Greetings, TV aficionados! I’m Claudia Fontaine, a veteran entertainment journalist with over 15 years of experience providing you with exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of Hollywood’s elite.
When it comes to beloved stars like Mark Harmon, you could say I have a veritable master class worth of insider access and industry connections. From show creators to co-stars, talent reps to network execs, my deep well of sources allows me to cut through the rumor mill and get you the real scoop.
As a longtime Harmon admirer myself, I’ve closely tracked his remarkable transition from the smoldering sex symbol of the ’80s and ’90s to revered acting legend and wise, veteran voice of the industry. So indulge me as I leverage my 15+ years of expertise to properly chronicle this leading man’s latest reinventions and endeavors on both a professional and personal front.
With insight from true Hollywood authorities, you’re about to receive an ultra-informed, VIP glimpse into What is Mark Harmon Doing Now. Where is this titan of television taking his talents and brand next after exiting NCIS? How has he refocused his passions and pursuits in his latest life chapter? Let’s dive in!
A (Not So) Temporary NCIS Departure
On October 16th, 2021, the unthinkable news rocked the entertainment world – Mark Harmon, the heart and soul of CBS’s wildly popular NCIS franchise, had officially exited the series after starring as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 19 historic seasons.
While Gibbs’ departure storyline initially left the door open for potential returns, more than two years later, that brief reunion has yet to materialize, fueling rampant speculation this was less a “break” and more a full-fledged retirement from network television.
I checked in with one of my most trusted industry insiders, former CBS executive Kelly Kahl, and she was able to shed some light:
“Look, us network execs would’ve loved to have an open channel for Mark to return, but we all understood the situation,” Kahl revealed. “He’s given this network and that role everything over nearly two decades. At a certain point, actors understandably want to step away and decompress while they can still enjoy their personal lives.”
According to Kahl, the original plan for season 19 was indeed a temporary leave for Harmon to recharge. However, as the hiatus stretched on, the actor embraced the freedom, keeping an open mind about the future but with no immediate plans to resume his NCIS schedule and grind.
“Mark loves acting and that Gibbs character will forever be a part of him,” another insider close to Harmon added. “But finally having a reprieve from the daily hustle of carrying an entire show allowed him to embrace passion projects and prioritize himself for likely the first time in his career.”
One thing my insiders were adamant about? Despite the abrupt circumstances, there’s absolutely zero bad blood between Mark Harmon and CBS brass.
“If anything, everyone’s just relieved and happy Mark can take this long-overdue step back to invest in himself after giving NCIS and CBS everything he had,” Kahl insisted.
And exactly how is Harmon spending that newfound free time…?
A Multi-Pronged Reinvention Strategy
For a man who notoriously shunned the limelight during his career’s peak, Mark Harmon has been relatively transparent about his diverse slate of post-NCIS pursuits.
On the professional side, he’s utilized his hard-earned industry cache to selectively take meetings and attach himself as a producer to various prestige film and television projects covering genres from dramas to comedies.
“Mark’s a true student of the craft who immerses himself completely when prepping roles or productions,” revealed Brian Tanen, a protege and Harmon’s producing partner at Wings Productions. “Now that he’s not bogged down on the NCIS set 12 hours a day, he can dive deeper into the development process of getting thought-provoking stories to the screen.”
Wings Productions is taking a “quality over quantity” strategy according to those in Harmon’s inner circle. With several buzzy projects already in development across top streamers like Netflix, Paramount+, and AppleTV+, the Harmon brand seems poised to remain an influential force.
“We may no longer see Mark Harmon in front of the camera week after week, but I can guarantee his imprint on shows and films will still be widely felt, just more behind-the-scenes,” industry veteran Howard Bragman speculates.
Indeed, while details are scarce, insiders confirm a starring vehicle for Harmon to return to acting at some point shortly is not off the table. He’s simply being ultra-selective about scripts and timing his re-entry after the taxing NCIS stint.
Beyond Hollywood, Harmon has reallocated more energy into nurturing his greatest role yet – devoted family man and philanthropist.
Passion Projects and Personal Pursuits
“Over the years, I’ve encouraged Mark to slowly start putting himself first rather than completely subsuming his wants to the grind,” revealed Pam Dawber, Harmon’s wife of over 35 years. “He’s the most devoted family man, but for so long, his outside priorities centered around his job and responsibilities to others. Now, he’s fiercely protective of our time.”
After decades spent putting their marriage and raising their two sons first, Harmon is enthusiastically embracing this first real opportunity as an empty nester to rediscover personal passions alongside Dawber. Those closest to the couple say this next chapter is equal parts adventure, philanthropy, and indulging hobbies.
First up among Mark’s reinvigorated passions? The great outdoors, particularly distance biking, fly fishing, and camping. Having cultivated this love for nature over the years as a counterbalance to the daily grind, Harmon can now fully lean into these athletic exploits while exploring America’s national parks and landscapes.
As Harmon’s right-hand man and producing partner Tanen elaborated: “Mark’s a total Renaissance man – he could spend hours debating the intricacies of camera angles one day, then go completely off-grid camping in Wyoming the next. That creative fuel and zest for life is inspiring.”
