If you’ve been wondering What Is Mark Harmon Doing Now, you’re not alone. The beloved NCIS star who captured our hearts as Agent Gibbs for nearly two decades has been anything but quiet since leaving the show in 2021.
The short answer? Mark Harmon is busier than ever. He’s starring in a major Disney sequel, narrating and producing the NCIS prequel series, wrote a bestselling World War II book, and recently admitted he got “bored real fast” with retirement. At 73, he’s proving that leaving one job doesn’t mean slowing down—it means exploring new horizons.
Let’s dive into everything Mark Harmon has been doing since he hung up his NCIS badge, and what exciting projects fans can look forward to in 2025 and beyond.
Table of Contents
Why Mark Harmon Left NCIS (And Why He Says He Didn’t Really Retire)
Before we get into what he’s doing now, it’s worth understanding why Mark Harmon left NCIS in the first place.
After 18 years and 19 seasons playing Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Harmon made the difficult decision to step away from the show in 2021. His character got a fitting sendoff, retiring to Alaska to find peace after decades of chasing criminals and confronting his traumatic past.
“What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,” Harmon explained in a Season 19 featurette. “Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest and OK.”
But here’s the important part that many people miss: Mark Harmon insists he didn’t retire from acting.
“I left the show, I didn’t retire,” he told People magazine in November 2023. This distinction matters because it signals that Harmon was simply ready for a change, not ready to stop working altogether.
The grueling schedule of filming a network procedural had taken its toll. “I think for the longest time I was just tired, to be honest,” Harmon admitted. “My workload was heavy every week. I took it seriously, and there were a lot of people there who did the same.”
What he missed most? “I miss the camaraderie, the lunches at the tables and hearing about people’s families and what they’re doing away from the show,” he shared. But he also recognized that “it’s a job” and that stepping away would give him freedom he hadn’t had in years.
That freedom has allowed Mark Harmon to pursue diverse projects that showcase different sides of his talent—from acting to writing to producing.
Mark Harmon’s Return to the Big Screen: Freakier Friday
One of the biggest surprises for fans came in June 2024 when Disney officially announced that Mark Harmon would be reprising his role in the Freaky Friday sequel, now titled Freakier Friday.
What We Know About Freakier Friday
The original Freaky Friday premiered in 2003—the same year NCIS debuted—and became an instant classic. The film starred Jamie Lee Curtis as stressed-out mom Tess Coleman and Lindsay Lohan as her rebellious teenage daughter Anna, who magically swap bodies and learn to understand each other’s lives.
Mark Harmon played Ryan Coleman, Tess’s fiancé, bringing charm and warmth to the role. His character served as the voice of reason amid the chaotic body-swap comedy.
Now, more than 20 years later, the gang is getting back together. In Freakier Friday, Anna is all grown up with a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. When family tensions rise, multiple generations experience the magical body swap—creating even more hilarious complications. Mark Harmon returns as Ryan, now Anna’s stepfather and a grandfather figure.
Release Date: The film premiered on August 8, 2025, hitting theaters nationwide.
The Full Cast Is Returning
Disney pulled out all the stops for this sequel. Joining Harmon, Curtis, and Lohan are most of the original cast members:
- Chad Michael Murray (Jake, Anna’s love interest)
- Christina Vidal Mitchell
- Haley Hudson
- Lucille Soong
- Stephen Tobolowsky
- Rosalind Chao
New additions include Manny Jacinto, Julia Butters, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Sophia Hammons, bringing fresh energy to the franchise.
Why Mark Harmon Said Yes
After years away from feature films, what convinced Harmon to return?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explained that working with Jamie Lee Curtis was a major factor: “It’s comfortable with Jamie and always has been. I’ve known her since she was 15 or 16.”
He continued with a thoughtful reflection on what matters in life: “When you look at the long form of life, you’re talking about moments with people and sharing them and being with people you liked being with. That’s always been true about her for me, so I was pleased to do that.”
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in November 2023, Harmon credited Curtis with making the sequel happen: “If she’s talking about it, then it will happen, because all things happen.” His confidence in Curtis’s ability to bring the project to life proved accurate.
The original Freaky Friday earned over $160 million worldwide, making it Lindsay Lohan’s highest-grossing film. With the built-in nostalgia factor and a proven cast, Freakier Friday has strong potential to introduce the franchise to a new generation while satisfying longtime fans.
Staying Connected to NCIS: Mark Harmon’s Role in NCIS Origins
While Mark Harmon may have left NCIS as an on-screen presence, he never truly left the franchise that defined his career. Enter NCIS: Origins, the latest spinoff that explores Agent Gibbs’s early years.
