Did NCIS Have to Separate Scenes Between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon Due to Things Taking a Turn?
The feud between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon on the set of NCIS became so intense that they couldn’t film scenes together. Despite the show’s successful 20-year run, behind-the-scenes tensions were not uncommon. The trouble began when Harmon brought his dog to the set, and it bit a crew member, causing discomfort among the cast and crew.
Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson revealed that Perrette, an advocate for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), had concerns about the dog’s presence, leading to their feud. Harmon had a history of conflicts during his time on NCIS, including a physical altercation with co-star Michael Weatherly and disputes with the show’s creator, Don Bellisario.
Their feud escalated to the point where they had to work separately, and scripts were crafted to keep them out of each other’s scenes. This arrangement continued, even in Perrette’s final episode, where they never shared a scene together.
In late 2017, Pauley Perrette announced her departure from NCIS, although she didn’t openly discuss the reasons. She hinted on Twitter about her feud with Harmon, implying that he played a significant role in her decision. Despite leaving the show, she maintains good relationships with other cast members.