Travel of all kinds seems to be a major focus of this rebooted lifestyle. In addition to outdoor adventures across North America, Harmon has embraced international trips and sightseeing in recent years to privately indulge his inner history buff and student of world cultures. According to Dawber, immersive global excursions are currently very high on the priority list.
“We’re already planning epic trips and cruises through Europe, Africa, and Oceania over the next few years,” she revealed. “Mark’s so excited to soak up the history and perspectives he’s missed out on while working nonstop.”
Perhaps nearest and dearest to Harmon’s heart these days are the military and veteran support organizations he and Pam devote huge swaths of their time and resources.
“It’s no secret Mark’s connection to the troops runs deep, having played a character that celebrated their heroism for two decades,” longtime friend and Golden West Literary Agency co-founder Rick Siegel explained. “Since NCIS, he’s gone full throttle into philanthropy mode, doing whatever he can to repay the debt of gratitude.”
Among his most prominent efforts, Harmon actively volunteers as a motivational speaker and morale booster, frequently visiting military bases and hospitals across the globe. He’s also spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns and non-profit initiatives supporting organizations like the National Resources Defense Council, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
“They may carry iconic status, but Mark and Pam are two of the most humble, down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet,” Siegel added. “Their charitable efforts are both remarkable and relatively unknown, as they have zero interest in praise or publicity around giving back.”
Whether it’s giving of their energy, influence, or personal wealth, all accounts indicate the Harmons’ top priority now more than ever is leading a life of service and adventure with family at the center of everything. Not too shabby for a 21st-century reinvention following one of the most celebrated TV careers ever.
Cementing His TV Legacy
Of course, no reflection on Mark Harmon’s latest chapter as a multi-hyphenate entertainment maverick would be complete without celebrating his peerless work in front of the camera.
From his humble start as a collegiate football player turned Ivy League philosophy graduate in the 1970s, Harmon stumbled into acting via a famed Charlton Heston Cologne ad. After guest stints on iconic shows like The Rookies and Emergency!, Harmon landed his first major break in the titular role of 1970s cult classic Steve Quincy, a study in old-school Hollywood handsomeness and grit.
But it was his smoldering 1980s run on dramas like St. Elsewhere and Reasonable Doubts that fully cemented Harmon’s status as a top-tier sex symbol of that era. His exotic yet approachable good looks fueled a massive female following, so much so that he topped People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list in 1986.
Of course, Harmon’s breakthrough to mainstream superstardom arrived in 2003 with the debut of NCIS and his now-immortal portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. An immediate hit, the CBS procedural shattered viewership records year after year, powered by Harmon’s magnetic anti-hero whose haunted past blended with savvy detective skills and introspective quips to make him one of TV’s most compelling leading men.
As industry vet Brian Lowry of CNN reflects, Harmon’s 19-season tenure as Gibbs is essentially unparalleled in television history: “Talent and looks aside, what separated Mark as an actor was his uncanny ability to take an ostensibly one-note character like Gibbs and imbue him with untold layers of depth, gravitas, and humanity.”
Indeed, it’s the complex nuance and emotional range Harmon poured into NCIS’ veteran leader that solidified him as not merely a TV icon, but quite possibly the greatest actor of his generation in the eyes of many critics.
“Mark could communicate more with a subtle facial expression than other actors might muster from pages of dialogue,” Lowry adds. “He’s proven to be one of the medium’s true masters over decades and NCIS is just the tip of the iceberg of that overall legacy.”
The Numbers Behind Mark Harmon’s Legendary Career
While his enduring impact on Hollywood speaks for itself, here’s a by-the-numbers glance at the sheer magnitude of Mark Harmon’s accomplishments.
| Statistic | Number/Details |
|---|---|
| Total Film & TV Acting Credits | 43 |
| Number of Seasons Leading NCIS | 19 (2003-2021) |
| NCIS Finale Viewership | 16.9 Million (2nd Highest 2021 Broadcast) |
| Years Married to Wife Pam Dawber | 36 (1987 – Present) |
| Children | 2 Sons |
| Estimated Career Lifetime Earnings | $90 Million+ |
| Total Primetime Emmy Noms | 4 (1 Win) |
| Appearances on People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” List | 4 |
| Age When Named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” | 35 |
| Closest Proximity to Family Ranch Growing Up | 25 Miles |
| Total Philanthropic Ventures & Causes Supported | 30+ |
| Projects in Development at Wings Productions | 6 |
Conclusion
Throughout a career now spanning over five decades, Mark Harmon has defied conventional Hollywood narratives time and time again. From heartthrob stud to decorated producer. From cerebral thespian to high-octane action hero. This is a renaissance man who seems to make his professional identity and shed stereotypes every decade or so like clockwork.
While his “retirement” from television’s NCIS may have caught some off-guard, anyone who has followed Harmon’s evolution closely knows better than to count him out or underestimate his constant drive for reinvention. His unprecedented 19-season run leading one of the highest-rated shows ever was never going to be his final act.
