Mark Harmon vows to ‘grip it and rip it’ in ‘NCIS: Origins’ return | Exclusive

LOS ANGELES – Mark Harmon has never been the kind of star to get too worked about anything. The famously laconic actor, who just turned 75, has made his career playing competent, cool characters − just like “NCIS” legend Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who always keeps his emotions close to the bulletproof vest.

But ask Harmon how he feels about stepping back into the Gibbs role full-time on "NCIS: Origins" Season 3 (premiering Oct. 6), and the star's famed blue eyes light up. Especially when he's talking about the electricity on the Los Angeles set led by Austin Stowell, who plays the younger Gibbs in the prequel series.

In his first interview since stepping back in from Gibbs’ retirement in Alaska, Harmon, sitting in his Paramount Studios office next to Stowell, says the energy is contagious. The spin-off is looking to take off from the crowded “NCIS”-verse with the prime Gibbs addition.

"Are people hearing the bell and coming at it? They are, yeah absolutely," Harmon says, "This group right now knows we have 10 shows this season. There were T-shirts made that said, 'Grip it and rip it.' It's good. I like that."

"'Grip it and rip it' has become…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/