As a seasoned observer of Hollywood’s vibrant tapestry, it’s always a pleasure to witness the evolution of a career, especially when it involves someone as versatile and endearing as Mark Harmon. His latest endeavor, delving into the world of espionage and intrigue through his books, is a testament to his thirst for new challenges and his unwavering commitment to storytelling.
Despite initially having no plans to do so, Mark Harmon has unexpectedly ventured into the realm of successful authorship.
The actor previously known for his role as lead special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on CBS’s NCIS, who departed in season 19, continues to delve into tales about the United States Navy. Following their successful collaboration on the best-selling nonfiction book Ghosts of Honolulu, which centered around the Pearl Harbor attack, Mark Harmon and Leon V. Knight Jr. are reunited for a new release, Ghosts of Panama. This latest work delves into the U.S. invasion of Panama towards the end of 1989 and how naval investigative service special agents probing the murder of a young U.S. Marine played a pivotal role in altering the course of history, with this book now being available for reading.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Harmon explains why he turned down an offer to write a book about NCIS; how Carroll’s personal experience helped inform their writing about Panama; his reaction to being asked to shoot promos for prequel series NCIS: Origins (which he narrates and produces); whether he feels conflicted about leaving NCIS; and what it was like to return as Jamie Lee Curtis‘ partner in the forthcoming movie sequel to Freaky Friday.
How did you first get involved with writing Navy-focused nonfiction?
Initially, I was approached about penning a book based on a popular TV series, but I declined. Upon joining the show, they emphasized that it would be based on real cases, but quickly turned into a weekly murder mystery due to television conventions. My initial interest in writing this book stemmed from the possibility of chronicling the genuine history of this agency, and having Leon Carroll, an individual I met 20 years ago as a technical advisor on the show, involved in the project. This is what we accomplished in our first book, starting with a World War II tale and the early development of what would eventually become NIS.
What led you to the topic of Panama for this latest one?
As a literature enthusiast, Panama was one of the places we considered for our next tale. Interestingly enough, Leon was stationed in Panama during this period, which allows us to present this story from a personal perspective. In contrast, our previous book set in Honolulu is more about research narrative as everyone involved has passed away. I must admit, I don’t yearn to be a writer, but I do believe there are many stories waiting to be told, and they deserve our attention. After all, if we forget history, it often tends to repeat itself – a lesson we should always remember. (Laughs.)
What is the writing process like for you and Leon?
As a gamer, I’ve just been sharing thoughts with my friends, delving into the intriguing tales of characters like Panama. León’s personal accounts from the field, backed by testimonies of fellow agents present at the time, add layers to his story that we wouldn’t have otherwise known. It seems that this TV show has made it easier for people to discuss these topics more openly. These special agents are not just characters in a game; they’re real spies who perform tasks that most of us can barely imagine.
Has there been a possibility of adapting the books for the screen?
People frequently ask me this question, and my answer is usually that I’m not sure. Right now, I’m focused on discovering compelling stories, but I’m unsure what criteria to use for determining their quality. Ideas, thoughts, or pieces of history can inspire me. We already have a third book concept that I’m really enthusiastic about, but I haven’t made a final decision yet. It still amazes me that people are interested in the books, which they clearly have been.
If you mean to ask: What would a book proposal look like if it were for a book about the show itself based on your suggestion, here’s one way to rephrase it:
I don’t know what they were talking about, but I wasn’t interested in doing that. There’s a big difference between the real of it and then what Hollywood does. I’m thrilled the show has been as successful as it’s been. The first day on the show, we worked 22 hours, so that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. There were a lot of changes in those first three or four years. People don’t realize that, but this show didn’t jump out. It wasn’t a hit from the minute we did it, at all. You’re reintroduced to that now in doing this Origins show that I’m involved with. Right now, you’re hoping for the backend pickup. That’s as long as your focus is. And you’re doing that because you have a crew that are concerned about their jobs.
Given the books that you work on now, it seems that Gibbs has been such a core part of your life.
I was sent the NCIS script, and I just know that I read the name “Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” and the name stopped me. People say, “What attracted you to the story?” I said, “The name.” (Laughs.) There’s more to it than that, obviously, but I didn’t expect to be taken in like I was. That’s also a credit to storytelling and thinking you have something to potentially offer that role.
Is there a part of you that wishes you were still doing NCIS?
As a devoted fan, I’ve got to say that I didn’t ever envision this show having such a long run. Over the years, I haven’t met anyone who expected a pilot to last for two decades – that’s just not how things usually work. But this extraordinary series has managed to thrive in numerous aspects. The Origins segment, set in 1990 during NIS’s era, has been particularly intriguing for me. It’s been a fascinating journey to delve into the agency’s history from a fresh perspective, one that differs significantly from my past experiences, and it’s been an enlightening experience to contribute as an executive producer.
Currently, Austin Stowell portrays the character, not me. Initially, they paired us for promotional activities together. However, I realized that role was more suited to him; I preferred to stay behind the scenes as a non-onscreen character. (Laughs.) I’m thrilled about our cast, but remember, things in showbiz are always subject to change. That’s just how it goes!
In relation to that, I suppose some viewers might find it hard to accept Sasha Alexander’s character’s demise towards the end of NCIS season two.
And that happened for a very specific reason. That was an actor’s choice to leave the show and then a creative choice to do it a certain way. Then people go, “Wow, that really shocked me.” It’s like, “Well, good, I guess. Right?” Because people are talking about it, and yet, is that something that’s normally done? No, but then that’s also the reason you try to be part of those. You try to catch onto a few of those in a career. And if they work, great. If they don’t work, then we wouldn’t be talking about it.
What was it like to return for the Freaky Friday sequel, Freakier Friday?
It’s comfortable with Jamie and always has been. I’ve known her since she was 15 or 16. Obviously, it’s a different story now, and yet I enjoy time with her. When you look at the long form of life, you’re talking about moments with people and sharing them and being with people you liked being with. That’s always been true about her for me, so I was pleased to do that.
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2024-11-23 02:25