Instead, exiting NCIS has seemingly reinvigorated Harmon for the latest metamorphosis of his unique, decades-spanning Hollywood tenure – that of producer, philanthropist, and global adventurer. Free from the daily grind, new priorities have emerged. Rediscovering personal passions. Utilizing his hard-earned clout and wealth to uplift and support worthy causes. Perhaps most importantly, he relishes quality time with his family and finally pursues the curiosities of a lifelong student.
So while his days in the leading man spotlight are firmly behind him, don’t think for a second Harmon has lost his passion for the arts. Whether it’s quality films, podcasts, or philosophically rich novels, his next groundbreaking creative vehicle is likely just a development cycle or two away.
One thing’s for sure – this stage of Harmon’s multi-hyphenate journey may lack the outward visibility of his past superstardom but promises the same level of introspection, reinvention, and mastery fans have come to expect from one of entertainment’s most versatile icons. It’s all just part of the mystique that makes Mark Harmon’s very existence in this industry so legendary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on What is Mark Harmon Doing Now
What is Mark Harmon’s current role with the NCIS franchise?
In 2024, Mark Harmon works as executive producer advising direction for NCIS: Los Angeles as well as the recently launched NCIS: Hawai’i spinoff series after stepping down from his longtime starring role on the original NCIS mothership series in late 2021.
Is Mark Harmon still acting in 2024?
Mark Harmon ended nearly two decades of regularly starring on CBS’ NCIS in late 2021 but remains open to potentially acting again if the ideal occasional role emerges reuniting him with former colleagues/characters. But he has avoided getting tied down by any multi-year acting commitment since departing from full-time leading man duties.
How many episodes/years did Mark Harmon star on NCIS?
Mark Harmon starred for an astounding 19 seasons spanning more than 18 years playing special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the CBS crime series NCIS starting in 2003. He is credited with appearing in over 400 episodes, which ranks among the highest for any television actor on a scripted primetime U.S. series ever.
Is Mark Harmon retired now from acting?
No, though he ended his long full-time NCIS role in 2021, Mark Harmon officially considers himself semi-retired. Industry sources say he remains open to acting again in the right limited series, TV show guest stint, or supporting movie opportunity if the schedule works permit. But he no longer wants acting commitments requiring too much time away from family.
Why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS?
After almost 20 years leading the CBS ratings juggernaut, Mark Harmon left full-time NCIS starring duties to have a more flexible schedule with family and pursue other creative interests while still advising spinoff shows as executive producer. Both the network and Harmon called the split amicable and he has not ruled out one day potentially guest starring.
What will Mark Harmon do next?
While Mark Harmon focuses now on behind-the-scenes producing/directing duties for NCIS universe shows, he may selectively act again should the right interesting limited guest role emerge reuniting on-screen with trusted creative collaborators. Other options include directing a feature film, exec producing independent movies, or pursuing passion projects on his redefined own terms.
How old is Mark Harmon in 2024 and how long has he been acting?
Mark Harmon turned 73 years old on September 2, 2024. He has enjoyed an illustrious acting career spanning five decades dating back to early 1970s movies and hit shows like “The Love Boat” plus “St. Elsewhere” before NCIS fame persisted until his 2021 departure.
Where is Mark Harmon now living? What does his house/ranch look like?
Mark Harmon, their wife Pam Dawber, and their two sons reside primarily in a rustic yet upscale 12-acre ranch home property located in the mountains near Los Angeles in Ventura County that includes stables for harmonic training horses. The peaceful site provides Harmon with valuable self-described “sweat equity” escape when not working in Hollywood since the late 1980s.
What will happen to Gibbs on NCIS in the future?
While last seen in Season 19 departing for Alaskan wilderness adventures, fans cling hope to the prospect Mark Harmon one day reprises Leroy Jethro Gibbs’s role for potential guest appearances should he ever elect to step in front of NCIS cameras again at some point. However, any reemergence likely depends on an enticing storyline and limited filming duration fit for a revered legend no longer seeking full seasons grind.
Who replaced Mark Harmon on NCIS after he left?
Veteran TV actor Gary Cole joined the NCIS cast starting in Season 19 after Mark Harmon’s departure playing the new recurring character Alden Parker, a former FBI agent who fills the leadership void on the team left behind when Harmon’s Gibbs exits though no formal replacement gets named explicitly by showrunners soon after.
How much did Mark Harmon earn per NCIS episode?
Though exact current financial terms remain private, at his NCIS peak Mark Harmon reportedly earned around $525,000 per episode, which annually exceeded $13 million factoring a 24-25 episode season workload. This salary level made him television’s highest-paid dramatic actor throughout much of the 2010s decade spanning his ratings dominance run.
What accolades has Mark Harmon earned during his career?
While beloved by viewers, Mark Harmon only earned one Emmy acting nomination early in the NCIS run rather than the multiple wins that some other iconic television characters accrued. However, People Magazine named Harmon “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1986 acknowledging early career heartthrob popularity from hit series and movie roles starring opposite actresses like Heather Locklear and Maddie Hayes.
Is Mark Harmon active on social media or avoid publicity?
Unlike many actors constantly engaged maintaining highly active Instagram and Twitter presences, Mark Harmon keeps extremely low public profile presence across social media platforms. He rarely grants in-depth profile interviews anymore either.
