Despite the departures of ‘NCIS’ veterans Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly from the series, the enduring on-screen chemistry between their characters remains a fan favorite. Surprisingly, Gibbs’ trademark head slap, a recurring element where he would hit DiNozzo on the back of the head, was never part of the original script.
Mark Harmon, portraying Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly 400 episodes, and Michael Weatherly, appearing in 306 episodes before departing in 2016, shared a dynamic on-screen partnership for 13 seasons.
The iconic “Gibbs Slap,” a distinctive move of hitting coworkers on the back of the head, especially directed at Weatherly’s character, DiNozzo, was never planned. During the early days of filming in Season 1, Harmon spontaneously smacked Weatherly to bring him back on track, and the unscripted moment stuck.
The “Gibbs Slap” became a recurring element, a signature move for Gibbs throughout the show’s run. Fans embraced the dynamic between the characters, and the impromptu head slap, initially a correction during filming, evolved into a beloved aspect of the series.
Both Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly eventually left ‘NCIS,’ each departing at different times. Weatherly exited after Season 13 to explore new opportunities, while Harmon bid farewell in 2021, citing a desire to take on new roles and attain a better work-life balance. Despite their departures, the impact of their characters and the memorable moments, including the unscripted “Gibbs Slap,” continue to resonate with fans of the long-running series.