Who Plays Gibbs on NCIS
Mark Harmon portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the lead character on the CBS procedural NCIS. He appeared in the role from the series premiere in 2003 until his departure in 2021, becoming the show's central figure. Harmon brought a calm, authoritative presence to the part, defining Gibbs as a disciplined former Marine sniper and NCIS special agent.
Mark Harmon Career Highlights
Before NCIS, Mark Harmon built a career in television and film, with notable roles in St. Elsewhere and Chicago Hope. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the legal drama Reasonable Doubts. His portrayal of Gibbs made him one of the most recognizable faces in modern American crime drama.
Gibbs' Departure and Legacy
Harmon left NCIS in season 19, and the character was written out as retired. The show continued with new leadership while honoring Gibbs' influence on the team. NCIS remains one of the longest-running scripted series in U.S. television history, and Gibbs is widely cited as a defining role for the franchise. For more background on the series and its cast, see the official NCIS page on CBS.
