Mark Harmon, the former director on NCIS, recently shared the story of his bold first move that set the stage for his enduring 37-year marriage with Pam Dawber. The 72-year-old actor revealed that their journey began with a spontaneous cold call to Dawber, a star from Mork & Mindy, after he opted out of a planned group date.
According to Harmon, this unplanned call resulted in an instant connection, leading to a date on the same night and culminating in their wedding exactly one year later. Harmon shared this heartwarming anecdote while promoting his upcoming book, Ghosts of Honolulu, set to be released on November 14.
Their romance unfolded shortly after Harmon was crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986, during which he expressed a preference for enduring marriages over fleeting romances. In their 37-year journey, Harmon and Dawber have built their relationship on a foundation of shared work ethic, laughter, and effective communication. The couple, now parents to two sons in their thirties, Sean and Ty, both involved in the entertainment industry, emphasizes the importance of these values in sustaining their marriage.
Harmon’s decision to take on the role of Special Agent Gibbs on NCIS was influenced by his desire to maintain an active presence in his sons’ lives despite the demands of his work schedule. Despite his departure from the popular CBS series, Harmon, now 72, clarifies that it is not a retirement but a transition to writing. His first historical nonfiction book, Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, showcases his shift from acting to authorship after an impressive 19-season run as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.