Sterling K. Brown says that a short guest role on NCIS in 2013 turned into a pivotal life lesson—thanks to Mark Harmon. Harmon’s simple gesture and wise words stuck with him and have shaped how he builds community on every set since.
👥 The Moment That Made Memories
A 2013 Guest Spot That Stood Out
Brown appeared in NCIS Season 11, Episode 10 (“Devil’s Triad”), playing Elijah Banner alongside the legendary Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs Reddit+15Wikipedia+15People.com+15People.com.
Lunch on a Rock Turns into a Lesson
Brown recalls sitting alone on a rock during lunch when Harmon invited him over, pulled a chair, and made him feel welcomed. That simple act sparked a profound realization about inclusion and kindness Parade+1People.com+1.
💡 The Advice That Changed His Approach
“There’s Nothing Wrong with Loving What You Do”
Harmon noticed Brown’s frustrations about long hours and workload. His answer? “There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do.” That line became Brown’s mantra and shaped his attitude toward work thereafter Parade+1People.com+1.
Turning Gratitude Into Practice
Inspired, Brown made it his mission to recreate that inclusive environment. On his show Washington Black, he prioritizes making every crew member feel appreciated—not just the lead actors People.com+1Parade+1.
🌟 How Brown Pays It Forward
Mentoring On-Screen and Off
In Washington Black, Brown mentored co-star Ernest Kingsley Jr. off-camera as well, walking set, building trust, and offering advice like a big brother would—just as Harmon did for him People.com+1Parade+1.
Intentional Inclusion Becomes Leadership
Whether it’s lunch breaks or hallway check-ins—Brown commits to making people feel seen and valued. He believes that sense of welcome helps everyone do their job better People.com.
🧠 Why This Advice Resonates
Human Kindness Matters
It wasn’t a coaching tip—just an invitation. But it showed Brown that leadership is largely about empathy and courtesy.
A New Perspective on Passion
Harmon’s words flipped Brown’s mindset: loving the work doesn’t diminish professionalism—it elevates it.
Emotional Intelligence on Set
Acting is collaborative. When people feel supported, performance improves. Brown learned that emotional tone comes from the top.
📚 Sterling’s Broader Philosophy Beyond the Set
Moment‑to‑Moments Over Big Gestures
In a separate interview, Brown advised living life “moment to moment,” especially in response to loss and grief in his personal life. That philosophy helps him stay present, acknowledged, and intentional in relationships and leadershipPeople.com+1Parade+1keranews.org+4wunc.org+4kasu.org+4.
Personal Loss, Purposeful Action
Noting his father’s early passing and his mother’s ongoing battle with illness, Brown says he makes healthy choices every day—to be present in his sons’ lives and more wunc.org.
🔍 What Fans Are Saying
Reddit discussions around This Is Us and NCIS praise Brown for his emotional depth and relatability. Fans wonder if Harmon’s friendly gesture shaped the same warmth viewers see in Brown’s performances People.com+1Parade+1.
🎭 How This Advice Impacts His Artistry
Choosing Projects With Purpose
Brown turns down lucrative roles (like The Boys) because he wants work that aligns emotionally and energetically with his values—something Harmon’s motto helps him honor Reddit.
Infusing Every Role With Care
Be it American Fiction, Paradise, or Washington Black, Brown brings humanity, warmth, and mentorship to every scene.
✅ Summary: The Legacy of a Small Gesture
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Kindness matters: Harmon’s small act created inclusion and set a tone.
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Love your work: That mindset helped Brown stay positive and passionate.
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Build community: Brown now codes hospitality and mentorship into his projects.
🏁 Conclusion: More Than a Tip—A Way of Being
Sterling K. Brown didn’t just learn a phrase—he inherited a leadership style. From a lunch table invitation by Harmon to shaping entire set cultures and character relationships, that one simple line—“There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do”—became inspiration in action. It’s kindness turned into a career philosophy, reminding us that when someone makes you feel welcome, you’re free to be your best self.
🙋♀️ 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What exactly did Mark Harmon tell Sterling K. Brown?
A: Harmon said, “There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do,” which resonated deeply with Brown and shaped his attitude toward work Reddit+2Parade+2People.com+2.
Q2: Where did this advice come from?
A: Brown received it during a 2013 guest appearance on NCIS, when Harmon invited him to join his group during lunch and offered those words of wisdom ParadePeople.com.
Q3: How has Brown applied that advice since?
A: On Washington Black, Brown actively supports his cast and crew, fosters inclusion, and acts as a mentor—modeled after the kindness Harmon showed him People.com.
Q4: Does Brown mention that advice elsewhere?
A: Yes, he also discusses embracing the present and focusing on health and emotional awareness in interviews about grief and personal legacy wunc.orgWSIU.
Q5: What’s Brown’s broader philosophy inspired by Harmon?
A: Create spaces where people feel seen and appreciated—because doing so frees everyone to focus fully on their work and thrive.
