Mark Harmon Commented on if He’d Return for a Hypothetical ‘NCIS’ Series Finale!!!!
Harmon has always kept the door open for a possible return. His exit from the show was on good terms, with fans fondly recalling Gibbs bidding farewell to his team as he chose to enjoy a quieter life. Harmon himself felt this was the perfect conclusion for his character.
“What’s always drawn me here is the character I play and the challenge of keeping it fresh,” Harmon shared with ET. “Plot-wise, the path Gibbs took felt honest and fitting.”
However, Harmon was clear that Gibbs’ journey wasn’t necessarily over. “I’m not retired… as far as I know, Gibbs is still in Alaska,” he added.
Gibbs didn’t say goodbye forever, only that he’d be gone for a while. Former NCIS showrunner Steven Binder also left his fate open, suggesting there could be more to come.
“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go,” Binder added. “So regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
In an interview with Trib Live, Harmon was asked if he could see Gibbs returning in a possible series finale for the show. A series finale may still be some way off, as NCIS recently concluded its 21st season, and its 22nd season has already been renewed. With NCIS Origins all set to air, there are even certain parts of the franchise that are just beginning.
Still, Harmon gave a vague yet interesting response to a possible series finale appearance.
“It’s really about feeling like you’re fulfilled with the role or complete with the role or the people you went there to work with and worked with a long time and gave the character the fuel that fueled it for as many years as it did, you just pay attention to the creative part of any process,” he said.
Did Mark Harmon retire from acting before ‘NCIS: Origins’
Harmon will be returning in a very limited capacity for the streaming prequel NCIS: Origins. He’ll be providing some narration for the show, and may even be making a cameo. Before Origins, however, there was speculation that he might’ve retired from the acting industry for good.
“No, I never retired,” he clarified to Parade. “As far as I know, if you’re talking about Gibbs, he’s living in Alaska. If you’re talking about Mark, he’s home doing what he always did, which is read things.”
He would’ve even entertained appearing in another project separate from NCIS if it was the right fit.
“I always saw this business as if you’re fortunate enough to get work and do work, that it’s about having choices. It’s about having an opportunity sometimes even to say no. There was a time where I could never say no. And most actors can’t. I’m appreciative of having that choice. I don’t see myself as retired. If the right thing comes along, I’ll probably go to work, and if it doesn’t, I have plenty of other things to do,” he said.
