Mark Harmon, renowned for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, initially demonstrated his athletic prowess as a football player at UCLA. He led the team to break Nebraska’s 32-game winning streak in 1972. Despite receiving professional offers in football, Harmon prioritized education over sports. He explored various career paths, including carpentry and shoe sales, before ultimately finding success in acting.
Harmon’s strong commitment to family influenced his decision to eschew a major film career in favor of the stability offered by television. In 1996, he displayed real-life heroism by saving a teen from a burning car, showcasing his valor beyond the screen. Since 2003, Harmon has been a cornerstone of NCIS, impacting significant changes on set and demonstrating unwavering dedication to the show. In 2018, CBS announced a Prey revival with Harmon serving as an executive producer, marking another significant chapter in his accomplished career.