Michael Weatherly Once Called Mark Harmon a ‘Functional Mute’ Before He Left

NCIS stars Michael Weatherly and Mark Harmon had a relationship similar to that of their characters Tony DiNozzo and Leroy Gibbs. Weatherly felt Harmon especially shared this common trait with his NCIS counterpart.

Michael Weatherly felt Mark Harmon was like Gibbs in one way

Weatherly and Harmon had different but complementary personalities. Weatherly typically had a more outgoing presence both on NCIS and behind the scenes. Harmon, however, was more reserved and professional. But Harmon’s characteristics served Gibbs well, who was written to have a very quiet strength. So much so that the writers felt like Gibbs was one of the hardest NCIS characters to write for.

“On other shows, the lead actor is always counting his lines. But I remember when I first got to NCIS [in 2005], figuring out how to write that character was so complicated. You would type what you think is very little, and then you’d get your script back and be told, ‘He can say that with a look, that with a look, and that with a look,’” writer Christopher Silber once told TV Guide. “You get programmed to remember that and always think, ‘As few words as possible.’ Or no words, if possible. The best version of a scene would be no words at all for him! Or one word.”

Harmon himself further added that this deliberate behavior from Gibbs was more reacting instead of acting.

“Gibbs is more reactionary. And that’s more fun to play,” he said.

Weatherly was used to his partner’s demeanor, which Harmon maintained even after it was time for Weatherly to leave the show. Harmon said his farewell to Weatherly in his own way.

“Mark is always gracious and always the gentleman, but like his character a functional mute. He was pretty succinct. He said, ‘Thank you and good luck,’ which I adored the simplicity of and appreciated deeply that he was giving his handshake and support,” Weatherly said in a 2016 interview with Parade. “Mark is a very old-fashioned, old-school gentleman, and I’ve learned a great deal at his side and look to the future, taking a lot of that Mark Harmon wisdom with me.”

Michael Weatherly’s return to ‘NCIS’ was allegedly seen as a potential slap in the face to Mark Harmon

Weatherly left the series after 13 seasons. But perhaps what was even more shocking was Harmon’s departure from NCIS a few years later. Harmon was seen as the centerpiece of the show by many, including Weatherly. The Bull star found it unlikely that the series could even survive without Harmon at one point.

“I kind of don’t see him go anywhere. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just a jaded, cynical TV veteran. But I think Mark Harmon is alive, well, and ready for another – I mean, Mariska Hargitay aside, I think he’s ready to challenge whatever records are out there. Although Mariska is incredible,” Weatherly once told Assignment X.

However, it’s been announced recently that Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are returning for their own NCIS spinoff on Paramount +. A couple of years ago, rumors circulated that Weatherly was considering returning to NCIS before the confirmation.

“Michael’s available now, and he’s put the word out he’s receptive to return to his former show,” a source once claimed to Radar Online.

“When he left NCIS at the end of season 13, his co-workers understood but were disappointed. Now they’re hopeful of getting him back, especially the bosses, who’d like to expand the hunk line-up,” the insider added.

But the source asserted that Weatherly’s impending return would impede Harmon’s own NCIS comeback, as he’d been reportedly mulling coming out of retirement.

“This could be a real slap in the face for Harmon, who retired last year but has been rethinking it,” the insider said.

It’s worth noting that neither Weatherly nor Harmon ever addressed these rumors. Additionally, Harmon will return to NCIS in some capacity. It was revealed not too long ago that he’ll do voiceover work for NCIS Origins. The show would follow a much younger Leroy Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell. Harmon is expected to narrate his character’s journey and will also serve as a producer on the show.