Mark Harmon Talks Handing Over Gibbs Role to Austin Stowell & Why He's 'Pleased' to Take Step Back on 'NCIS: Origins'

Mark Harmon is opening up about handing the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs to Austin Stowell for the upcoming prequel series NCIS: Origins.

The 72-year-old actor appeared alongside Austin and others on the TCA Summer Tour panel for the show on Saturday (July 13) at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, Calif.

Executive produced and narrated by Mark, Origins begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and chronicles Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ younger years. In the prequel, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Mark talked about taking a step back on the show.

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“I’m just pleased to be part of it,” Mark said (via Deadline). “And I’m a distant part of it really because I’m not there to make any big moves or anything. I’m just there to support. And how can I help? And if you need my help, great. And if not, that’s okay too. And so far, they’re all doing just fine.”

“I don’t know what to say other than I’m pleased to be part of this team,” he added. “And I’m fine with the step back to let this cast do their work. We spent a lot of time in rooms, finding this group that sits in front of you. And we’re one week in. One week, but I love this cast. And I love what I’ve seen on dailies and what I’ve seen on set.”

Check out the cast members joining the show!