Mark Harmon's journey from the small screen to the pages of best-selling books is a testament to his dedication and the influence of a real-life special agent. Harmon, known for his portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the hit CBS drama 'NCIS', reveals that his character was shaped by a profound encounter with retired NCIS Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr. This meeting not only inspired his performance but also led to a lasting friendship and a series of books that explore the intricate world of naval intelligence.
A Friendship Born on Set
The actor and the retired agent first crossed paths on the set of 'NCIS'. Carroll, who spent 21 seasons as the show's technical advisor, brought his wealth of real-life field experience to the production. Harmon, captivated by Carroll's knowledge, spent countless hours discussing the intricacies of the agency with him. This deep connection evolved into a friendship that continues to this day, with the pair collaborating on three books together.
The Impact of Leon Carroll Jr.
Harmon's respect for Carroll is evident in his words. He acknowledges the retired agent's no-nonsense approach and the impact it had on his portrayal of Gibbs. The actor's dedication to accuracy in his performance is a direct reflection of Carroll's influence, as he sought to capture the essence of an NCIS agent based on the agent's firsthand experiences.
A Practical Joker with a Serious Message
Beyond the set, Harmon and Carroll's relationship is marked by a shared sense of humor. Carroll, a practical joker, shared stories of Harmon's antics, such as placing cookies in his pockets and leaving nails and bolts in his cargo pants. However, these jokes are a testament to their friendship and the light-hearted atmosphere they created on set.
From Screen to Page: The Books
The duo's collaboration has resulted in three books, each delving into the world of naval intelligence. Their latest book, 'Ghosts of Sicily', explores a real NCIS investigation into the Mafia's influence on the island. The series began with 'Ghosts of Honolulu', a true story of a Japanese spy and the Navy counterintelligence agent determined to stop him, and continued with 'Ghost of Panama'.
A Thief to Catch a Thief
In their latest book, 'Ghosts of Sicily', the authors delve into the Office of Naval Intelligence's (ONI) alliance with the mob during World War II. Carroll, a former Marine, explains the necessity of recruiting sources, even if they are not the best candidates, to gather crucial information. This strategy, he argues, was instrumental in protecting America's waterfronts and the broader war effort.
A Lasting Friendship and a New Chapter
Mark Harmon's departure from 'NCIS' in 2021 marked a new chapter in his career. Despite leaving the show, he continues to collaborate with Carroll, with plans for a third book in 2026. Their friendship, born on set, has evolved into a creative partnership, blending Harmon's acting prowess with Carroll's real-life expertise, resulting in a series of books that offer a unique perspective on naval intelligence.
