More than two decades on, Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains one of the most iconic characters in the American television universe. But few people know that before Harmon officially donned the navy blue jacket and became the leader of the NCIS team, at least two Oscar-winning stars were considered for the role – and they could have changed the face of the series.
The Big Names Who Were Considered
In a recent interview with Donald P. Bellisario, the series’ creator, he revealed that Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford – two Oscar-winning actors – were both on the “list” for the role of Gibbs. Both possess a tough demeanor, experience in playing military, law enforcement or characters with deep inner depth – something Bellisario wanted to convey in the central character of NCIS.
But when Mark Harmon came along—a man who was known for being a cool, calm, and reliable guy—everything changed.
Why was Mark Harmon the final choice?
According to Bellisario, Mark Harmon not only had a tough exterior and military presence, but also brought a real, relatable emotional depth. “When Mark walked into the room, I knew I had Gibbs,” Bellisario said. “He had something that viewers would believe in and follow.”
Harmon had actually played a Secret Service agent on “The West Wing” before—a brief but memorable role that caught the attention of CBS and Bellisario.
What if it had been Harrison Ford or Tommy Lee Jones?
There’s no denying that both Ford and Jones have acting chops. But according to many TV experts, the long-term commitment and appeal of NCIS may not be as sustainable as it is now if either of these two veteran actors take the role. The reason? Both Ford and Jones are used to the movie model – where everything is packaged quickly in a few months – while NCIS requires a year-long commitment with high intensity.
And as we have seen, Mark Harmon has not only been with NCIS from the beginning, but has also played an important role in building a long-term television “legacy” that very few characters can achieve.
Mark Harmon has not only “surpassed” two Oscar monuments, but also proven that enduring acting, dedication and the ability to connect with the audience are the factors that make a character memorable.
