Mark Harmon’s departure from “NCIS” after an 18-year stint brought about a notable addition to the show—his wife, Pam Dawber. The announcement of Dawber’s guest-starring role in four episodes, reported by Entertainment Weekly in March 2021, marked a significant moment for fans. Harmon and Dawber’s son, Sean, had previously appeared on the show since 2008, playing a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Dawber’s entry into the “NCIS” world came with a condition—no romantic storyline for her character, Marcie Warren.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dawber revealed that she had previously turned down opportunities to join “NCIS.” However, circumstances aligned, and it was Harmon who suggested her for the role of Marcie Warren. Despite initial skepticism from producers, Dawber found the character compelling and decided to take on the role. Her acting career had slowed down since the late ’90s, with her last steady job before “NCIS” being in 1997-98 when she voiced Perdy in “101 Dalmatians: The Series.”
The shift in Dawber’s career trajectory was a deliberate choice influenced by motherhood. After welcoming sons Sean in 1988 and Ty in 1992, Dawber prioritized being present for her children. Her focus shifted from pursuing fame to driving her kids to school, attending birthdays, and participating in school events. This decision mirrored Harmon’s commitment to prioritizing family moments over professional pursuits, emphasizing that no job was worth missing life’s important moments. Dawber’s return to acting with “NCIS” was a carefully considered choice, driven by the appeal of the character and a desire to embrace a new professional challenge.