Mark Harmon, born September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California, to Heisman winner Tom Harmon and actress Elyse Knox. Excelled as UCLA quarterback, graduating cum laude in communications. Chose acting over pro football, debuting in 1970s TV shows. Rose to fame in St. Elsewhere, Flamingo Road. Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986. Portrayed Ted Bundy in The Deliberate Stranger. Earned Emmy nominations for The West Wing and others. Starred as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS (2003–2021), becoming TV icon. Executive producer on NCIS franchise, narrator in NCIS: Origins.