NCIS Star Mark Harmon Gushes Over Young Gibbs Actor

Mark Harmon, known for his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running series *NCIS*, has shared insights into the audition process for the prequel series *NCIS: Origins*.

While Harmon stepped down from his role in 2021, a younger version of his beloved character will be portrayed by *The Hating Game*'s Austin Stowell in the prequel. As an executive producer on *NCIS: Origins*, Harmon was present during Stowell's audition and witnessed the impressive chemistry between the young actor and the character.

Recalling the event at the Television Critics Association, Harmon described the reaction of fellow executive producer Gina Lucita Monreal to Stowell's performance. "I joked about Gina swooning, but the truth is she did. She may deny it, but she did," Harmon shared with *USA TODAY*. He continued, "And when [Stowell] walked out of the room, she said, 'Now that guy is a star!'"

While Monreal's swooning was debated by executive producer David North, who insisted he was the one mesmerized by Stowell, the actor himself concluded, "Somebody swooned."

*NCIS: Origins

will be set around 12 years before the original *NCIS* series, following a younger Gibbs as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. Though stepping back from a leading role, Harmon will continue to be involved, serving as a narrator for the prequel.

"I'm fine with the stepback role and [to] let the [new] cast do the work," Harmon explained. "I'm pleased to be part of it. I'm a distant part. I'm just here to support."

As for a potential return to the original *NCIS

series, Harmon remains unsure. "I don't know. It's really about feeling you've fulfilled a role," he shared. "I've always let the writers do what they want to do."

*NCIS: Origins

is set to premiere this autumn. *NCIS* is currently airing on CBS in the US, with seasons 1-20 streaming on Disney+ in the UK.