NCIS: Origins’ Kyle Schmid Shares Mark Harmon’s Key Advice for Franks Role
In the world of NCIS, few characters have left as lasting an impact as Mike Franks. Known for his tough demeanor, witty one-liners, and deep loyalty, Franks became a fan-favorite, thanks in large part to the legendary performance by Muse Watson. But when the NCIS: Origins spin-off emerged, Kyle Schmid was tasked with filling the shoes of this iconic role. Thankfully, he didn’t have to face this challenge alone. Mark Harmon, the man behind the original portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, stepped in with some crucial advice that helped Schmid bring Franks to life in a whole new way.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the insights Kyle Schmid shared about Mark Harmon’s advice for playing Mike Franks, why it matters for the NCIS franchise, and how it impacts the character’s legacy.
The Crucial Role of Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins
Before we get into the advice, let’s take a moment to understand why Mike Franks is such an essential character in the NCIS universe. Franks served as a mentor to Gibbs, offering tough love and invaluable wisdom throughout their partnership. His influence on Gibbs is undeniable, and as a result, Franks has a lasting presence even after his departure from the show.
Now, with NCIS: Origins focused on exploring Gibbs’ backstory and the beginning of his career, Mike Franks’ role becomes even more significant. It’s not just about filling a role—it’s about staying true to the essence of a beloved character while still adding something new.
Kyle Schmid’s Transition into the Role of Franks
Kyle Schmid’s transition from a lesser-known actor to one taking on a cornerstone NCIS character wasn’t without its challenges. As Schmid prepared to step into Franks’ shoes, he needed to honor the original portrayal while making the character his own. The pressure was on to capture Franks’ rough edge, his sarcastic charm, and his unwavering loyalty to his team, all while creating a fresh interpretation of the character.
This is where Mark Harmon’s guidance became invaluable. As the long-time star of NCIS and the man who essentially built the NCIS universe, Harmon’s advice carried weight and wisdom that Schmid could rely on.
Mark Harmon’s Advice: The Key to Unlocking Franks
So, what exactly did Mark Harmon share with Kyle Schmid about playing Mike Franks? According to Schmid, Harmon’s advice was simple but profound: “Don’t overthink it. Just be present in the moment and let the character breathe.”
This advice, although brief, was incredibly impactful. In a world where actors often try to emulate a previous performance to the letter, Harmon’s message encouraged Schmid to embrace the raw authenticity of the character rather than focusing on mimicking someone else’s portrayal.
The Power of Simplicity: Less is More
Harmon’s message emphasized the importance of simplicity in performance. By telling Schmid not to overthink, Harmon was encouraging him to focus on the core essence of the character rather than getting bogged down by trying to perfect every detail. This approach allowed Schmid to add his own unique touch to Franks while respecting the groundwork that Watson laid out in the original series.
The idea of being “present in the moment” also speaks to the emotional depth of Franks’ character. Mike Franks is a man of few words, but those words carry weight. Harmon’s advice reminded Schmid to play those quieter moments just as powerfully as the more intense scenes.
The Legacy of Franks: Honoring the Original while Creating Something New
One of the most delicate aspects of playing a well-established character is balancing the expectations of the audience with your own artistic expression. Fans of NCIS have loved Franks for years, and stepping into that legacy requires a careful touch.
Schmid’s approach, influenced by Harmon’s advice, was to stay true to the emotional beats of the character while introducing a slightly different energy to the role. While Muse Watson’s Franks was known for his gruff exterior and occasionally explosive temper, Schmid’s portrayal brought a more subdued but equally intense version of Franks to life.
This balance allowed Schmid to honor Watson’s work while still creating a unique version of the character that fits seamlessly into the NCIS: Origins timeline.
Mark Harmon’s Impact on Schmid’s Career and the Future of NCIS: Origins
Harmon’s advice not only shaped Schmid’s portrayal of Mike Franks but also provided a valuable learning moment for the actor. Through their conversations, Schmid learned how to navigate the complexities of playing a legacy character while staying true to his own instincts as an actor.
Harmon’s mentorship extended beyond just the role of Franks. It gave Schmid insights into how to approach long-term storytelling, especially in a universe as expansive as NCIS. Harmon’s ability to build a character over seasons and maintain consistency without stagnation is something Schmid aims to replicate in his own portrayal of Franks.
The Unique Dynamics of Franks and Gibbs: A Mentor’s Influence
Mike Franks’ relationship with Gibbs is central to his role in the NCIS series, and it’s something that Schmid took to heart. Their mentor-mentee dynamic is the backbone of their interactions, and understanding that dynamic was essential for Schmid. Through Harmon’s guidance, Schmid was able to step into that mentor role with confidence.
Building Chemistry with the Cast: A Key Element of Franks’ Character
Another important aspect of playing Franks is the chemistry he shares with other characters. For Schmid, building natural chemistry with his co-stars was crucial in bringing Franks to life. Whether it was bonding with Gibbs or sharing tense moments with other members of the NCIS team, Schmid knew that these interactions needed to feel genuine.
Harmon’s advice to focus on being present helped Schmid achieve that natural flow in his interactions, allowing the chemistry to come through organically.
Why Fans Are Excited for Kyle Schmid’s Franks
While it’s always a challenge to follow in the footsteps of a beloved character, Schmid’s portrayal of Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins has been met with enthusiasm from fans. Schmid has successfully blended the old with the new, creating a version of Franks that feels both familiar and fresh.
By taking Harmon’s advice to heart, Schmid has captured the spirit of Mike Franks while making the character his own. Fans are excited to see how Franks’ story evolves in NCIS: Origins and how Schmid continues to develop the character with each episode.
Conclusion
Mark Harmon’s advice to Kyle Schmid has played a pivotal role in shaping the portrayal of Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins. By encouraging Schmid to keep things simple, be present in the moment, and honor the emotional depth of the character, Harmon has provided Schmid with the tools needed to succeed. As NCIS: Origins continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more powerful moments from Schmid’s Franks, knowing that the advice of one of NCIS’s most iconic stars will continue to guide the journey.
5 Unique FAQs
1. How did Kyle Schmid prepare for the role of Mike Franks in NCIS: Origins? Kyle Schmid took advice from Mark Harmon, focusing on simplicity and staying true to the emotional core of the character.
2. What was Mark Harmon’s key advice to Kyle Schmid for playing Franks? Harmon’s key advice was to “don’t overthink it,” encouraging Schmid to stay present in the moment and let the character breathe.
3. How does Schmid’s portrayal of Franks differ from Muse Watson’s? Schmid’s version of Franks is more subdued, with an emphasis on quiet intensity, while still honoring Watson’s gruff and powerful portrayal.
4. Why is Mike Franks such an important character in NCIS: Origins? Franks serves as a mentor to Gibbs, and his character’s wisdom and influence are crucial to understanding Gibbs’ backstory in the series.
5. How has Mark Harmon influenced the NCIS franchise? Harmon’s guidance has impacted not only Schmid’s portrayal of Franks but also the overall storytelling and character development within the NCIS universe.
