Mark Harmon’s life and career: From NCIS stardom to on-set feuds, Pam Dawber marriage and incredible act of heroism

The Emmy-nominated actor is internationally recognized for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS

Mark Harmon doesn’t subscribe to the world of celebrity. A Hollywood heavyweight, the actor, 72, prefers to keep a low profile in California. Notoriously humble, and extremely private, the TV star has become something of an enigma, despite appearing in major blockbusters and becoming an NCIS legend. With that in mind, we’re exploring the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most private actors. From his childhood in the spotlight to his sweet love story with Pam Dawber, and the incredible act of heroism that changed a teenager’s life forever. Here’s what you need to know about the man, the myth, the legend.

Famous family

Mark hails from the illustrious Harmon family. His mother, Elyse Knox, was an established actress, model, and fashion designer, with over 39 acting credits by the time he was born. Meanwhile, his father – Tom Harmon – was an American football player, military pilot, actor, and sports broadcaster. Asked about his childhood, Mark told TV Insider: “My parents kept things real. I had no idea they were famous. In fact, it didn’t hit me until one day when I was riding in the car with my father in Ann Arbor , Michigan—I was maybe 8 and could barely see above the dashboard—and we stopped at a crosswalk.

“Suddenly we were surrounded by people who recognized my dad and were really thrilled to see him. I remember looking at this man I thought I knew so well and thinking, ‘Who are you?'” One of three siblings, Mark grew up with two sisters, Kelly and Kristin. Following in their mother’s footsteps, Kelly, worked as an actress and model, appearing in Bay City Blues, Battlestar Galactica and CHiPS.

As for Kristin, the late actress and painter was married to actor and musician Ricky Nelson for 19 years. Together, they share four children. Kristin and Ricky eventually divorced in 1982. In April 2018, it was confirmed that Kristin had died of a heart attack at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her daughter, actress Tracy Nelson, shared the news.

Early career

Mark hadn’t intended to be an actor. After graduating cum laude from UCLA in 1974 with a B.A. in Communications, his sights were set on a career in advertising or law. Like something out of a movie, it was a random encounter with a total stranger that changed everything. Speaking to Men’s Journal in 2018, Mark revealed that he’d taken a job as a shoe salesman when he overhead a stranger’s conversation on a flight. “When I was doing that shoe salesman job. I was coming back from Boston and I was sitting next to a 33-year-old who was talking about trying to make pension at 65,” explained the A-lister. “He was drinking his second martini by the time we were wheels up. He was miserable in his job and he was trying to maintain the job for another [32] years. I went home, got in my car, drove out to the place where I worked, and gave my notice.”

Suddenly after, Mark’s sister, Kristin, was able to get him his first acting job. At the time, Kristin was married to musician Ricky Nelson, and thanks to her in-laws, Ozzie and Harriet, Mark was able to appear in a 1973 episode of Ozzie’s Girls. Following up with guest appearances in Adam-12 (1975), Police Woman (1975) and Laverne & Shirley (1976), Mark went on to bag supporting roles in the feature films, Comes a Horseman (1978) and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure ( 1979).

It was in 1983, that Mark got his big break. Cast as Dr. Robert Caldwell in the series, St. Elsewhere, the aspiring actor played the role for three years. During this period, his career truly blossomed, and he was even named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986.
Finally on the map, Mark went on to star in Summer School (1987), The Presidio (1988), Crossfire Trail (2001) and Freaky Friday (2003), among others. But, the best has yet to come…