Stowell Emotional About Playing Jethro Gibbs in TV’s “NCIS: Origins”
The legacy of NCIS spans decades, with Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Special Agent Jethro Gibbs being one of the most iconic roles in television history. Fans have followed Gibbs through thrilling cases, heartfelt moments, and dramatic goodbyes. But now, as NCIS branches out with its prequel, NCIS: Origins, a new actor, Austin Stowell, steps into the massive shoes of Gibbs. It’s a role that carries a tremendous amount of emotional weight, not just for the fans but also for Stowell himself.
In this article, we explore Austin Stowell’s emotional journey as he plays the younger version of the beloved character, his personal connection to the role, and how he navigates the responsibility of bringing Gibbs to life while honoring Mark Harmon’s portrayal.
The Emotional Journey of Playing Jethro Gibbs
When Austin Stowell was first approached to play a younger Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, he knew the role would come with immense pressure. Gibbs is not just a character; he is a cultural icon. Stowell reflects on the emotional weight of stepping into the shoes of a character that millions of fans hold dear. He admits that his initial reaction was a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that this role could make or break his career.
But what surprised Stowell the most was the deep emotional connection he developed with the character. Gibbs’ complex persona—a tough, no-nonsense leader with a heart of gold—resonated with Stowell on a personal level. Playing him wasn’t just about copying Mark Harmon’s performance but finding his own interpretation of what made Gibbs such a compelling figure.
Mark Harmon’s Influence on Austin Stowell’s Performance
Anyone stepping into the shoes of Jethro Gibbs faces one major challenge: following in the footsteps of Mark Harmon, who played the role for over 18 seasons. Stowell is fully aware of this legacy and the fanbase that has grown around the character. He’s expressed in interviews how Mark Harmon’s portrayal shaped his understanding of the character and how he wanted to honor that while still putting his own stamp on Gibbs.
“I wanted to bring something new to Gibbs while staying true to the essence of what made him so great in the first place,” says Stowell. His portrayal of the character is more than just an imitation; it’s a tribute to Harmon’s work.
The Pressure of Living Up to an Icon
The weight of living up to an iconic character is not lost on Stowell. The transition from the well-established NCIS world to NCIS: Origins was both a challenge and an opportunity. For Stowell, it was important to maintain the core values of Gibbs—his leadership, his tough love, and his underlying vulnerability. However, Stowell had to explore Gibbs’ younger years, a period in which the character was still evolving and learning the ropes of leadership.
In portraying the young Gibbs, Stowell took on the challenge of portraying a character who is still grappling with the complexities of life and responsibility. It was an emotional journey, but one that helped him understand the deep-rooted pain and growth Gibbs would experience later in life.
The Connection Between Stowell and Jethro Gibbs
What many don’t realize is that Austin Stowell shares a deep, personal connection to the character of Jethro Gibbs. Growing up, Stowell admired strong, resilient figures in his life, much like Gibbs. This personal resonance made playing Gibbs an emotionally rich experience.
He describes how stepping into the role allowed him to channel his own experiences with loss, love, and personal growth. These experiences shaped how he portrayed Gibbs’ journey, which, in turn, made the character more relatable and authentic on-screen.
The Support of the NCIS: Origins Cast
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Stowell’s time on NCIS: Origins is the support from the cast. The camaraderie among the actors is palpable, and Stowell has spoken about how the team dynamic mirrored what we see on-screen with Gibbs and his team.
“The ensemble cast was a huge factor in making this role feel natural for me,” Stowell shares. “It’s like we were all in this together, supporting each other in telling the story of how Gibbs became the leader we all know and love.” The bond Stowell formed with his castmates made stepping into the role of Gibbs feel more organic, helping him portray the character’s leadership style and mentorship with a genuine sense of ease.
Paying Tribute to Mark Harmon’s Legacy
One of the toughest tasks for Stowell was ensuring that he did justice to Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs. Harmon’s Gibbs is a tough but caring father figure, and his influence can be felt even in the prequel series. Stowell emphasizes that while he brought his own interpretation to the role, he was always mindful of the foundation Harmon built over the years.
“I’ve watched every episode of NCIS that Mark was in. His portrayal of Gibbs is a masterclass in acting,” says Stowell. “I felt a deep responsibility to pay tribute to that, to not just mimic but honor it in my performance.”
The Challenge of Balancing Vulnerability and Strength
One of the key traits of Gibbs is his ability to balance his tough exterior with an underlying vulnerability. For Stowell, this duality was one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of playing the role. Gibbs is a leader who exudes strength but also has a deep emotional core. Capturing this balance required Stowell to dig deep into his own emotional well.
“The thing about Gibbs is that he doesn’t let his emotions control him, but you can see them in his actions, in the way he interacts with his team,” Stowell explains. “It’s a delicate balance to strike, but it’s what makes him such a compelling character.”
What’s Next for Austin Stowell’s Jethro Gibbs?
As NCIS: Origins progresses, Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs is sure to evolve. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the young Gibbs grows into the leader they know so well. Will Stowell continue to delve deeper into the complexities of Gibbs’ character?
“The journey has only just begun,” Stowell says with a smile. “There’s a lot more to explore with Gibbs, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Conclusion: Stowell’s Legacy as Jethro Gibbs
In stepping into the role of Jethro Gibbs, Austin Stowell has done more than just play a character—he’s brought his own emotional depth and authenticity to the role, all while honoring the legacy of Mark Harmon’s iconic portrayal. Stowell’s emotional journey with Gibbs is one that resonates with both the character and the actor himself, and his performance promises to leave a lasting impact on NCIS fans.
As NCIS: Origins continues to unfold, there’s no doubt that Austin Stowell will continue to impress viewers with his emotional take on Gibbs—leading the charge in this exciting new chapter of the NCIS franchise.
FAQs:
1. How does Austin Stowell feel about playing Jethro Gibbs? Austin Stowell has expressed that playing Jethro Gibbs is an emotional journey for him. He feels a deep connection to the character and sees it as both a responsibility and an honor to portray such an iconic figure.
2. What makes Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs unique? Stowell brings his own interpretation to the role of Gibbs while staying true to the core aspects of the character. He focuses on capturing Gibbs’ leadership qualities and emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective while honoring Mark Harmon’s portrayal.
3. How did Stowell prepare for the role of Gibbs? Stowell prepared for the role by watching every episode of NCIS that featured Mark Harmon’s Gibbs. He studied Harmon’s performance to understand the nuances of the character and to make his portrayal authentic.
4. What can fans expect from Stowell’s Gibbs in future episodes of NCIS: Origins? As the series progresses, fans can expect Stowell’s Gibbs to evolve, with more depth and emotional growth as he navigates his journey to becoming the leader we know and love from the original NCIS series.
5. What is the relationship between Stowell and the rest of the NCIS: Origins cast? Stowell has spoken highly of the camaraderie among the cast, noting that their support has made his portrayal of Gibbs feel natural and helped him build authentic relationships with his on-screen team.
