Mark Harmon Commented on if He’d Return for a Hypothetical ‘NCIS’ Series Finale
NCIS recently parted ways with Mark Harmon not too long ago. But although Harmon and Leroy Gibbs haven’t been gone from the show that long, many already wonder if he’ll ever make a comeback.
Mark Harmon has always left the door open for his ‘NCIS’ return
Harmon left NCIS on good and peaceful terms. Fans remember his character wishing his teammates farewell while he decided to enjoy the quiet life. And Harmon felt it couldn’t have been a more fitting ending for the respected leader.
“What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,” Harmon once told ET. “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK with.”
But Harmon clarified that Gibbs’ decision didn’t necessarily mean the end for his journey.
“I’m not retired… The character is living in Alaska as far as I know,” Harmon said.
It was noted that Gibbs himself didn’t tell his teammates he’d be gone for good, but just that he’d be away for a while.
NCIS showrunner at the time Steven Binder also left Gibbs’ fate pretty open-ended.
“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go,” Binder added. “So regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years… never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
In an interview with Trib Live, Harmon was asked if he could see Gibbs returning in a possible series finale for the show. A series finale may still be some way off, as NCIS recently concluded its 21st season, and its 22nd season has already been renewed. With NCIS Origins all set to air, there are even certain parts of the franchise that are just beginning.
Still, Harmon gave a vague yet interesting response to a possible series finale appearance.
“It’s really about feeling like you’re fulfilled with the role or complete with the role or the people you went there to work with and worked with a long time and gave the character the fuel that fueled it for as many years as it did, you just pay attention to the creative part of any process,” he said.
Did Mark Harmon retire from acting before ‘NCIS: Origins’
Harmon will be returning in a very limited capacity for the streaming prequel NCIS: Origins. He’ll be providing some narration for the show, and may even be making a cameo. Before Origins, however, there was speculation that he might’ve retired from the acting industry for good.
“No, I never retired,” he clarified to Parade. “As far as I know, if you’re talking about Gibbs, he’s living in Alaska. If you’re talking about Mark, he’s home doing what he always did, which is read things.”
He would’ve even entertained appearing in another project separate from NCIS if it was the right fit.
“I always saw this business as if you’re fortunate enough to get work and do work, that it’s about having choices. It’s about having an opportunity sometimes even to say no. There was a time where I could never say no. And most actors can’t. I’m appreciative of having that choice. I don’t see myself as retired. If the right thing comes along, I’ll probably go to work, and if it doesn’t, I have plenty of other things to do,” he said.