What Is NCIS: Origins?
NCIS: Origins is a prequel series set in 1991 that follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he starts his career at the Pendleton branch of the Naval Investigative Service (before it became NCIS). The show explores how Gibbs became the legendary agent we came to know—his training, his early cases, and the experiences that shaped his famous rules and no-nonsense approach.
Actor Austin Stowell takes on the challenge of playing young Gibbs, stepping into the role that Harmon made iconic.
Mark Harmon’s Involvement
Though he’s not appearing regularly, Harmon serves as:
- Executive Producer alongside his son Sean Harmon
- Narrator, providing the older Gibbs’s perspective on his younger self
- Occasional Guest Star, making select cameo appearances
His narration adds emotional depth and continuity to the series, creating a bridge between the young agent viewers see on screen and the seasoned veteran they remember from the original show.
Harmon has made brief on-screen appearances in the series, and according to sources, he’s been thoroughly pampered during his time on set. “Bosses have been waiting a long time to get Mark back in front of the camera and they’re making a big to-do over him,” an insider revealed. “To say Mark’s being pampered would be an understatement.”
Producers reportedly catered to his every need—masseuse, dog walker, espresso machine—anything to make him comfortable and encourage more appearances.
Why This Project Matters to Harmon
NCIS Origins isn’t just another job for Harmon—it’s a family affair. His son Sean serves as an executive producer on the show, making it a shared creative endeavor. “The show has become such a big part of Mark’s life,” sources note, and being able to work alongside his son while shaping the backstory of his most famous character holds special meaning.
The series premiered in fall 2024 on CBS and has become a hit with fans eager to understand what made Gibbs the man he became.
Mark Harmon the Author: Ghosts of Honolulu
Perhaps the most surprising post-NCIS venture for Mark Harmon has been his foray into writing. In November 2023, he released Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, co-written with Leon Carroll Jr., a retired NCIS special agent and longtime technical advisor on the show.
What the Book Is About
Ghosts of Honolulu is a meticulously researched historical nonfiction work that tells the true story of the intelligence game played between Japanese and American agents in Hawaii before the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
The book focuses on two fascinating figures:
- Douglas Wada, the first Japanese American Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) agent
- Takeo Yoshikawa, a Japanese spy assigned to gather intelligence on the U.S. Pacific Fleet
These two men engaged in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game in the months leading up to Pearl Harbor, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance.
The NCIS Connection
What makes this book particularly relevant is its connection to the real Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The ONI work detailed in the book directly led to the creation of what would eventually become NCIS.
“This is the first story leading to the birth of what became the real NCIS,” Harmon explained. “These agents are really a different breed. I hope that there’s a story revealed here that you don’t know. It was important work they were doing, and no one knew about it.”
Throughout his 18 years on NCIS, the show often used the fact that most people had never heard of the agency as a running joke. But for the real men and women doing this difficult and dangerous work, there was nothing funny about it.
“On the show we used to use the fact that no one knew who this agency was or what they did as a point of humor, but for those doing this difficult job for real, there was nothing funny about it,” Harmon said. “To provide these men and women a chance to tell their story, their REAL story, has been both fun and educational for me.”
The Writing Experience
For someone who spent decades acting, becoming an author felt “weird” to Harmon. “Actors tell stories, so that part is comfortable,” he noted. “But I have enjoyed great teachers and help, and the idea to grow and learn something new every day.”
His collaboration with Leon Carroll Jr. proved seamless. “Through an 18 year relationship, Mark and I have developed a deep appreciation of what we can do together as a team,” Carroll Jr. shared. “Considering different options and approaches to storytelling is similar, whether it is a book or a television show.”
Why History Matters to Harmon
Harmon’s interest in history stems from a belief that understanding the past helps us navigate the present and future.
“I’ve always thought you can learn from history,” he explained. “Things tend to repeat themselves.”
The book explores not just the espionage thriller aspects but also the moral complexities faced by Japanese Americans during this period—defending the country that would soon intern many members of their community.
Carroll Jr., who found the story of Douglas Wada particularly resonant, noted: “He was using many of the same operational methods that I was trained in some 40 years later. I could definitely relate to the challenges he faced maneuvering in an environment where even his co-workers were not sure about what he really did.”
Ghosts of Honolulu is available on Amazon and has received strong reviews from history enthusiasts and NCIS fans alike.
Mark Harmon’s Recent Admission: “I Got Bored Real Fast With Retirement”
In late 2024, sources close to Mark Harmon revealed something that many retirees experience: retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
“He got bored real fast with retirement,” an insider exclusively told Closer magazine. “Truth is that a lot of retirees get bored real fast with retirement and Mark’s no exception.”
