# Mark Harmon

> American actor

**Wikidata**: [Q296774](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296774)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Harmon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mark-harmon

## Summary
Mark Harmon is an American actor renowned for his iconic roles in television and film, most notably as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running series *NCIS*. With a career spanning over five decades, he has established himself as a versatile actor, director, and producer, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 2, 1951  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**:  
  - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)  
  - Los Angeles Pierce College  
- **Known for**: Leading roles in *NCIS*, *St. Elsewhere*, and *The Presidio*; work as a television director and producer.  
- **Employer(s)**: CBS (*NCIS*), NBC (*St. Elsewhere*), and various film/TV productions.  
- **Field(s)**: Television, film, voice acting, directing, and producing.  

## Contributions  
- **Acting Roles**:  
  - *NCIS* (2003–2021) as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.  
  - *St. Elsewhere* (1982–1988) as Dr. Robert Caldwell.  
  - Film appearances in *The Presidio* (1988), *Summer School* (1987), and *Freaky Friday* (2003).  
- **Directing/Producing**:  
  - Directed episodes of *NCIS* and *Chicago Hope*.  
  - Produced television projects, including credits in *NCIS*.  
- **Voice Acting**:  
  - Guest roles in animated series like *The Simpsons* and *Family Guy*.  

## FAQs  
**What is Mark Harmon best known for?**  
He is best known for his starring role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the CBS drama *NCIS*, which he portrayed for nearly 20 years.  

**How did Mark Harmon begin his acting career?**  
Harmon started acting in the 1970s with early roles in film and television, including appearances in *Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law* and *The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries*.  

**What awards has Mark Harmon received?**  
He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017) and multiple People’s Choice Award nominations for his work on *NCIS*.  

**Where did Mark Harmon study?**  
He attended UCLA and Los Angeles Pierce College.  

**Is Mark Harmon involved in work behind the camera?**  
Yes, he has directed several episodes of *NCIS* and *Chicago Hope*, and has production credits in television.  

## Why They Matter  
Mark Harmon’s enduring presence in television has made him a household name, particularly through his role in *NCIS*, one of the longest-running scripted shows in U.S. history. His ability to portray relatable, authoritative figures has influenced the crime drama genre, and his behind-the-scenes work as a director and producer highlights his multifaceted impact on the industry. As a second-generation actor (son of football player and actor Tom Harmon), he has contributed to multiple generations of entertainment, solidifying his legacy as a television icon.  

## Notable For  
- **Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame** (2017).  
- **Iconic Role**: Leroy Jethro Gibbs in *NCIS* (2003–2021).  
- **Versatility**: Work in film, television, voice acting, directing, and producing.  
- **Long-Running Series**: Key cast member in *St. Elsewhere* (1982–1988) and *NCIS* (2003–2021).  
- **Educational Background**: Attended UCLA and Los Angeles Pierce College.  

## Body  
### Early Life  
Mark Harmon was born on September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California. He comes from a family with ties to entertainment and sports: his father, Tom Harmon, was a Heisman Trophy-winning football player and actor, and his mother, Elyse Knox, was an actress. Harmon attended Los Angeles Pierce College and later graduated from UCLA, where he was a starting quarterback for the UCLA Bruins football team.  

### Career  
**Breakthrough and Early Roles**  
Harmon began his acting career in the 1970s with guest appearances in series like *Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law* and *The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries*. His breakthrough role came in 1982 when he joined the cast of the NBC medical drama *St. Elsewhere*, playing Dr. Robert Caldwell for six seasons.  

**Film and Television Success**  
In the 1980s and 1990s, Harmon transitioned to film, starring in projects such as *Summer School* (1987), *The Presidio* (1988), and *Freaky Friday* (2003). He also appeared in recurring roles in series like *Chicago Hope* and *JAG*, which laid the groundwork for his casting in *NCIS*.  

**NCIS and Legacy**  
Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in *NCIS* (2003–2021) cemented his status as a television icon. The show became a global phenomenon, running for 19 seasons and earning Harmon multiple People’s Choice Award nominations. During his time on *NCIS*, he also directed several episodes, showcasing his skills behind the camera.  

**Behind-the-Scenes Work**  
In addition to acting, Harmon has directed episodes of *NCIS* and *Chicago Hope*, and has been involved in producing television content. His voice acting credits include appearances in *The Simpsons* and *Family Guy*.  

### Recognition and Impact  
Harmon’s contributions to television were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. His longevity in the industry and ability to anchor long-running series have influenced the modern crime drama genre. By portraying principled, complex characters, Harmon has left a lasting imprint on popular culture, ensuring his relevance across multiple generations of audiences.  

### Personal Life  
While details about Harmon’s personal life are limited in the source material, his educational background at UCLA and Los Angeles Pierce College reflects his early balance of academics and athletics, which preceded his acting career.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. [Source](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/81350%7C0/Mark-Harmon/biography.html)
5. [Source](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/81350%7C0/Mark-Harmon/)
6. TV.com
7. [Source](http://www.tv.com/shows/ncis-new-orleans/cast/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Integrated Authority File
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. CONOR.SI
12. The Movie Database
13. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data