Mark Harmon is one of Hollywood’s most popular television actresses. For nearly two decades, he has been popular with many television viewers for portraying the tough but compassionate special agent Leroy Gibbs on NCIS. One of the longest-running TV series in the United States, NCIS follows Harmon and his team as they attempt to solve war crimes. Harmon’s career wasn’t limited to the small screen. He has also acted in numerous films and theater productions. Find out more about the star here, including his wife, sister and other fun facts about him.
Mark Harmon Bio
Thomas Mark Harmon was born on the 2nd of September 1951 in California, specifically the city of Burbank. He had his high school education at Harvard-Westlake School. After graduating, he studied at Pierce College and UCLA, graduating in 1974. During his high school days, Harmon was an excellent quarterback. In two years at UCLA, his team lost only 5 of 22 games. He also received several college football honors upon graduation. After college, Harmon wasn’t sure what career path to pursue. He wanted to be either a lawyer or a doctor.
However, his confusion was resolved when his in-laws gave him a part in their sitcom, Ozzie’s Girl . For the next four years, Harmon landed supporting roles on several television series. This was until 1977 when he landed the role of Robert, a disabled veteran in the TV movie – Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years . The role not only put him in the spotlight, but also earned him an award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Mark Harmon achieved the second breakthrough of his career in the 1986 television series. St Elsewhere. He gained Hollywood fame for his portrayal of a handsome doctor who later died of AIDS. Harmon’s work isn’t just limited to the small screen. He has appeared in films such as The Bureau, Steal Home, Chasing Freedom and Weather Girl . His very first film was 1978’s Come a Rider .
family and sister
Harmon comes from a family of five. His father’s name is Tom Harmon while his mother’s name is Elyse Knox. His father played soccer in college and even won the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Harmon’s mother, on the other hand, was an actress and artist. Mark Harmon has two older sisters named Kristin and Kelly. Kristin is too late now. Before her death, she was married to a well-known musician, Ricky Nelson. They married in 1961 and endured an acrimonious marriage until their divorce in 1982. They had four children together, including twins Matthew and Gunnar. The twins formed a successful ’80s rock band, Nelson. Kelly is an actress and model. She had minor roles in many television series. She was also famous in a mint commercial.
wife and children
The NCIS star is married to Pam Dawber. Dawber is an actress, singer and producer. Harmon and Dawber tied the knot in a private ceremony in March 1987. They are one of Hollywood’s enduring couples, having been married for more than thirty years. Harmon has two sons with his wife. They are Sean Thomas and Ty Christian. Harmon and his wife are very private in their family affairs. They don’t parade their kids on the red carpet for all to see. Meanwhile, the actor has revealed that the reason for their union’s longevity is maturity. According to him, they married in their thirties, an age when they had renounced youthful exuberance and were fully mature.
More facts about Mark Harmon
1. He was the second man to be named People’s Magazine’s sexiest man of the year. This was in 1986. The first man to receive this award was Mel Gibson in 1985.
2. Mark was appointed brand ambassador for Coors Beer in the 80’s. He has appeared in several commercials for the company.
3. Harmon won the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Crime Actor.
4. He once asked the court to grant him custody of his sister’s son, Sam. He felt that Kristin was not a responsible parent. The actor later withdrew his request
5. Harmon is a real-life superhero. He once rescued two youths who were trapped in a burning vehicle near his home. He used a hammer to break into their vehicle.
6. The actor was inducted into the Pierce College Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
7. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was unveiled in October 2012.