Bob”simply do not carry the same weight. Just as it’s hard to envision another actor embodying Gibbs, it’s equally difficult to imagine the character under a different name. The name complements his resolute personality perfectly.
Regardless of the name change considerations, it’s undeniable that Gibbs is a cornerstone of NCIS’s appeal, and Harmon’s performance has left an indelible mark on viewers. Although newer characters like Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole) are gaining popularity, the transition away from Gibbs remains challenging for many fans. In an oral history published by The Hollywood Reporter in September 2023, casting director Susan Bluestein shared insights about Harmon’s casting:
“The casting process was quite tricky. I had previously cast Mark Harmon as John Dillinger in a TV movie back in 1991, and he was exceptional. From the very beginning, I had Mark on my list for NCIS. He possesses the gravitas that this character demands.”
With recent episodes showing Timothy McGee (played by Sean Murray) reminiscing about Gibbs, fans continue to hold out hope for Harmon’s return to the role, assisting his former team once again.
Catch Up on NCIS: Available on Streaming Platforms
For those looking to revisit Gibbs’s adventures or catch any episodes they may have missed, NCIS is accessible on multiple streaming platforms. Specifically, Hulu features NCIS seasons 1 through 11, while Paramount+ holds seasons 1-22. Fans relish watching Gibbs juggle humorous moments with his team, tackle intricate cases, and navigate personal challenges. His ability to maintain composure while evoking an air of mystery adds to the character’s allure.
The season 22 finale, “Nexus,”was broadcast on CBS on May 5, 2025, with expectations for season 23 to debut in the fall of 2025. Viewers could stream new season 22 episodes on Paramount+ the day after they aired on CBS, a trend likely to continue into the new season. Additionally, fans can anticipate Gibbs’s story being explored in more depth in season 2 of NCIS: Origins, set to launch later in 2025.