Anyone familiar with “NCIS” understands the importance of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and the man who plays him, Mark Harmon. Fans were startled by the announcement of Harmon’s exit from the show in 2021, but his legacy is forever set. Those who tuned in for the emotional moment during Season 19 Episode 4 will recall that the news was shared with Sean Murray’s Timothy McGee. In the most Harmon-like way, he simply told his friend, “I’m not going back, Tim.” Cue the waterworks!
Murray has spoken openly about his joy of working alongside the legend. During an interview for “The Love of Acting with Allen Vaysberg,” Murray shared that his first time working with Harmon was actually on an episode of “Harts of the West” in the early 1990s. Murray was only in his teens at the time, but after a few scenes together, the influence was clear. “He made a real impression on me … we talked quite a bit about craft and things,” he revealed. Getting the opportunity to act alongside him for all these years was a full-circle moment. “He’s been a bit of a mentor to me, whether he knows it or not.”
Crediting the success and longevity of “NCIS” to his co-star, Murray told CountryLiving, “Harmon is a very special individual.” Without Gibbs on set, Murray has occasionally posted throwback photos on Instagram and kept fans updated with plenty of behind-the-scenes moments in his feed.
Nicki
