15 Facts About Mark Harmon That You Probably Didn’t Know
You know him as the no-nonsense Gibbs from NCIS, but Mark Harmon is much more than his TV persona. Behind the stern gaze and sharp one-liners are some cool facts you might not know about this Hollywood icon. Here are 15 things about Mark that’ll leave you impressed.
A Football Star in College
Before becoming the TV icon we know, Harmon was a college football quarterback at UCLA. He wasn’t just good; he led his team to multiple wins and earned the National Football Foundation Award for leadership. Imagine if he’d stayed on the football field instead of heading to Hollywood!
His Dad Was a Heisman Winner
Mark’s athleticism runs in the family. His dad, Tom Harmon, was a legendary football player and even won the Heisman Trophy in 1940. Talk about a legacy! Sports were always a huge part of the Harmon household, and it’s no wonder Mark excelled.
He Almost Became a Carpenter
Believe it or not, before acting, Harmon thought he’d follow in the footsteps of his carpenter friends. He loved the idea of building things from scratch. Even though Hollywood called, he never forgot the satisfaction of working with his hands.
He’s Married to TV Royalty
Mark’s wife, Pam Dawber, is a TV icon in her own right. She starred as Mindy in the hit series Mork & Mindy alongside Robin Williams. They’ve been married since 1987, making them one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples. Talk about couple goals!
A Rescuer in Real Life
Mark doesn’t just play a hero on TV—he’s one in real life, too. In 1996, he rescued two teenage boys from a burning car in front of his home. Using a sledgehammer, he smashed the window and pulled them to safety. Now, that’s something Gibbs would do!
Hollywood Roots Run Deep
His mom, Elyse Knox, was also a Hollywood star. She appeared in numerous films during the ’40s, including The Mummy’s Tomb. Growing up in a family of actors and athletes, it’s no wonder Mark found success both on screen and in sports.
He Once Played Ted Bundy
In one of his more unexpected roles, Mark portrayed the infamous Ted Bundy in The Deliberate Stranger (1986). His impressive rendition earned him critical acclaim and showed his serious range beyond playing the good guy.
Nearly Played James Bond
Mark was once considered for the role of James Bond! While the part ultimately went to other actors, imagine Harmon as 007. It would’ve been a completely different take on the British spy, but with Mark’s charm, it could have worked!
He’s A Private Guy
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Mark prefers to keep his personal life private. The actor is rarely in the tabloids and doesn’t do social media. He’s all about family and work, choosing to stay out of the limelight when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Directing and Producing Talent
Harmon’s talents go beyond acting. He’s directed and produced several episodes of NCIS, and his behind-the-scenes work has helped the show maintain its long-running success. He’s not just Gibbs in front of the camera—he’s calling the shots behind it, too!
He Almost Didn’t Join NCIS
It’s hard to believe, but Mark initially hesitated to take the role of Gibbs. Mark was still determining whether he wanted to commit to a long-running series. But after reading the script and meeting the team, he knew it was the right fit. And the rest is history!
He’s a Dog Lover
Mark is a huge animal lover, and he particularly adores dogs because he has had several over the years and often talks about how much they mean to him. Dogs are a big part of his family life, adding to his down-to-earth charm.
A Lifelong Learner
Even though he’s wildly successful, Mark’s always been dedicated to learning. You’ll constantly find him reading and looking for new challenges in and out of Hollywood. Whether it’s a new script or a skill to master, Harmon is always pushing himself to grow.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2012, Mark received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his place among Hollywood’s greatest. It was a proud moment in his career, and he remains humble about the honor, focusing more on his work than the glitz and glamour.
He Has No Plans to Retire
Despite decades in the business, Mark shows no signs of slowing down. When asked about retirement, he’s said he’ll keep going as long as he loves what he’s doing—and given his passion for acting, it doesn’t look like he’ll stop anytime soon.