What Changed His Mind
After doing his cameo work on NCIS: Origins, Harmon found himself energized rather than satisfied. “He finds working with his former colleagues a lot more stimulating than staying home with a list of repairs to be done,” the source explained.
His involvement with the NCIS franchise reignited his passion for the work. “It seems his retirement plans have changed, and he wants to do more cameos on NCIS, in addition to the narration he does. Plus, he’s looking for other acting and producing work.”
Rather than viewing his time away as permanent retirement, Harmon now sees it as a much-needed break. “He sees this as a fresh start,” the source said, noting that the hiatus between the end of the main NCIS series and picking up cameos was “just a short break in his career.”
What’s Next for His Career
With renewed enthusiasm, Mark Harmon is actively exploring new opportunities. In February 2023, he signed with The Gersh Agency, a prestigious talent agency that also represents Brendan Fraser, Allison Janney, Patricia Arquette, Adam Driver, and Mandy Moore.
This move signaled his serious intent to pursue new acting and producing projects beyond the NCIS universe.
The source confirmed he has “the full support of his wife Pam Dawber and sons” as he embarks on this next chapter. At 73 years old, Harmon is proving that age is no barrier to reinvention and continued creative output.
Mark Harmon’s Personal Life and Family
Throughout his busy career resurgence, Mark Harmon has maintained a strong focus on family—something he didn’t always have time for during the demanding NCIS years.
Marriage to Pam Dawber
Mark Harmon has been married to actress Pam Dawber since 1987—an impressive 38 years in an industry where long marriages are rare. Dawber is best known for her role as Mindy McConnell on the sitcom Mork & Mindy alongside Robin Williams.
The couple has famously kept their relationship private, rarely appearing at public events together or discussing their marriage in interviews. This privacy has likely contributed to their lasting relationship.
In August 2025, Harmon was spotted on a rare public outing with Dawber, enjoying an ice cream date—a simple pleasure that fans found endearing. After years in the spotlight, the couple clearly values their quiet moments together.
His Sons and Their Careers
Mark and Pam have two sons:
- Sean Harmon, who followed in his father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry
- Ty Christian Harmon
Sean Harmon has worked extensively in the NCIS universe, even playing young Gibbs in flashback sequences on the original series. He now serves as an executive producer on NCIS: Origins alongside his father, making it a true family project.
Life Balance Post-NCIS
One of the biggest changes for Harmon has been having control over his schedule. “I’ve got time to do whatever I want to,” he told People. “I can plan a dinner with the boys, we can take a trip. I’m so fortunate, I don’t ever wake up not thinking that.”
This flexibility has allowed him to be more present for his family while still pursuing meaningful work—a balance that eluded him during the intense NCIS filming schedule.
The Legacy of Agent Gibbs: Why Mark Harmon’s NCIS Character Still Matters
To understand what Mark Harmon is doing now, we need to appreciate the magnitude of what he accomplished as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
By the Numbers
- 19 seasons as the lead character (2003-2021)
- Nearly 400 episodes as Agent Gibbs
- The longest-running scripted primetime series in U.S. television history
- Helped launch multiple successful spinoffs (NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Origins)
What Made Gibbs Special
Agent Gibbs wasn’t just another TV detective. He was a complex character with depth:
- A former Marine sniper with a traumatic past
- A widower who lost his wife and daughter to a drunk driver
- A mentor figure who led his team with strict rules and unwavering loyalty
- A man of few words whose silences spoke volumes
- Someone who got results but never compromised his principles
Mark Harmon brought humanity to a character who could have been just another tough-guy stereotype. His nuanced performance made Gibbs someone viewers trusted, admired, and emotionally connected with.
The Impact on Viewers
For millions of viewers, Tuesday nights meant spending time with Gibbs and the NCIS team. The show provided comfort, excitement, and a sense of justice in an often chaotic world.
Harmon’s departure left a void, but his graceful exit—with Gibbs finding peace in Alaska—honored the character and the audience’s investment in his journey.
Comparing Mark Harmon to Other Long-Running TV Stars
Mark Harmon’s post-NCIS career path offers an interesting contrast to other actors who spent decades on hit shows.
The Retirement vs. Reinvention Choice
Some actors embrace full retirement after long runs:
- David Caruso largely stepped away after CSI: Miami
- Ted Danson took time off after Cheers before returning to select roles
Others keep working but stay in their lane:
- Tom Selleck continued in similar roles (Blue Bloods after Magnum P.I.)
