Cote de Pablo Gave Mark Harmon the Credit He Won’t Take for ‘NCIS’ Success
Cote de Pablo returned to NCIS at the end of season 16 — sending fans into a state of shock, for the prodigal daughter was back from the grave. Well, she never actually died, but the sentiment still stands. Cote de Pablo portrayed Ziva David for years, joining her fellow agents after Sasha Alexander’s Kate Todd died two seasons in.
While on NCIS, Ziva David and Agent Gibbs developed a father-daughter bond, fueled by mutual respect and a deep-seated concern for each other’s well-being. And, this relationship extended to the actor’s behind the characters as well, likely playing a factor in the strong chemistry between Mark Harmon and de Pablo.
A while back, during an interview with Extra, Cote de Pablo took the time to highlight Mark Harmon’s work ethic and all he means to the show. For, though fans know that Harmon is an executive producer whose active involvement in the series has helped keep it alive, he is hesitant to ever claim responsibility for the show’s achievements. He often reroutes acknowledgment to the writers.
Cote de Pablo talks Mark Harmon’s dedication to ‘NCIS’
Extra’s Mario Lopez met with the cast of NCIS, and he directed a few questions at Harmon. Calling Harmon “the quarterback of the team,” Lopez asked Harmon what it’s like to be in such a vital role, to play such a pivotal factor. Harmon, as he often does, talked about the great “group of people” he gets to work with. And, when he finished, Cote de Pablo spoke up to make sure he got the recognition he deserves. De Pablo stated:
He’s a pretty humble man. He does a lot for this show that he will never actually say he does, but we all know that he does a lot, and we love him for it.
Extra via NCISFanaticVideo
Mark Harmon silently takes the compliment with a slight smile, and then Lopez and the cast continue on to discuss the show. Yet, Cote de Pablo’s words speak volumes, for Harmon does deserve a little credit.
Mark Harmon IS ‘NCIS’
Not only does Harmon lead the hit show, but he is also a producer on the series, and is an essential part of the entire NCIS franchise; in 2014, he started a production company called Wings Productions to produce NCIS: New Orleans, as well.
While some actors come and go — using NCIS as a springboard to catalyze a successful career in showbiz — Harmon is steadfast in his commitment to the crime procedural. Harmon came to NCIS with a pretty robust portfolio; he had already acted across from Liz Taylor, Sean Connery, and Meg Ryan.
So, Harmon has done his fair share of blockbuster movies but leans toward television roles. He leans toward the routine and consistent schedule that comes with TV life — he gets to be with his family more often than he would if he was traveling the world for major movies. And, as far as anyone can see, he doesn’t plan to leave NCIS anytime soon, so here’s to hoping this show comes to compete with the likes of Law & Order: SVU when accounting for years on the air.
