A Legacy of Family: Mark Harmon’s Rare Family Update Reveals He’s a Grandfather
For over two decades, Mark Harmon was the face of NCIS, portraying the stoic, no-nonsense, and deeply principled Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. As a character who was fiercely protective of his team—his “family”—Gibbs was the moral compass of the show. Off-screen, Harmon has always been a notoriously private man, and his own family life has been a quiet affair, a stark contrast to the high-profile world of Hollywood.
But in a rare and heartwarming update, the actor’s daughter-in-law, Courtney Prather, recently shared the joyous news that Harmon has a brand new role: grandfather. The news, which was shared on Instagram, revealed that Prather and Harmon’s son, Sean Harmon, welcomed their baby boy, Cooper Knox Harmon, into the world on May 22, 2025. This deeply personal revelation is a rare glimpse into the life of a man who has always valued his privacy above all else and is a testament to the quiet joy he finds in his family.
A Quiet Life Away from the Spotlight
Mark Harmon and his wife, actress Pam Dawber, have been married since 1987 and have always maintained a low-profile. They raised their two sons, Sean and Ty, away from the prying eyes of the media, a conscious decision that was a testament to their commitment to a normal life. In past interviews, Harmon has explained that his privacy is not a choice but “who we are.” He has famously said that he is not a “Twitter guy or a Facebook guy,” and his sons share his same sentiment.
This commitment to privacy makes the recent family update all the more special. It is a moment of pure joy that was shared with the public, a sign that the family is happy and wants to share their good news with the world. The Instagram post, which featured adorable images of the newborn, was met with a wave of congratulatory messages from fans who were ecstatic about the news.
The Gibbs Connection: A Family Affair
The news of Harmon’s new role as a grandfather is especially poignant for NCIS fans, as his son Sean has a unique connection to the show. Sean Harmon has appeared in several flashback episodes of NCIS, playing a young version of his father’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. This on-screen collaboration was a powerful and emotional experience for both father and son.
In a past interview, Harmon spoke about his pride in Sean’s work, saying, “I’m proud of him taking his work seriously and how he approaches being an actor—not just on this show, [but] just what he has chosen to try to do in his life’s work.” He also spoke about his pride in both of his sons, saying, “Separate from anything as an actor, you hopefully take pride in who people are individually away from any camera just as people, as citizens. And both our boys have done well and hopefully made smart choices and are doing well daily. Day by day, we have a lot of reasons to be proud of both of them.”
This familial connection is a testament to the values that Harmon has always held dear. He has always been a man who values integrity, hard work, and loyalty, and he has passed those values on to his sons. The fact that his son Sean has followed in his footsteps as an actor and is now a new father is a beautiful and full-circle moment for the Harmon family.
A New Chapter for a TV Legend
Mark Harmon’s departure from NCIS in Season 19 was a major turning point for the show, but he has continued to be a part of the franchise as an executive producer. His new role as a grandfather is a testament to the fact that he is now in a new chapter of his life, a chapter that is focused on family and the quiet joys of being a grandparent.
The news is a welcome reminder that even after years of fame and fortune, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are still grounded in the things that matter most. Mark Harmon’s life is a testament to the power of a good family, a loving partner, and a commitment to a life of quiet dignity.
For NCIS fans, the news is a a beautiful and personal update on a man who has given them so much joy over the years. It’s a reminder that even after he left the show, he is still a part of the NCIS family and a man who is deeply committed to his own family.
