The speculation is real, folks! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mark Harmon’s tenure on NCIS might come to an end after Season 19, and he might not return as a regular cast member. In September 2021, CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl confirmed to Deadline that Harmon would always “be part of the show,” and in terms of his on-air appearances as Leroy Gibbs, they would have to see how it unfolds moving forward. It’s a lot to digest, isn’t it?
If the cornerstone of NCIS is indeed considering stepping away, it’s probably not due to on-set issues with the cast. Alright, fine, there were some rumors back in 2016 when actress Pauley Perrette (who portrayed Abby) supposedly left the show following a heated dispute with Harmon. Can’t remember? It was said that Harmon’s dog had bitten a crew member, requiring 15 stitches.
According to a source at the time, Harmon and Perrette’s relationship had deteriorated so badly afterward that they refused to work together. “She did her scenes on one day, and he did his work on other days, and they still produced a great show,” said the source.
However, Diona Reasonover (aka NCIS Kasie Hines), who took over for Perrette, told TV Insider in 2018 that “NCIS feels like a big family.” We did some digging, and it seems Harmon is considered part of the “family” by his colleagues.
The NCIS cast holds Mark Harmon in high regard.
Needless to say, Pam Dawber, Mark Harmon’s real-life wife, only has kind words for her husband. Dawber, who plays investigative journalist Marcie Warren on NCIS, told Entertainment Weekly that her spouse “is just a giving, great guy.” He showers her with compliments, she mentioned. The rest of the NCIS cast is equally enamored with their co-star.
Wilmer Valderrama, who portrays Special Agent Nick Torres, shared with ET that he and Harmon “have quite a bromance going on,” and that Harmon’s “energy is beautiful.” Sean Murray (the beloved Tim McGee) told Country Living that “Harmon is a very special individual,” applauding his talent and leadership for the show’s enduring success. Rocky Carroll, who plays NCIS Director Leon Vance, characterized Harmon as “the ultimate collaborator” to HuffPost. Brian Dietzen (the dependable Dr. Jimmy Palmer) even took to Twitter to suggest that Harmon deserves an Emmy.
Maria Bello, aka Jack Sloane, posted a farewell photo of herself and Harmon hugging on Instagram (yes, she’s leaving the show). She said, “I’ve never worked with a kinder, more generous group of people.” That’s a glowing review, isn’t it? Emily Wickersham, sometimes known as Eleanor Bishop, attributed that kindness to Harmon. When she took over from the irreplaceable Cote de Pablo, she told Perth Now that the cast’s camaraderie is due to Harmon’s kindness. “I really believe that starts with him and trickles down,” she added.
So, if Mark Harmon does decide to depart from NCIS, it’s not because his fellow cast members are giving him the boot.