On NCIS, Mark Harmon plays Leroy “Jethro” Gibbs, a character who can solve any case. In real life, however, Mark has spent years grappling with a different kind of mystery—fame. Growing up, Mark, now 66, never truly understood the extent of his parents' stardom. His father, sportscaster Tom Harmon, and his mother, actress Elyse Knox, kept things grounded. "My parents kept things real," Mark recalls. "I had no idea they were famous." That realization hit him one day in Ann Arbor, Michigan, when he was about eight years old. Riding in the car with his dad, they stopped at a crosswalk, and suddenly, a crowd surrounded them. "I remember looking at this man I thought I knew so well and thinking, Who are you?"
A Star Who Chooses Privacy
Millions of people today wonder the same thing about Mark Harmon. Despite being the star of TV’s No. 1 drama, he leads a life steeped in privacy. Mark and his wife, Pam Dawber, recently renewed their vows in a quiet backyard ceremony, continuing their tradition of keeping a low profile. They’ve raised their sons, Sean, 30, and Ty, 25, to do the same. "It’s not even a choice. It’s who we are," Mark explains. "We stay home. A lot. I’m not a Twitter guy or a Facebook guy. And our sons aren’t into that either."
Mark’s parents, Tom and Elyse.
Read also:Queen Elizabeths Bed Linens The Royal Ironing Process Unveiled
A Portrait of a Grounded Star
Through interviews with Mark, his family, friends, and co-workers, we get a glimpse into the life of a man who values his home life above all else. He’s a consummate professional who keeps his personal life separate from his career, even during tough times. "Mark is a shining example of how it should be done," says NCIS co-star Sean Murray. "He’s incredibly grounded, works hard, and knows that family counts most."
From Football to Acting
Mark’s journey to acting was anything but straightforward. His father wanted him to be self-motivated, teaching him that success comes from giving everything you’ve got. Mark became a football star at UCLA but also worked as a roofer, carpenter, and shoe salesman before entering the acting world. It was Ozzie Nelson, his sister Kristin’s father-in-law, who encouraged him to try acting. Mark’s first role was in 1973 on the sitcom Ozzie’s Girls, where his character arrived in a gorilla costume asking for directions to the Empire State Building. "I’d never been on a set before," Mark says, "but it was an experience I’ll never forget."
