Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS after nearly two decades has left fans eagerly anticipating his next move in the entertainment industry. The veteran actor, who portrayed the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, has become synonymous with the hit CBS police procedural drama. His exit in 2021 marked the end of an era for the show and its loyal viewers.
NCIS, which follows the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigation Service’s Major Case Response Team, has been a staple of CBS programming since its debut. The series delves into criminal activities involving the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and their families, with Harmon’s character at the center of many gripping investigations. As Supervisory Special Agent Gibbs, Harmon brought depth, intensity, and a touch of dry humor to the role, making him a fan favorite for nearly two decades.
Harmon’s decision to leave the show was driven by his desire to keep his character fresh and challenging. In a featurette for NCIS Season 19, he explained, “What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging.” He felt that Gibbs’ storyline had reached a natural conclusion, adding, “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with.”
Since his departure from NCIS, fans have been speculating about Harmon’s future projects. The actor, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, has kept a relatively low profile, further fueling curiosity about his next career move. Industry insiders and fans alike have been wondering whether Harmon would return to television, venture into film, or perhaps explore other aspects of the entertainment business.
Now, it appears that Harmon is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career. Reports suggest that the actor is involved in a project that has been two decades in the making. While details remain scarce, this intriguing development has sparked excitement among his fanbase. The fact that this project has been in development for such an extended period hints at its significance to Harmon and potentially to the industry as a whole.
This upcoming venture could take various forms – it might be a passion project that Harmon has been nurturing for years, a book adaptation he’s been keen to bring to life, or perhaps a completely original concept that he’s been refining over time. Whatever the nature of this project, it’s clear that Harmon is approaching it with the same level of commitment and thoughtfulness that characterized his tenure on NCIS.
As fans eagerly await more information about Harmon’s new project, it’s worth reflecting on the impact he’s had on television over the past two decades. His portrayal of Gibbs has left an indelible mark on the procedural drama genre, and his next move is likely to be watched closely by industry professionals and viewers alike.
In the meantime, NCIS continues to air, with the show adapting to life without its longtime lead. While Harmon’s presence is undoubtedly missed, his legacy on the series remains strong, serving as a testament to his talent and the character he brought to life for so many years.
Mark Harmon: From NCIS to New Beginnings
After almost three years of saying goodbye to his iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, Mark Harmon is back in the spotlight with a surprising mix of projects. While fans might expect him to return directly to acting, Harmon is venturing into new creative territories, showcasing his passion for storytelling beyond the screen.
A Return to Acting and the Birth of NCIS: Origins
Firstly, Harmon is slated to appear in the upcoming sequel to the 2003 comedy film “Freaky Friday.” Titled “Freaky Friday 2” and scheduled for a 2025 release, the film sees Harmon reprise his role as Ryan, the fiancé of Jamie Lee Curtis’ character. This marks a fun return to a familiar comedic space for the actor.
However, his most significant post-NCIS project seems to be behind the scenes. Harmon is serving as an executive producer on “NCIS: Origins,” a prequel series to the long-running NCIS franchise. This new show will delve into the early days of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as he starts his career with the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) at its Pendleton branch. While Harmon won’t be appearing on screen, his presence will be felt through his narration and leadership as an executive producer. The series adds another chapter to the NCIS universe he helped build for nearly two decades and is set to premiere in Fall 2024.
Ghosts of Honolulu: Unveiling a Hidden History
Harmon’s first major project after leaving NCIS wasn’t a new acting role, but a historical non-fiction book titled “Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.” Co-written with NCIS technical advisor Leon Carroll Jr., the book sheds light on the previously unknown stories of Japanese and American intelligence agents operating in Hawaii during World War II. Harmon, inspired by his years working on NCIS, wanted to explore the real-life roots of the fictional agency.
“These are the real stories from those who were there,” Harmon emphasizes, highlighting the book’s focus on historical accuracy. Described as a story about “the incredible high stakes game of naval intelligence,” “Ghosts of Honolulu” delves into the world of espionage and counter-espionage leading up to the pivotal attack on Pearl Harbor.
