The NCIS Star Who You Forgot Also Appeared On The West Wing
"NCIS" is one of the longest running crime shows currently on television, and has perpetuated the successful careers of the many actors who have had starring roles on the show ever since its debut in 2003 (via IMDb). From Pauley Perrette and "Hocus Pocus" star Sean Murray to former "That '70s Show" star Wilmer Valderrama and Cote de Pablo, it seems like working on "NCIS" has the Midas touch for actors in the industry.
During an interview with Daily Actor, Valderrama got candid about joining the cast of "NCIS" in 2016, telling the outlet, "I was really humbled, you know? I was really humbled and really flattered that they had given me a call to join the cast." He also noted that he had just finished filming a pilot for a show called "Four Stars," and although the show fell through, "NCIS" execs saw his performance and invited him to join the cast to "kind of maybe take 'NCIS' to a whole different dimension," per Valderrama's own words.
"I was excited by the opportunity. I was humbled that I could work with Mark Harmon because I just respect that guy so much," he added.
This NCIS actor also had a stint on The West Wing
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Mark Harmon, who appeared on a whopping 420 episodes of "NCIS" ever since its 2003 debut and is undoubtedly the face of the show, has also had notable roles in other movies and television shows, including "The West Wing." Per IMDb, Harmon played the role of Agent Simon Donovan on four episodes of the popular show in 2002, just one year before landing the role of Gibbs on "NCIS."
Fans of "NCIS" were truly taken aback after it was announced that Harmon would be leaving the show after 18+ seasons. "As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show," showrunner Steven D. Binder said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter of Harmon's exit. "Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years ... never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out."