Whether you’re new to “NCIS” or have been watching the hit CBS series since it debuted in 2003 (according to IMDb), you know that Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) is a big deal on the show. While his team’s cast has changed over the years, it’s difficult to imagine the show without Gibbs at the helm, especially given how important he’s been to so many investigations and the personal growth of his fellow NCIS agents.
However, all good things must come to an end, and speculation has been rife about how Harmon will exit the show on which he serves as an executive producer. But that won’t be the case any longer, as The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed that Harmon has agreed to appear in the show’s 19th season.
Still, you might be surprised to learn that the possibility of Harmon leaving the show has been discussed previously. So, if you’ve been wondering how Mark Harmon addressed leaving “NCIS” in the past, you’re in luck because we’ll fill you in.
Mark Harmon revealed to People when he thought the best time to leave NCIS would be.
In a 2019 interview with People, Mark Harmon stated that he will continue to appear on set as Gibbs as long as there are smart, interesting stories to tell. He stated to the publication, “I’ve always thought that if the writers walk into the room and say, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ then we all need to look at each other and call it a day. But we haven’t arrived yet.”
Harmon went on to say that he recognizes the show’s popularity and long-running success as unique and should not be taken for granted, so he intends to stay with “NCIS” for the long haul. He stated, “I’ve been around long enough to recognize this. That’s part of what I signed up for; I know when this show ends, it’s the end of the road for me; there won’t be anything else like it.”
Mark Harmon does not appear to be leaving NCIS anytime soon.
And it’s not vanity that keeps Mark Harmon on “NCIS.” According to Showbiz CheatSheet, the actor told James Corden in 2015 that he doesn’t think Gibbs – or any character – is replaceable to the point where the show wouldn’t survive without him, so he’ll stay as long as possible.
According to Harmon, “Nothing lasts forever, but you have to respect what this show is doing, and how it’s doing it, and the people who are punching in every morning and building what this is. There’s a lot of pride there, so I don’t see why I should leave.”
We’re just relieved that Harmon will continue to play Gibbs on “NCIS” for at least one more season.
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