Mark Harmon, renowned for his portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on CBS’s long-running procedural drama “NCIS,” bid farewell to the series in a pivotal shift. Harmon’s departure has left fans wondering about the reasons behind his exit and the fate of his character.
In a February 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Wilmer Valderrama, who has portrayed NCIS Special Agent Nicholas Torres since Season 14, lauded Harmon’s leadership and the profound impact “NCIS” has had on the acting industry. Valderrama emphasized Harmon’s pivotal role in upholding the show’s integrity and value throughout his tenure.
Harmon’s departure occurred in Season 19, Episode 4, titled “Great Wide Open,” where his character, Gibbs, opts to stay in Alaska after finding a newfound sense of peace since the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. He passes on his position at NCIS to Timothy McGee, recognizing McGee’s substantial contributions over the years.
While the exact reasons for Harmon’s exit remain undisclosed, speculation suggests that he departed to pursue other interests and prioritize family time. In a special featurette for the NCIS Season 19 DVD, Harmon hinted at his desire to keep his career dynamic and challenging, expressing that Gibbs’ departure felt authentic and appropriate. In a 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Harmon also referenced his age as a factor, reflecting on the parallel evolutions of his character and his personal life.
Despite Harmon’s departure early in Season 19, his name continued to grace the opening credits until Season 20. Since leaving “NCIS,” Harmon has not taken on any new roles but signed with The Gersh Agency in 2023, indicating potential future endeavors. While Gibbs may no longer be a regular fixture, the possibility of special appearances remains open.
