The NCIS cast has always had high praise for their iconic leader, Mark Harmon, but recently, they’ve opened up about what it’s really like working with him. As Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Harmon has built a legacy of quiet authority, charisma, and a deep commitment to his team, shaping NCIS into one of TV’s most successful franchises. But how does he compare to another beloved TV patriarch — Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods?
For starters, both Harmon and Selleck have become synonymous with their roles as strong, dependable figures of leadership in their respective shows. While Harmon’s Gibbs is often the tough, no-nonsense agent with a heart of gold, Selleck’s Reagan is a family-oriented, traditional figure who balances duty with his role as a father. According to the NCIS cast, working with Mark Harmon has been an experience that combines respect with personal warmth. He’s known for his dedication to the craft, his mentorship, and his ability to guide the team both on-screen and off.
What’s fascinating, though, is the balance Harmon strikes between professionalism and approachability, a trait that fans also see in Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Frank Reagan. In interviews, the NCIS cast has compared Harmon’s steady presence to Selleck’s family-oriented leadership, noting that both actors bring a similar depth of warmth and authority to their roles. While Gibbs might show his softer side less often than Frank Reagan, his leadership style is equally rooted in loyalty, care, and dedication to his team.
Ultimately, both Harmon and Selleck have earned their places as TV icons not just through their roles but through their leadership behind the scenes as well. Their ability to create powerful characters who resonate with viewers has cemented them as two of the most respected figures in the world of police procedurals — proving that strength, leadership, and heart are qualities that transcend the screen.