NCIS star Mark Harmon shot to fame after landing the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit cop drama – but he’s not the only celebrity in his family. As it turns out, the TV star’s father, the late Tom Harmon, is also a household name thanks to his incredible career as an American football player and sports broadcaster. Keep reading for all the details about Mark’s famous father and the extremely close relationship he shared with him.
WATCH: Meet the NCIS cast mates in real life
Who is Mark Harmon’s famous father Tom Harmon?
Nicknamed ‘Old 98’, Tom Harmon is best known for playing two seasons of professional football for the Los Angeles Rams. He also had the longest running back during the 1946 NFL season, before turning to sports broadcasting.
© Getty Images Tom famously played professional football for the Los Angeles Rams
Making history as the play-by-play announcer for the first televised Rose Bowl in the late 1940s, Tom later worked for CBS from 1950 to 1962, before getting his own 10-minute daily sports show on the ABC Radio Network. In the 1960s and 1970s, the sports star was tasked with handling play-by-play responsibilities on UCLA football broadcasts.
© GettyMark Harmon taken in 1986 with his parents Elyse and Tom and sisters Kelly and Kristin
In a sweet twist, acting seems to run in the Harmon family too! In addition to his prestigious sports career, Tom has appeared in major Hollywood films. Back in 1941, he signed a contract with Columbia Pictures for the lead role Harmon from Michigan and he also had minor roles in That’s my boy (1951) i Caddy (1953).
You might like it too
NCIS star Mark Harmon has a very famous niece
NCIS star Mark Harmon has a very famous nieceWhat did Mark Harmon say about his father Tom Harmon?
Tom Harmon sadly passed away at the age of 70 in 1990. Although the loss was difficult for Mark, he often reflects on the invaluable advice his father gave him. During an interview with People, NCIS star said: “Dad taught me, if it’s not true, don’t worry.”
MORE: Former NCIS star Mark Harmon’s famous family: Everything we know
READ: Is Mark Harmon Returning To NCIS Amid Exciting Career News?
He continued, “I’m coming off a tenured career and I’m proud of it. You have to get up every day and just go for it. That’s what I still wake up willing to do: give it my all.”
© Photo: Getty Images
When in doubt, Mark always remembers his father’s advice
Another piece of advice Mark fondly remembers is “Do your work and don’t let it show.” He added: “Also: Treat people the same way, not based on who they are or what they are. Show them common courtesy. Don’t be colored by their fame or profession. I don’t get turned on by people blowing smoke into my a** . You have to stay honest.”
Read more HELLO! American Stories here
Do you like this story? Sign up for our newsletter to get more stories like this straight to your inbox.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education