Actor Mark Harmon, a name that has been lighting up our screens since the early '70s, credits much of his success to the guidance and wisdom of his father, Tom. In a recent heartfelt interview with People, the 67-year-old opened up about the invaluable life lessons his dad instilled in him. "My dad taught me, if it's not true, don't worry about it," Mark shared. This simple yet profound advice has shaped not just his career but also his personal life.
Mark, who grew up alongside two older sisters—Kristen, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 72, and Kelly, 70—credits his father for instilling in him a strong work ethic. "I come from working stock, and I’m proud of that," he said. "You have to get up every day and just try hard. That’s what I still wake up willing to do: try my hardest." It’s this relentless dedication and commitment to his craft that has kept Mark at the top of his game for decades.
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Mark Harmon learned early on what it means to overcome challenges and persevere, thanks to his father, Tom, who was a college football star. "I’m a practice guy, a repetition guy," Mark explained. "You can tell me I can’t do something, but I’m likely to take that as incentive to prove you wrong. I’m a tough guy, I’m a jock, so you can yell at me all day long, and that won’t hurt me—I’m just going to try to get better. In this business, I’ve used that to my advantage." It's this grit and determination that have carried him through some of the toughest times in his career, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
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The Legacy of Tom Harmon
Tragically, Tom passed away at the age of 70 when Mark was just 38, but his father’s words of wisdom continue to guide him. "Work your ass off, and don’t let the effort show," Mark recalled. "Also: Treat people the same, not based on who they are or what they are. Show them common kindness. Don’t be colored by their fame or profession. I don’t get all excited by people blowing smoke up my ass. You have to stay honest." These principles have helped Mark maintain his authenticity in a world that often values flash over substance.
Staying Grounded in the Spotlight
Even as the star of the highest-rated drama on network TV, playing the iconic role of Leroy Gibbs in CBS’ NCIS, Mark has never let fame change who he is. "This choice, this career, requires you to be all in," he shared. "Your job is to be prepared for the opportunity—it will come, you just won’t know when." He added, "So until then, all you can do is invest in yourself... I’ve always worked hard, I’ve always tried to pay attention to the little things—but here’s the real secret: there are no little things." It’s this philosophy that has kept him grounded and successful for so many years.
