Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the originalNCIS, has recalled actor Austin Stowell’s audition for a younger version of the character inNCIS: Origins, revealing when he knew he’d be perfect for the job. TheongoingNCIS: Originsfollows Gibbs in 1991, tackling his first cases with the organization alongside a team of agents. The series serves as a prequel to the ongoing original show, which Harmon previously left in 2021. However, the original actor has since returned to the new show, serving as its narrator and executive producer.
Speaking withPeople(viaEntertainment Weekly), Harmon revealed that,when Stowell walked in to audition as Gibbs inNCIS: Origins, he had a feeling right away he would take the role. The actor recalled someone comparing him to a movie star, saying not as many people had attention on them as he did. However, Harmon elaborated that the same could be said for everyone in the show, who all fit into their roles naturally. Check out what Harmon had to say below:
I felt the room jump a little when Austin [Stowell] came in, before he said anything. He walked out and someone said, ‘I’ll just say it, that’s a movie star.’
There was heavy competition there. There were a lot of good people. I would say that there were really few who drew the attention Austin did. I can say that about any role that was cast in this show, because they all came in one after another. We got everybody we wanted.
What Harmon’s Praise For Stowell Means For NCIS: Origins
Stowell’s Career Makes Him Perfect As Young Gibbs
Alongside Stowell’s Gibbs,thecast ofNCIS: Originsconsists of many talented actors bringing the ’90s team to life. This includes Mariel Molino’s Lala Dominguez, a former Marine, and Tyla Abercrumbie’s Marry Jo Hayes, who describes herself as the Head Secretary of the team. Joining them are also two characters from the original series portrayed by different actors, those being Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), who acts as team leader, and Vera Strickland (Dainy Rodriguez), another agent on the team. These actors make up the main cast, while a group of recurring characters also appear throughout the show.
Where Mark Harmon Is In The NCIS: Origins Premiere (& Who Is Old Gibbs Talking To?)
Mark Harmon returns as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the NCIS: Origins premiere, but his appearance keeps where he is and who may be talking to vague.
As for Stowell himself, he’s a seasoned movie actor, having appeared as Ryan Connolly inWhiplash, Patrick Sullivan inFantasy Island, and Drew inThe Inheritance. However, he has plenty of notable TV roles under his belt too, such as Nately inCatch-22and FBI Agent Pete Walsh inA Friend of the Family. He’s also no stranger totheNCISfranchise, having appeared inNCIS: Los Angelesseason 2, episode 4 as PFC James Wilson. His franchise familiarity coupled with roles that have helped shape his acting career clarify why Harmon praised him so much for his audition.
Our Take On Stowell’s Young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins
He’s Already An Engaging Fit For The Role
So far, Stowell is proving himself to be a strong rendition of a younger Gibbs, reminiscent of the original character, with his own additions to the performance in the process. Because he both looks like and behaves like the seasoned NCIS member would in his younger years, it makes him a convincing stand-in for Harmon as his early years on the team are examined. This adds anticipation for the future ofNCIS: Origins, which will no doubt continue to provide plenty of interesting stories for the young rendition of the character.
New episodes ofNCIS: Originsair Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
