Mark Harmon, the renowned actor of NCIS, is practically unrecognizable two decades after taking on the role of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 2003. The long-running series, a spin-off of JAG, has generated 21 seasons and six spin-offs, becoming a fixture on cr1me drama television.

Harmon played Gibbs until 2021, leaving during the 19th season. Now 72, he’s largely out of the spotlight, living quietly with his wife of 37 years, Mork & Mindy actress Pam Dawber. Recently, Harmon was spotted in Los Angeles, casually dressed in a red button-down shirt, dark shorts, and flip-flops, braving the heatwave as he ran errands.

Harmon hasn’t participated in any films or TV shows since leaving NCIS, but he’s poised to reprise his role in Freakier Friday, a sequel to the acclaimed 2003 film Freaky Friday. In the original, he played Ryan, Tess’ beloved partner (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna’s stepfather (Lindsay Lohan).

Reflecting on his NCIS departure, Harmon expressed gratitude for the role that defined his career. “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and challenging,” he said.

Harmon’s name was later taken from the credits, despite the fact that Gibbs was not k1lled off, allowing for a possible reappearance. Executive producer Steven D. Binder has not ruled out a possible return, saying, “We will wait and see.”

For fans of Gibbs, there’s good news: Harmon will serve as executive producer and narrator for NCIS: Origins, a prequel series set 12 years before the original. The show will follow a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as a fresh-faced special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton.

While Harmon enjoys his step-back role, he is apprehensive about returning to the original series. “I do not know. It’s all about feeling like you’ve completed a role. “I’ve always allowed the writers to do whatever they want,” he said.