Some May Say He Was Even Better Than Gibbs
Mark Harmon is synonymous with his role as NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character he portrayed for 19 years. This iconic role will forever be the first that comes to mind when thinking of Harmon, as his presence helped shape the dynamic that the other cast members now carry. Fans will always be grateful for his contribution to the show’s success.
However, Harmon’s filmography extends far beyond NCIS. Throughout his career, he has appeared in numerous TV shows, including the medical drama Chicago Hope and the 90s NBC hit Reasonable Doubts. Yet, there was one role in particular that perfectly led him to his iconic NCIS character.
Why Did Mark Harmon Play on The West Wing?
Created by Aaron Sorkin and originally broadcast on NBC, The West Wing was set primarily in the West Wing of the White House and followed the presidential staff of the Democratic administration of President Josiah Bartlet. The show ran from 1999 to 2006 and won numerous awards, but Mark Harmon only appeared in four episodes.
Harmon portrayed Simon Donovan, an FBI special agent recruited to temporarily protect White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg after she received death threats via email. Despite his brief appearance, the chemistry between Donovan and Cregg captivated viewers as their characters developed romantic feelings for each other.
Sadly, Harmon’s run as Simon Donovan on The West Wing ended in tragedy when his character was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a convenience store. Many fans felt that Donovan deserved a longer arc, but his short stint was impressive enough to earn Harmon a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series at the 2002 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Although Harmon was already an established actor with several prestigious nominations, his role on The West Wing opened doors to more serious roles. NCIS was one of those opportunities, and by choosing it, Mark Harmon secured himself a role that would define his career for nearly two decades.
If you’re interested in checking out Harmon’s performance as Simon Donovan, you can watch The West Wing streaming on Max.
