NCIS Stars Who Almost Chose Different Careers: Mark Harmon, David McCallum, and Others!!!!!!!!

NCIS Stars Who Almost Chose Different Career Paths

Before finding fame on NCIS, several of its stars were headed in completely different directions. Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Emily Wickersham, and Maria Bello each had alternate careers in mind before stepping into the world of television.

Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon, best known as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, didn’t originally plan to become an actor. In an interview with Men’s Journal, the 72-year-old revealed that he started out as a carpenter. “I tried to do that, but I just couldn’t get hired,” he shared. “I enjoyed the work, the drive, and doing something that outlasted you.”

Harmon’s life took a turn when a brief stint as a shoe salesman led him to rethink his career. A chance encounter on a flight with a man dissatisfied with his job made Harmon reconsider his path. “I sat next to a 33-year-old who hated his job but was sticking it out for the pension,” Harmon recalled. That moment inspired him to pursue his true passion—acting.

David McCallum

David McCallum, fondly remembered as Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, almost followed in his father’s musical footsteps. His father, David Sr., was a renowned violinist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and his mother, Dorothy, was a talented cellist. In a 2010 interview with Mail Online, McCallum shared that his parents initially expected him to pursue a music career. His father even chose the oboe for him, thinking it would offer more job prospects.

Although McCallum played in his school orchestra, he was ultimately drawn to the stage. After discovering his love for acting in a school production of Shakespeare’s King John, McCallum made the switch, and his successful acting career began.

Emily Wickersham

Before portraying Ellie Bishop on NCIS, Emily Wickersham initially pursued a career in the arts. She spent two years studying painting at Muhlenberg College, influenced by her artistic family—her parents are both artists, and her brother is a photographer.

Despite her artistic background, Wickersham realized that painting wasn’t her true calling. She left college and moved to New York City, where she started landing acting roles in series like The Sopranos, Gossip Girl, and The Bridge. Her acting career continued to rise, eventually leading her to her breakout role on NCIS.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello, who played Special Agent Jack Sloane on NCIS, initially planned to pursue a very different career. In an interview with WebMD Magazine, Bello revealed that she originally intended to become a lawyer and even majored in peace and justice education at Villanova University.

While she ultimately didn’t pursue law, Bello found that her studies were still valuable, particularly in the realm of international women’s rights. Her work has allowed her to connect with women across the globe and understand their lives, dreams, and challenges.

These unexpected career shifts led these NCIS stars to where they are today, proving that sometimes life’s detours can lead to incredible success.