Mark Harmon (Gibbs) and Sean Murray (McGee) are two of the longest-running cast members on NCIS, having been on the show since the early seasons. Their working relationship, however, started in the mid-1990s when Harmon played a “drunken rodeo clown,” according to Murray.
Murray Credits Harmon for NCIS’s Longevity
Murray believes NCIS owes much of its success to Harmon, calling him “a one-of-a-kind individual.” In a 2019 interview with Country Living, he said, “We wouldn’t be here 16 years later if Harmon hadn’t been there.” Murray describes Harmon as a true actor who always strives for authenticity.
Harmon Led NCIS From Day One
Harmon has starred in and executive produced NCIS since its 2003 pilot. Murray debuted in season one as a recurring character and was promoted to full-time by season two due to his growing popularity.
Their First Meeting Was on ‘Harts of the West’
Murray first met Harmon on the short-lived 1993 show Harts of the West when he was just 15. Harmon stepped in to play a guest role as a “drunken rodeo clown.” Though their interaction was brief, Harmon left a lasting impression on Murray. Years later, Harmon still remembered him when they reunited on NCIS.
Gibbs and McGee’s Complicated Season 18 Arc
Season 18 shocked fans when Gibbs shot McGee twice in the premiere. It was later revealed he did it to save McGee’s life. Murray shared that the incident deeply affected McGee emotionally as well as physically.
“It’s not just physical, it’s emotional,” Murray explained. “Even if it was to save your life, getting shot by someone you see as a father figure is heavy.” He added that both characters will face challenges in the aftermath. “We explore those emotions very realistically,” Murray said.
