Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly’s Off-Script Moment That Became an NCIS Staple

One of NCIS‘ most iconic moments was born spontaneously during season one. In episode five, titled “The Curse,” Mark Harmon, portraying Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, slapped Michael Weatherly’s character, Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo, on the back of his head. This unscripted action, later dubbed the “Gibbs slap,” became a signature move, especially in Gibbs’ interactions with Tony.

In an interview with the French publication Premiere (via Showbiz CheatSheet), Mark shared how the improvised moment came to life:
“We were doing a scene. And [Michael Weatherly] was on a Navy ship talking to a female petty officer. This was early in year one. He was doing what he does—sometimes staying on script and sometimes not. I just reached over and smacked him. It wasn’t planned; it was instinct. I didn’t think about it, I just did it.”

He praised Michael for staying in character despite the surprise:
“To his credit, he stayed in the scene; he didn’t break. And I didn’t break. The actress playing the petty officer was shocked but stayed in character, and we just kept going. People liked it. After that, I started doing it more frequently—maybe too much. Now, we use it sparingly, but that’s how it all started.”

A Complex Dynamic Behind the Scenes

Mark and Michael worked together for 13 seasons, from 2003 to 2016, until Michael’s departure from the show. Despite their chemistry on screen, the two didn’t always see eye-to-eye in the early years.

In a 2007 interview with Futon Critic, Michael described their initial relationship as polar opposites:
“Mark Harmon and I were on different poles. I was Antarctica; he was the North Pole. We’d just look at each other like, ‘What’s going on with your polarity?’”

He recalled a moment from their early days to illustrate their contrasting perspectives:
“When CNN Showbiz Today asked me about the best part of doing the pilot, I said, ‘I got a rubber gun and a fake badge.’ Mark looked at me like, ‘That’s your answer?’”

Michael’s Shift in Perspective

Years later, Michael gained a newfound appreciation for Mark’s leadership after starring in CBS’ Bull from 2016 to 2022. In an interview with USA Today (via Looper), Michael reflected on his experiences:
“Being the lead of Bull gave me great insight and regard for what Mark Harmon was doing all those years. When I used to think, ‘Why doesn’t he have as much fun as the rest of us?’ it started to make sense.”

The “Gibbs slap” remains a fan-favorite hallmark of NCIS, symbolizing the unique dynamic between Gibbs and Tony. It’s a testament to how improvisation and authentic interactions can create moments that transcend the script, cementing their legacy in the show’s..