NCIS: Origins’ Austin Stowell Says Mark Harmon Was ‘Vocal’ When Giving Advice on Playing Younger Self
“NCIS: Origins” has been taking audiences on a nostalgic trip back in time, revisiting the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. One key piece of this throwback puzzle is Austin Stowell, who portrays a younger version of Mark Harmon’s iconic character, Gibbs. But what’s truly fascinating is how Stowell, a relative newcomer to the world of NCIS, received mentorship from Harmon himself. Stowell recently shared some intriguing insights into how Harmon was not just a co-star but also a mentor, offering direct, vocal advice that helped Stowell embody the younger version of Gibbs.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Stowell’s experience, what Harmon’s advice was like, and how it shaped his performance. Let’s explore the powerful mentorship that unfolded behind the scenes of “NCIS: Origins.”
Mark Harmon: A Mentor to Austin Stowell
When you think of Gibbs, you think of Mark Harmon. His portrayal of the stern yet caring NCIS Special Agent has made him an iconic character in the TV world. But the role of a mentor is one Harmon doesn’t shy away from, especially when it comes to passing the torch to the next generation of actors.
Austin Stowell, stepping into the shoes of a young Gibbs, found himself relying on Harmon’s vast experience. According to Stowell, Harmon didn’t just stay in the background; he actively guided him. Harmon’s mentorship was vocal, hands-on, and precise.
How Mark Harmon Helped Austin Stowell Shape His Character
Stowell explained that Harmon’s advice wasn’t just about the technical aspects of acting; it was about capturing the essence of Gibbs as a person. Harmon shared insights on how Gibbs’ behavior and actions were shaped by his life experiences, something that was vital to playing a younger version of such a well-established character.
Breaking Down Gibbs: The Key to Playing a Younger Version
To play a younger Gibbs, Stowell needed to understand the core of what made the character tick. Harmon helped him navigate this by highlighting how Gibbs was both emotionally reserved yet deeply empathetic. Harmon’s advice helped Stowell develop an understanding of the delicate balance between toughness and vulnerability.
The Vocal Approach: Why Mark Harmon’s Advice Was Crucial
Why did Harmon’s vocal guidance matter so much to Stowell? It’s simple: the NCIS universe is massive, with a long history of fans who know Gibbs better than anyone. Stowell was stepping into shoes that weren’t easy to fill, and the pressure to do justice to the character was high.
By offering detailed advice, Harmon gave Stowell the confidence to embody Gibbs with authenticity. He wasn’t just giving general advice; it was specific, down to the smallest of mannerisms, body language, and even how to handle specific scenes.
Creating the Perfect Young Gibbs: Stowell’s Process
Portraying a younger version of a beloved character comes with challenges. Stowell had to find ways to capture the energy, the quirks, and the spirit of Gibbs, all while making the role his own. Harmon’s guidance helped Stowell create a portrayal that felt authentic but still recognizable to long-time fans of the show.
Getting the Gibbs Tone Right
One of the most important pieces of advice Harmon gave was about the tone of Gibbs’ speech. Harmon emphasized that Gibbs is never over-the-top but speaks with purpose and precision. Stowell had to find that same rhythm in his delivery. Thanks to Harmon’s mentorship, Stowell was able to nail the balance between quiet authority and subtle humor.
Learning the ‘Gibbs’ Way: Character Development Tips
Stowell shared that Harmon also focused a lot on the character’s backstory—something crucial for any actor playing a younger version of a well-known character. Harmon encouraged Stowell to think about Gibbs’ formative years and what might have shaped his worldview.
The Mentorship That Went Beyond Acting
While much of Stowell’s training focused on acting techniques, Harmon’s mentorship went beyond performance tips. He shared his understanding of the storytelling aspect of the show and how each scene built upon the last to create a larger narrative. This helped Stowell understand his role not just as a standalone performance, but as a piece of a larger, ongoing saga.
Stowell’s Reflections on Playing Gibbs in NCIS: Origins
Austin Stowell expressed deep gratitude for Harmon’s influence. Reflecting on his experience, Stowell admitted that without Harmon’s vocal advice, his portrayal of the younger Gibbs might not have had the same depth or authenticity. The guidance helped him understand the legacy of the character and how his portrayal could add to it rather than overshadow it.
The Impact of Harmon’s Mentorship on NCIS: Origins’ Success
“NCIS: Origins” has become a hit among fans for many reasons, but Harmon’s mentorship of Stowell could be seen as one of the unsung factors behind its success. By ensuring that the younger Gibbs was both faithful to the original character and fresh enough to stand on its own, Harmon’s advice played a key role in making the show feel like a seamless prequel to the beloved NCIS series.
What Makes Mark Harmon Such an Effective Mentor?
Mark Harmon’s ability to mentor is rooted in his deep understanding of character development, storytelling, and what makes NCIS such a unique show. His willingness to share his insights and his hands-on approach to helping Stowell shape the younger Gibbs speaks to his professionalism and commitment to the craft.
Why Mentorship Matters in TV and Film
Mentorship is often a behind-the-scenes element of a successful production, yet it can have a massive impact on the final result. In Stowell’s case, Harmon’s mentorship ensured that the transition from the older to the younger Gibbs felt both authentic and impactful. It’s a reminder that behind every memorable character, there’s often someone guiding the actor, helping them step into roles that can shape their career.
How Harmon’s Legacy Continues Through Stowell
It’s clear that Mark Harmon’s legacy extends far beyond his own portrayal of Gibbs. His guidance to Austin Stowell is a perfect example of how great mentors leave lasting impressions on future generations of actors. Stowell’s portrayal of the younger Gibbs serves as a testament to Harmon’s influence—something that will live on as NCIS continues to evolve.
Conclusion
The journey of Austin Stowell portraying a younger Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins” was one marked by significant mentorship from Mark Harmon. Harmon’s vocal advice helped Stowell capture the essence of Gibbs without losing his own unique spin on the character. Through detailed tips on tone, body language, and character development, Harmon ensured that the legacy of Gibbs would continue to thrive. For fans of NCIS, this behind-the-scenes mentorship offers a glimpse into the collaborative effort that brings our favorite characters to life.
As “NCIS: Origins” continues to explore Gibbs’ past, it’s clear that Harmon’s legacy, both as an actor and a mentor, will influence the show for years to come. Austin Stowell’s portrayal of young Gibbs is just the beginning of a new chapter in the NCIS universe, and Harmon’s advice will likely continue to echo throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Mark Harmon help Austin Stowell prepare for his role as young Gibbs?
Mark Harmon provided Austin Stowell with vocal, hands-on advice, focusing on everything from speech patterns to character backstory, ensuring Stowell’s portrayal remained true to the original Gibbs while allowing for a fresh take.
2. What was the most important piece of advice Mark Harmon gave Austin Stowell?
The most crucial advice Harmon gave was about finding the right tone for Gibbs’ speech, maintaining his quiet authority while also bringing subtle humor to the role.
3. How did Austin Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs differ from Mark Harmon’s?
While Stowell’s version of Gibbs was younger and less seasoned, his portrayal retained the core values of Gibbs’ personality, including his stern yet caring nature, which Harmon helped guide him to develop.
4. Will Mark Harmon continue to mentor younger actors on NCIS?
Given Harmon’s dedication to the show and his evident passion for mentoring, it’s likely he will continue offering guidance to future generations of NCIS actors, ensuring the continuity of the show’s beloved characters.
5. How does mentorship play a role in a TV show’s success?
Mentorship is crucial in ensuring that younger actors embody established characters authentically. Through guidance from experienced mentors like Mark Harmon, new actors can maintain continuity while bringing their unique energy to the role.
