Does Mark Harmon Have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for ‘NCIS’?
NCIS is one of the most popular series on television right now. Much of the show’s success stems from Mark Harmon’s fantastic performances as Leroy Gibbs.
Fans love the lead character, an all-American hero in the traditional sense. Gibbs’ impressive military background and respectable demeanor make him an excellent leader for the NCIS team.
Harmon boasts an impressive career in entertainment. He’s starred in numerous television series and films, from the iconic 80s medical drama St. Elsewhere to political powerhouse The West Wing. In addition to being a talented actor, Harmon has an interesting background that includes college football, a stint in law school, and a short-lived job as a shoe salesman.
Who is Mark Harmon?
Harmon was born in 1951 in Burbank, California. His father, Tom Harmon, was a sports broadcaster who spent much of his time on the road. Harmon’s mother, Elyse Knox, was a former actress. Harmon shared his father’s love of sports, and was a quarterback for the University of California.
In 1972, Harmon’s sister dated the son of television stars Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. The pair offered Harmon a walk-on role in Ozzie’s Girls–his debut on the small screen. Harmon enjoyed the experience, but he didn’t jump right into acting full-time.
He finished college, then gave law school a try. Law school didn’t hold his attention for long, and he left to try his hand at advertising. When that fizzled out, he became a shoe salesman. It was at this point that Harmon decided to give acting another go.
Harmon began his career with a guest appearance on Adam-12, followed by a string of non-speaking roles in a handful of shows. In 1977, he won an Emmy nomination for his role in Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years. Harmon worked as a roofer and performed at L.A. theaters while he waited for his big break. His first leading role came in 1981, in the series Flamingo Road.
Harmon’s big break finally came in 1983, when he joined the cast of St. Elsewhere. The award-winning medical drama had a powerhouse cast including Denzel Washington, Ed Begley Jr., and Howie Mandel. In 1986, Harmon took on a darker role when he portrayed serial killer Ted Bundy in The Deliberate Stranger.
He went on to star in numerous several television series, including Chicago Hope and The West Wing. It was Harmon’s performance in The West Wing that led to his most well-known role yet…
Harmon brings one of TV’s most popular characters to life on ‘NCIS’
NCIS was a spin-off of JAG, a Navy legal drama. The military crime series began in 2003 and was an immediate hit.
Now entering its 18th season, NCIS is one of the longest-running shows of its kind. The massively successful series has two spin-offs and a loyal fan following.
Harmon stars as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a no-nonsense investigator that has a quiet but powerful presence. Gibbs is a former marine who follows the rules and adheres to a strict code of ethics. He’s also a straight-shooter–he says what he means, and he means what he says. These characteristics combine to create a heroic, admirable leading man that fans love.
Harmon became so invested in the series that he took on the position of executive producer in 2011. Much like his character, Harmon treats his NCIS crew like family.
According to TVGuide, filming should begin soon for the 18th season. Fans can expect Gibbs to show an emotional vulnerability that’s new to his character, due to the tear-jerker ending he experienced last season. The show will also celebrate its 400th episode, which is rumored to be a flashback detailing the meeting of Ducky and Gibbs.
When did Mark Harmon get a star on the Walk of Fame?
Harmon’s incredible contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized on October 1, 2012, when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Harmon’s wife, Pam Dawber, and many of his co-stars from NCIS were present to watch him receive the 2,482nd star on the infamous walkway.
Numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations undoubtedly helped Harmon secure a star, but most fans will argue that his performance as Gibbs sealed the deal. Harmon is an exceptional actor, talented athlete, and gifted television producer.
NCIS fans can look forward to watching him in the upcoming 18th season. The latest season is sure to include numerous twists, surprises, and an endearing performance by Harmon.
