Several NCIS stars almost took different career paths before landing in the world of TV. Mark Harmon had a completely different job before a chance encounter shifted his direction, while the late David McCallum initially planned to follow his father’s footsteps. Even Emily Wickersham considered an alternate career before joining the iconic show.
MARK HARMON
Mark Harmon, better known as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, did not always intend to become an actor. In an interview with Men’s Journal, the 72-year-old confessed that he began his profession as a carpenter. “I tried to do that, but I just couldn’t get hired,” he stated. “I enjoyed the work, the drive, and doing something that outlasted you.”
Harmon shared that if he hadn’t found success in acting, he would likely have continued with carpentry. However, his path changed after a brief stint as a shoe salesman. A conversation overheard on a flight made him reconsider his career. “I sat next to a 33-year-old who hated his job but was sticking it out for the pension,” Harmon recalled. That experience pushed him to quit and pursue his true passion-acting.
DAVID McCALLUM
David McCallum, best known for his role on NCIS, came from a musical family but pursued a different route. His father, David Sr., was a well-known violinist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and his mother, Dorothy, was an accomplished cellist.
In a 2010 interview with Mail Online, McCallum recalled that his parents initially expected him to pursue music. His father even chose the oboe for him, considering future job prospects. McCallum played in his school orchestra but found himself drawn more to amateur dramatics.
Though he still plays the oboe, acting became his true passion after a role in Shakespeare’s King John. From there, his career in acting took off, and the rest is history.
EMILY WICKERSHAM
Emily Wickersham, better known as Ellie Bishop on NCIS, started out as a painter. She spent two years studying painting at Muhlenberg College, encouraged by her artistic family (her mother and father are both artists, and her brother is a photographer).
However, Wickersham felt the artistic path wasn’t quite right for her. She left college and moved to New York City, where she began landing roles in shows like The Sopranos, Gossip Girl, and The Bridge. Her acting career took off from there, eventually leading her to NCIS.
MARIA BELLO
Maria Bello initially planned to become a lawyer. In an interview with WebMD Magazine, she shared that she majored in peace and justice education at Villanova University.
Despite understanding that politics and diplomacy were not her vocation, Bello considered her study beneficial, especially in the field of international women’s rights. She enjoys how her heritage has improved her interactions with outstanding women around the world, allowing her to connect with their hopes, lives, and dreams.
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to NCIS.