Mark Harmon’s Surprising Reason for Joining NCIS: Origins Revealed!

With the premiere of NCIS: Origins in October 2024, Mark Harmon made a return to the franchise that made him a household name, despite stepping back from the NCIS Mothership series in Season 19. While he’s now an executive producer and narrator, Harmon did make a special appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the prequel’s debut. But what really drew him to the role all those years ago? Surprisingly, it was the character’s name itself.

Harmon recently shared with The Hollywood Reporter that when he first read the NCIS script, it was the name “Leroy Jethro Gibbs” that caught his attention. “The name stopped me,” he said with a laugh. “People say, ‘What attracted you to the story?’ I said, ‘The name.’ There’s more to it than that, obviously, but I didn’t expect to be taken in like I was.” His immediate curiosity about the name led to his deep connection with the role, and it’s easy to see why. After all, Leroy Jethro Gibbs has a distinctive ring to it, sparking questions about the man behind the name.

As fans know, Gibbs’ name honors his father’s best friend, Leroy Jethro “LJ” Moore. But the name is just the beginning. The NCIS: Origins prequel delves into Gibbs’ early life in the ’90s, shortly after he tragically loses his wife and daughter. The show offers new insights into the character’s backstory, with Austin Stowell portraying a younger version of Gibbs.

Though Harmon is no longer a regular on the flagship NCIS series, his involvement in NCIS: Origins has fueled hopes that he might return to the Mothership series one day. For now, fans can enjoy his presence in the prequel, which continues to expand Gibbs’ story. Given the success of the NCIS franchise, it’s clear that Harmon’s initial choice to join was a pivotal one, and here’s hoping the journey of Leroy Jethro Gibbs continues to captivate fans for years to come.