Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs leaves ‘NCIS’ squad after having a long-lasting imprint in the show NCIS. What’s the reason for his exit?
“NCIS” team lead Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played for nearly two decades by Mark Harmon, is hanging up his badge – for now.
The “north star” of the law enforcement drama series made emotional goodbyes in Monday’s episode of “NCIS” as he solved the case he calls “the most meaningful of all.”
Harmon’s Gibbs launched the series as the main character when the show first premiered on CBS in 2003 and now, 18 years later, he’s taking a step back from the squad. But according to the show, it isn’t goodbye forever.
“As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show. Our north star has always been staying true to our characters,” the show posted on Instagram Monday. “Regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years…never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
Who is Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs?
Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a fictional character of the CBS TV series NCIS, portrayed by Mark Harmon. He is a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper turned special agent who commands a team for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs was born in 1954 as confirmed in the episode “Date with Destiny”, in which he visits Shannon’s grave and the date is shown on the headstone.
The existence of the character began in 2003 and his disappearance from the show is in 2021.
Other dramas that Mark Harmon has starred in are Chicago Hope, Adventures from the Book of Virtues, etc.
Gibbs’ character started distancing from his NCIS team last season after being suspended for the assault of a man who abused dogs. In May’s season finale, Gibbs appeared to narrowly avert being killed off the show after his boat exploded.
Fans of the show were emotional after seeing Gibbs’ goodbyes.
“NO! I don’t want Gibbs to leave. NCIS isn’t ncis without him,” @jayjay95a wrote.
NO! I don’t want Gibbs to leave. NCIS isn’t ncis without him ??? @NCIS_CBS #NCIS #markharmon pic.twitter.com/BgCtnlE0aR
— Jennifer??? (@jayjay95a) October 12, 2021
Why Is Leroy Jethro Gibbs Leaving NCIS?
Yes, Leroy Jethro Gibbs is leaving NCIS after entertaining his audience for nearly two decades.
We all know that the special agent Leroy Jethro is just only a fictional character of NCIS, CBS’s long-running TV series. But, the reel-life character is brought to life by actor Mark Harmon.
And, people are still not over it. It is agreed that there are some special reel characters that feel as if it’s a real part and play a fundamental feature in the drama’s success. And, Leroy Jethro Gibbs is one of them.
As noted in The Sun, Leroy Jethro will return in the future seasons of the show in a guest capacity. Rumors are that the role of Gibbs has a replacement, however, it’s not confirmed yet.
Although Leroy Jethro Gibbs is having a final goodbye from the series, the real person Mark Harmon will still continue to be a part of the show as the executive producer.
“I’m not going back, Tim.” After 19 seasons, Mark Harmon has left #NCIS. Here’s how Gibbs’ goodbye played out, and what led to the star’s exit in Episode 4. pic.twitter.com/ImtcH2tPaE
— TVLine.com (@TVLine) October 12, 2021
Does Mark Harmon Have Throat Cancer?
There are past rumors of Mark Harmon being diagnosed with throat cancer.
Some people even reached this conclusion after they noticed the change in his voice. Amidst all these health and cancer rumors, the actor himself has never made any confirmations on anything till now as far as we know.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs Mark Harmon Wife
Leroy Jethro Gibbs had a wife named Shannon Fielding in NCIS. And, he had built a happy family with his wife along with their daughter Kelly.
However, that happy family life never lasted as his wife and daughter were killed by Pedro Hernandez. Later, after avenging them, the NCIS character Leroy remarried three times again.
Moreover, Gibbs’ portrayer Mark Harmon has a wife named Pam Dawber as per Cheat Sheet.
He has been blissfully spending his married life with Pam for almost 35 years. Mark’s life partner was also involved in the acting industry in the past.
What Is Mark Harmon Net Worth?
Mark Harmon’s net worth is estimated at around $100 million by Celebrity Networth.
As per the said site, he earns $525,000 per episode for his role in the crime investigation series NCIS.