Mark Harmon is best known for his role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the long-running CBS series NCIS. After spending 19 seasons on the show, Harmon hasn't starred in another TV series or film (aside from narrating NCIS: Origins). However, the actor will return to act in Freakier Friday, the sequel to the hilarious 2003 Disney fantasy comedy Freaky Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Joining the Freakier Friday cast, Harmon is reprising his role as Ryan (who marries Curtis' Tess Coleman in the first movie) in the sequel.
Harmon's return to acting in Freakier Friday raises the question of whether he could potentially play Gibbs again. A comeback for Gibbs in NCIS may be unlikely due to Harmon being away from the show for three years and the actor's advanced age, disapproving of the long schedule and physical demands. However, Harmon's Gibbs could be a recurring guest star instead of leading the show again, so the actor can focus on tackling other roles or pursue different projects.
Mark Harmon's Freakier Friday Return Can Revitalize His Love For Acting
Harmon Can Revive His Acting Chops On The Big Screen
Due to long hours and needing a break from acting, the now 73-year-old Harmon made the difficult choice in 2021 to step down from his role as Gibbs in NCIS. After a nearly two-decade run in one of the longest-running scripted TV series of all time alongside Law & Order: SVU, Harmon looks to pursue other goals. One involves writing another book, "Ghosts of Panama," with retired NCIS special agent Leon Carroll Jr. regarding real-life investigations that formed the NIS (Naval Investigative Service).
Since Harmon will return to the big screen in Freakier Friday, perhaps going back in front of the camera could revive his need to act. Before NCIS, Harmon had proven to be a versatile actor, appearing in various film genres, including Western (Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner), action (The Presidio with Sean Connery), and romantic comedy (Chasing Liberty with Mandy Moore). Whether he's the protagonist or a supporting role, Harmon is skilled at portraying straightforward, charismatic characters with a strong presence. For Freakier Friday, Harmon can expand his role as Ryan and depict how his relationship with Curtis' Tess Coleman has evolved since they married in the 2003 film.
NCIS Season 22 Is Better Poised For A Leroy Jethro Gibbs Return
Gibbs Can Return In A Limited Capacity
After appearing in Freakier Friday, Harmon may also consider returning to NCIS as well. Due to the current cast assembled in NCIS (including Gary Cole's Alden Parker and original member Sean Murray's Timothy McGee), Harmon doesn't need to play the lead. He could pop in and out as a recurring guest star in a reduced mentor role reminiscent of Ducky's (another fan-favorite) before McCallum passed away.
Season 22 of NCIS could be a welcome return for Gibbs to see how he reunites with the team after being away for years. Gibbs is an insightful and supportive veteran of the NCIS unit and McGee can use his former boss' assistance as he investigates Deputy Director LaRoche (Seamus Dever), a new character on the show that McGee finds suspicious. With Harmon's role as narrator and executive producer on NCIS: Origins, his upcoming Freakier Friday role, and the new book, "Ghosts of Panama," Harmon is far from retired and has the potential to give his Gibbs character a comeback.
