Sterling K. Brown Shares Game-Changing Advice from Mark Harmon
A Simple Act of Inclusion That Left a Mark
When Sterling K. Brown guest-starred on NCIS in 2013, he was a relative newcomer stepping onto a well-established set. What stood out most wasn’t the dramatic scenes or the scripts—it was Mark Harmon’s genuine kindness.
Brown recounted how he bumped into Harmon eating lunch—perched alone on a rock—who immediately asked, “What are you sitting on the rock for?” Instead of leaving it at that, Harmon pulled over a chair and invited Brown to sit with him and the rest of the group. Brown said, “He was just creating that environment where you were appreciated,” a gesture that became a defining memory for him. People.com
The Advice That Stuck
During that friendly moment on set, Brown asked Harmon a simple question—yet the answer resonated deeply.
Harmon responded: “So many people complain about what they do and the hours… there’s nothing wrong with loving what you do.”
Those words stuck with Brown, who said they’ve become a guiding principle in his career ever since. People.com
How Brown Carries the Lesson Forward
Today, as the star and executive producer of Hulu’s Washington Black, Sterling K. Brown takes that piece of wisdom to heart—paying it forward by fostering inclusive, supportive environments on set.
He explained that being “welcomed and seen” makes all the difference, making work feel less like a paycheck and more like a meaningful collaboration. He strives to make his sets mirror that warmth and acceptance: “Knowing that someone wants me here and someone is happy to have me here … makes success an easier thing to achieve.” People.com
Why This Moment Matters
This seemingly casual act—the lunch invitation, the advice—became a powerful turning point for an actor who grew into a leading man. It exemplifies how small gestures of kindness can inspire confidence and shape a person’s outlook on work and life.
In summary: Sterling K. Brown fondly remembers how Mark Harmon’s warmth and simple wisdom—“There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do”—not only made him feel welcome on set, but also influenced how he leads and nurtures his own projects today.
If you’d like, I can also highlight more quotes or add some background on Washington Black, Sterling’s latest roles, or Mark Harmon’s mentorship legacy. Just say the word!a