Mark Harmon is taking a different approach: strategic diversification. He’s:
- Staying connected to NCIS in a limited capacity (Origins)
- Exploring completely different genres (Freakier Friday family comedy)
- Venturing into new mediums (book writing)
- Taking on behind-the-scenes roles (producing)
This approach allows him to leverage his established reputation while avoiding typecasting and creative burnout.
What Fans Can Expect from Mark Harmon in 2025 and Beyond
So what does the future hold for Mark Harmon?
Confirmed Projects
- Freakier Friday – Already released in theaters (August 2025)
- NCIS: Origins – Ongoing narration and occasional appearances
- Additional NCIS cameos – Sources indicate he’s open to more appearances
Potential Projects
Based on his new representation and stated interest in continuing work:
- More feature films (family-friendly comedies seem to be a good fit)
- Additional producing ventures
- Possibly another book project with Leon Carroll Jr.
- Guest appearances on other CBS shows
What He’s Said About the Future
Harmon has emphasized that he’s looking for projects that excite him rather than just work for work’s sake. The fact that he “got bored” with full retirement suggests we’ll see him taking on select projects that challenge him creatively.
His age (73) isn’t slowing him down—if anything, he’s following the path of actors like Harrison Ford, who continues working on major projects well into his 80s.
Why Mark Harmon’s Story Resonates
There’s something universally relatable about Mark Harmon’s post-NCIS journey, even for people who aren’t actors or celebrities.
The Myth of Retirement
How many people have worked decades at a career, retired, and then realized that endless golf games or home repair projects aren’t actually fulfilling?
Harmon’s admission that he “got bored real fast” reflects what researchers have found: people need purpose, intellectual stimulation, and social connection. Simply stopping work doesn’t guarantee happiness.
Reinvention at Any Age
At 73, Mark Harmon is proving that you’re never too old to:
- Learn new skills (writing)
- Return to old passions (feature films)
- Strengthen family connections (working with his son)
- Try different creative outlets (narration, producing)
His journey offers encouragement to anyone wondering if it’s too late to make a change or pursue something new.
The Value of “Fresh Starts”
The source who revealed Harmon’s boredom with retirement said he views his return to work as “a fresh start.” This framing is important—it’s not a failure to retire or a sign that he can’t let go. It’s a conscious choice to begin a new chapter with new possibilities.
How Mark Harmon Has Avoided Hollywood Pitfalls
One remarkable aspect of Mark Harmon’s career is what he’s avoided:
- No scandals – In an era of constant controversy, Harmon has maintained a clean reputation
- No desperate publicity – He doesn’t chase attention or overshare on social media
- No typecasting trap – Despite 18 years as Gibbs, he’s successfully taken on different roles
- No financial troubles – Unlike some long-running TV stars, he seems financially secure
- No bitter endings – He left NCIS on good terms and remains connected to the franchise
This speaks to his professionalism, his strong support system (his marriage to Pam Dawber), and his careful career management.
What We Can Learn from Mark Harmon’s Career Choices
Whether you’re a fan, an aspiring actor, or simply someone navigating career transitions, Mark Harmon’s path offers valuable lessons:
- Know when to leave – He recognized when NCIS had run its course for him, rather than staying too long
- Don’t burn bridges – His continued involvement with NCIS shows the value of leaving gracefully
- Stay open to surprises – He probably didn’t expect to become an author, but he embraced the opportunity
- Family matters – Working with his son on NCIS: Origins adds meaning beyond just the project
- Rest isn’t the same as purpose – Time off is valuable, but meaningful work provides fulfillment
- Leverage your experience – His NCIS knowledge directly informed his book about the real agency
- Quality over quantity – He’s selective about projects rather than saying yes to everything
The Bottom Line: What Is Mark Harmon Doing Now?
To answer the question simply: Mark Harmon is living his best life on his own terms.
He spent 18 years giving everything to NCIS and Agent Gibbs. Now he’s:
- Choosing projects that excite him (Freakier Friday, NCIS: Origins)
- Exploring new creative outlets (writing, producing)
- Spending time with family (wife Pam Dawber and sons)
- Staying connected to his legacy (NCIS franchise involvement)
- Working at his own pace (select roles, not grueling schedules)
At 73, he’s not slowing down—he’s simply being more intentional about where he directs his energy.
The Mark Harmon of 2025 is different from the Mark Harmon of 2003 who started NCIS, or even the Mark Harmon of 2021 who left the show. He’s someone who tried retirement, realized it wasn’t for him, and had the courage to admit it and make a change.
For fans who loved him as Agent Gibbs, there’s still plenty of Mark Harmon to enjoy—just in new and unexpected ways. And for the man himself, it appears he’s found that elusive balance between rest and purpose, between honoring his past and exploring his future.
