Mark Harmon recently made his physical return to the NCIS franchise. This has recently gotten nostalgic for Harmon’s early career, even including his work before joining the acting industry. In fact, Harmon himself has also recently been looking back at his earlier jobs.
Mark Harmon Appeared In A Print Advertisement Long Before Getting His Start As An Actor
Harmon is known to many for playing the lead role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS. The character was first introduced in a guest starring role in episodes of JAG.
From 2003 to 2021, Harmon famously starred in the NCIS spin-off. He also served as a producer and executive producer for over 300 episodes.
In 2024, Harmon also became a narrator on NCIS: Origins, which looks at the character’s younger years. He ultimately made his physical return to the franchise with the show’s third season, which premiered on October 6, 2026. This has allowed him to have an on-screen reunion with Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo.
Before his acting career took off, Harman appeared in a skincare print advertisement for Baxter of California in the late 1970s. In his late twenties at the time, Harmon could be seen shirtless and in speedos as he modeled the skincare range.
A Few Members Of Harmon’s Family Have Also Worked In The Modeling Industry
Interestingly enough, modeling is in Harmon’s blood. His mother, Elyse Knox, was a model, as well as an actress, artist, and fashion designer. His sister, Kelly Harmon, also worked as an actress and model, in addition to owning her own Los Angeles interior design company.
However, as fans know, Mark would ultimately find his calling in the acting industry and never really pursue further work as a model. For many, his big break was playing Dr. Robert Caldwell on the medical drama, St. Elsewhere. He later played Dr. Jack McNeil on Chicago Hope. He also famously played Secret Service Special Agent Simon Donovan on The West Wing in a memorable four-episode arc.
Tiny speedos to floral trunks: See Mark Harmon’s hunkiest swimsuit photos from throughout the years 😍 https://t.co/xa0zzKzZmu
— HELLO! (@hellomag) May 25, 2026
Harmon himself has also looked back at his early career as of late. During another recent throwback, he spoke to Entertainment Tonight about his recent return as Gibbs in Season 3 of NCIS: Origins. At the time, he discussed his first interview with the outlet and his days on St. Elsewhere. At the time, he also teased a few “surprises” with his Origins return.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.