Mark Harmon, acclaimed for portraying Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, initially showed promise as a football player at UCLA, leading the team to break Nebraska’s 32-game winning streak in 1972. Despite pro offers, he chose education over football and later explored careers like carpentry and shoe sales before finding success in acting.

Harmon’s commitment to family steered him away from a major film career, opting for the stability of television. His heroic act in saving a teen from a burning car in 1996 showcased his real-life valor. Since 2003, Harmon has anchored NCIS, influencing significant changes on set and demonstrating a dedication to the show. In 2018, CBS announced a Prey revival with Harmon as an executive producer, marking a continued chapter in his accomplished career.