The cast of NCIS has consistently praised Mark Harmon for his leadership and mentorship on set. Sean Murray, who portrayed Timothy McGee, described Harmon as “number one,” emphasizing that the show’s success was largely due to Harmon’s influence. Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David, referred to him as a “father figure,” noting their bond was “forged in fire.” Similarly, Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Tony DiNozzo, praised Harmon’s straightforward and approachable demeanor, highlighting his rare qualities in the industry. Rocky Carroll, who played Leon Vance, commended Harmon’s collaborative spirit, stating he was the “ultimate collaborator.” David McCallum, known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, credited Harmon with creating a productive and harmonious work environment, acknowledging his instrumental role in maintaining order on set.
However, not all experiences were positive. Pauley Perrette, who portrayed Abby Sciuto, reportedly had a strained relationship with Harmon, particularly after an incident involving Harmon’s dog biting a crew member. Perrette claimed she was “terrified” of Harmon and chose not to work in scenes with him, leading to her departure from the show. While CBS addressed the situation, the specifics remain unclear, and Perrette has since stated she would never return to the series due to her fear of Harmon.
Despite the controversy, Harmon continued to be involved with the NCIS franchise. He served as an executive producer and narrator for the prequel series NCIS: Origins, which explores the early career of his character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon’s participation in the prequel was described as supportive, with the show’s star, Austin Stowell, noting that Harmon made himself available for guidance and mentorship, offering valuable insights into leadership and professionalism on set.
In summary, while Mark Harmon has been celebrated by many of his co-stars for his leadership and mentorship on the NCIS set, his tenure was not without controversy. The mixed experiences highlight the complexities of working relationships in a long-running television series. Nevertheless, Harmon’s contributions to the NCIS franchise have left a lasting impact, both on and off the screen.
