Mark Harmon, a staple of American television for over five decades, is best known for his portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the long-running series NCIS. Over 18 seasons, his performance made the character iconic, turning NCIS into one of the most-watched shows globally. Before that, Harmon built a strong résumé with roles in acclaimed series such as The West Wing, St. Elsewhere, and JAG, where his NCIS character was first introduced. His ties to show business run deep: he is the son of football star Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox, and his siblings Kristin Nelson and Kelly Harmon also found success in the entertainment industry.

Born in Burbank, California, in 1951, Harmon followed in his father’s athletic footsteps, playing quarterback for UCLA before graduating with a communications degree. After a short stint in business, he pivoted to acting, gaining early attention in St. Elsewhere and being named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in the 1980s. It wasn’t until he was over 50 that Harmon’s career reached new heights, thanks to his portrayal of Gibbs. The success of NCIS launched him into global stardom and brought his calm, commanding screen presence into millions of households. He stepped away from the role during the show’s 19th season, reflecting proudly on its global impact.

Pam Dawber, Harmon’s wife of 38 years, is also a familiar face to television fans. She rose to fame in 1978 as Mindy in Mork & Mindy, starring opposite Robin Williams, and later appeared in My Sister Sam and other projects across TV, theater, and film. However, after marrying Harmon in 1987 and starting a family, Dawber stepped back from acting to focus on raising their two sons. She returned briefly to the screen in 2021, sharing scenes with Harmon on NCIS in a rare public collaboration that delighted fans.

The couple’s marriage has stood the test of time, rooted in mutual respect and a deliberate choice to prioritize privacy. Harmon has attributed their longevity to marrying in their thirties, a time when they better understood themselves and what they wanted from life. Though they come from different backgrounds and have differing tastes, their commitment to protecting their family from public scrutiny has helped preserve a sense of normalcy. Their private, grounded approach to fame is often cited as a model for Hollywood couples.

Their sons, Sean and Ty Harmon, have also embraced careers in entertainment. Sean has pursued acting, even playing a younger version of Gibbs on NCIS, while Ty works behind the scenes as a screenwriter. Both have earned praise from their parents for their discipline and creative drive. With their low-key presence and strong family bonds, the Harmon family has quietly built a lasting legacy in television—one marked by talent, humility, and an enduring commitment to one another.