Fate, Romance, and the Unexpected in Mark Harmon’s 36-Year Love Story – You Won’t Believe the Twist!

Mark Harmon, the former director of NCIS, recently shared the charming story of his bold first move, setting the stage for his enduring 37-year marriage to Pam Dawber.

The 72-year-old actor disclosed that their journey began with an unexpected cold call to Mork & Mindy star Dawber after he backed out of a planned group date. Harmon recounted that this unplanned call led to an immediate connection, a date on the same night, and their wedding one year later.

This heartwarming anecdote was revealed by Harmon while promoting his upcoming book, Ghosts of Honolulu, set to be released on November 14.

Their romance blossomed shortly after Harmon was named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986, during which he expressed his preference for long-term marriages over short-term romances.

Harmon and Dawber’s 37-year relationship has been built on a foundation of shared work ethic, laughter, and effective communication. The couple, parents to two sons in their thirties, Sean and Ty, both working in the entertainment industry, stress the importance of these values in the survival of their marriage.

Harmon’s decision to portray Special Agent Gibbs on NCIS was influenced by his desire to remain an active presence in the lives of his sons despite the demands of his work schedule.

Even after departing from the popular CBS series, the now 72-year-old Harmon clarifies that his move is a transition to writing rather than retirement. Following an impressive 19-season run as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, his first historical nonfiction book, Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, showcases his transition from acting to authorship.