Finding New Creative Pursuits
In an interview with People magazine, Harmon opens up about his motivations for writing the book. He explains it as a natural continuation of his lifelong passion for learning from history. “Things tend to repeat themselves,” he reflects, suggesting the book might offer insights into present-day events. He also emphasizes the unique role played by these early intelligence agents, the forerunners of the modern NCIS. “These agents are really a different breed… I hope that there’s a story revealed here that you don’t know.”
Harmon also addresses the newfound freedom after leaving the demanding schedule of NCIS. He admits missing the camaraderie on set but cherishes the flexibility to pursue other creative avenues. “I always find things to do,” he says, acknowledging the exhaustion from his previous workload. “I’m so fortunate, I don’t ever wake up not thinking that.”
A Deep Dive into World War II Espionage
“Ghosts of Honolulu” focuses on two key figures: Douglas Wada, the first Japanese American Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) agent, and Takeo Yoshikawa, a Japanese spy tasked with gathering information on the U.S. Their contrasting roles illustrate the complex “world-changing cat and mouse games” between the Japanese and American forces in Hawaii. Harmon describes Wada as “a very specific guy in a very specific time,” highlighting the unique challenges faced by Japanese Americans during the war.
The book also explores the moral complexities faced by Japanese American officers torn between their loyalty to the U.S. and their heritage. Harmon emphasizes the book’s connection to the real-life NCIS, which itself evolved from the ONI. He highlights the historical significance of these early intelligence operations, previously shrouded in secrecy.
Collaboration and Learning
Both Harmon and Carroll Jr. expressed their positive experience co-authoring the book. Carroll Jr. described their working relationship as “seamless,” drawing parallels between writing and their previous teamwork on NCIS. He was particularly struck by Wada’s story, resonating with the challenges Wada faced as an undercover agent.
Harmon, on the other hand, admits to the initial strangeness of adding “author” to his resume, though he acknowledges the comfort zone of storytelling. He expresses his commitment to continuous learning, a theme that permeates both his book selection and his decision to pursue writing.
Mark Harmon: A Legacy in the Making
Mark Harmon’s post-NCIS journey paints a picture of an actor and storyteller in transition. While a return to the familiar world of “Freaky Friday” offers a lighter side, his involvement with “NCIS: Origins” and “Ghosts of Honolulu” suggests a deeper desire to explore themes of history, legacy, and the complexities of human conflict.
Building on the NCIS Universe
“NCIS: Origins” allows Harmon to stay connected to the NCIS franchise he helped build. By focusing on a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the prequel series not only expands the NCIS universe but also offers a chance to explore the origins of the character who became synonymous with the show. Harmon’s role as executive producer allows him to guide the creative direction and potentially introduce a new generation of fans to the world of NCIS.
The Power of Storytelling
Harmon’s foray into historical non-fiction with “Ghosts of Honolulu” demonstrates his interest in using storytelling as a tool for education and historical exploration. The book delves into a period often overshadowed by the events of Pearl Harbor, shedding light on the crucial, but often hidden, role of intelligence gathering in wartime. By giving voice to lesser-known figures like Douglas Wada, Harmon contributes to a more nuanced understanding of World War II history.
A Legacy Beyond Acting
Mark Harmon’s career has been defined by his acting prowess, particularly his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. However, his recent projects suggest a desire to leave a broader legacy. “NCIS: Origins” ensures the continuation of the NCIS world he helped shape, while “Ghosts of Honolulu” offers a valuable historical contribution. By venturing into writing and executive production, Harmon is proving himself to be a multifaceted creative force with a passion for storytelling that extends beyond the screen.
What’s Next?
It will be interesting to see where Harmon’s path leads next. Will he continue to explore historical narratives or delve into other genres of non-fiction writing? Perhaps he’ll return to acting in a more prominent role, or maybe he’ll focus on developing new shows within the NCIS universe. One thing is certain: Mark Harmon’s creative journey is far from over. His dedication to storytelling and his willingness to explore new avenues ensure that his legacy will continue to evolve.
