Before Gibbs: The 11 Surprising Stars Who Almost Led NCIS

When NCIS premiered on September 23, 2003, few could have predicted it would become one of the most-watched shows in the world, or that Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs would become a pop-culture icon. For nearly two decades, Mark Harmon anchored the series with a quiet intensity that made Gibbs both feared and beloved.

But here’s the twist — Harmon wasn’t always the obvious choice. In fact, before he landed the role, an eclectic list of Hollywood heavyweights — including action legends, dramatic powerhouses, and even two Oscar winners — were considered to wear Gibbs’ signature silver hair and icy stare.

The First Contender: Scott Glenn

Respected for his roles in The Silence of the Lambs and The Right Stuff, Scott Glenn wasn’t just a contender for Gibbs — he was an early frontrunner. Interestingly, Glenn was also eyed for Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a role that ultimately went to David McCallum. Glenn passed on NCIS, but it’s fascinating to imagine how differently the show might have played with his gritty, understated style.

Harrison Ford: The Dream That Never Was

Yes, that Harrison Ford — Han Solo himself — was floated during the earliest creative discussions. The odds of securing a global box office titan were always slim, but the fact his name made it to the brainstorming board says everything about the ambition behind NCIS’s early days.

Alec Baldwin’s Almost-Gibbs Moment

Fresh off a run of dramatic and comedic successes, Alec Baldwin was also tossed into the conversation. His presence would have brought a sharper, perhaps more sardonic edge to Gibbs. Still, the talks never progressed beyond casual consideration.

Chris Cooper: The First Oscar Winner

An actor’s actor, Chris Cooper had the gravitas to play Gibbs — and he also happened to be an Academy Award winner (Adaptation, 2003). Cooper was discussed but never formally approached, likely due to scheduling conflicts and the uncertainty of committing to a long-running series.

Clive Owen’s Quiet Appearance on the List

Before his breakout in Closer and Children of Men, Owen’s name found its way into the early NCIS pitch documents. But like many others, his consideration never moved past the “what if” stage.

Kevin Bacon: The Six Degrees to Gibbs

A household name with decades of credits, Kevin Bacon might have made Gibbs more overtly charming — but he was never officially pursued.

Tom Berenger: The Military Man

Berenger’s military film pedigree (Platoon, Sniper) made him an easy fit for a role like Gibbs. His name was floated but, once again, no formal contact was made.

Val Kilmer: A Maverick Pick

Fresh off roles like Heat and The Saint, Val Kilmer’s name came up during informal talks. Kilmer’s take would likely have been unpredictable — part charm, part danger — but it never got beyond speculation.

Charlie Sheen: The Wild Card

Best known at the time for his film roles (and years before Two and a Half Men), Sheen’s name appeared on the speculative roster. His casting would have radically shifted the tone of the show.

Aidan Quinn: The Everyman

Quinn’s ability to bring warmth to dramatic roles made him a gentle contender for Gibbs. Like so many others, his consideration remained purely hypothetical.

Patrick Swayze: The Romantic Tough Guy

Swayze’s mix of physicality and vulnerability (Point Break, Ghost) made him an intriguing choice — but again, discussions never progressed beyond an early brainstorm.

So, Who Were the Oscar Winners?

From the speculative list, the two actors with Academy Awards were Chris Cooper (Best Supporting Actor, Adaptation) and Harrison Ford (recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award and multiple nominations, though some reports mistakenly call him an Oscar winner). Their inclusion highlights the caliber of names initially dreamed up for Gibbs.

How Mark Harmon Became Gibbs

When many of the big-name ideas fizzled, casting director Susan Bluestein made a bold suggestion: Mark Harmon. At the time, Harmon was fresh off a guest arc on The West Wing, where he played a charismatic yet stoic Secret Service agent.

Series creator Don Bellisario later recalled, “I said, ‘Oh my God, he’s Gibbs.’ He had matured. He was good-looking in a totally different way than he was as a young guy.” The meeting between Bellisario and Harmon sealed the deal.

Harmon brought something intangible — a quiet authority, a sense of honor, and a guarded warmth — that perfectly fit the role. Gibbs wasn’t just a procedural lead; he became the moral compass of the team.

Why It Matters

Casting is often less about landing the biggest star and more about finding the soul of a character. The journey from Hollywood heavyweights to Harmon proves that star power can’t replace the right fit — and that sometimes, the perfect choice is the one you didn’t see coming.

📋 Recap Table: Who Was in the Running for Gibbs