As I delve into the intriguing narrative of Mark Harmon and Austin Stowell, I find myself captivated by their journey, much like a diehard Yankees fan (ahem, like our dear Mr. Stowell) would be when watching a thrilling match unfold. The parallels between Gibbs’ character and the actors who brought him to life are striking, with both men carrying an undeniable weight on their shoulders.
“I truly am Gibbs at this point.”
90 minutes into a heartfelt discussion about stepping into the shoes of the lead role for “NCIS: Origins,” I found myself reaching a pivotal decision. This gripping prequel, set in 1991 and airing on CBS from October 14th, carries a somber mood as it delves into the backstory of our beloved character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by the captivating Mark Harmon. Four months after the tragic murder of his wife and daughter, we’ll witness the transformative journey that shapes Gibbs into the stoic figure we know today.
Speaking of the profound sadness he’s experiencing, Stowell reflects, “It’s not something we can simply set aside. As an actor, I deeply embody all emotions, and this is no exception.” Pausing thoughtfully, he adds, “My father’s story resonates with my own – struggles with suicide, a complex father-son bond, and feelings of inadequacy. It just feels authentic to me.
On a damp September afternoon, Stowell decided to catch up at Birds, a local favorite hangout in Hollywood. He had pedaled his way over from the Paramount lot where he’d been working, and many of the staff here were familiar faces – this is where he worked for two years after moving from Connecticut to Los Angeles in 2008, when he was crashing on his agent’s couch. This job was one of several odd ones he had during that time – another was being a caddy for Bill Murray – but it was behind the bar here that he secured his breakthrough role on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Following the teen drama, he embarked on a series of projects that were deemed artistically appropriate. These included collaborations with Steven Spielberg on “Public Morals” and “Bridge of Spies,” as well as “Catch-22” in partnership with George Clooney.
In 2020, Stowell’s father tragically took his own life. To support his mother, Stowell decided to return to the East Coast.
Stowell recounts, “It took me to what might be some of the most challenging times in my life, but eventually it brought about a sort of rejuvenation.” His words are accompanied by tears, as this tragedy sparked a whirlwind of emotions and a search for meaning. During the COVID pandemic and strikes in Vermont, he found solace in activities like skiing, hiking, beekeeping, and visiting his mother for meals in Connecticut. Suddenly, his agent phoned with news about “NCIS: Origins.
Initially, I found the prospect of working on a long-running procedural somewhat overwhelming due to its duration. However, the script resonated deeply with me, making it hard to resist.
He mentions that his bond with his father often mirrors Gibbs’ strained relationship with his own dad. Both of them yearn for a stronger connection, yet struggle to express their true feelings, not quite prepared to acknowledge and verbalize the truth.
Occasionally during our chat, Stowell seems to be lost in thought. He apologizes, explaining, “I’m just reminded of my father.” Taking a moment to compose himself, he shares that they shared a deep bond through movies such as “Field of Dreams” and “Braveheart.
He deeply cherished the movie, and it even made him cry,” he admits about it. “That’s a major factor behind my actions. I’m captivated by the impact storytelling can have on people. I’ve witnessed firsthand the genuine benefits it brings into people’s lives. If I could continue to create such an effect with this character for many years, I would be thrilled to take on that challenge. As for your question about my fears [of it lasting for years], no way! My concern is not that it will last, but rather that it might disappear.
Apart from that, it’s clear he has a good understanding that his father would find “NCIS: Origins” appealing. Instead of mimicking Gibbs, he often quotes Franks, as Stowell chuckles. Frequently, he used to echo Sipowicz from ‘NYPD Blue’ in the past.
As a passionate cinephile, I bid adieu to my role as Gibbs on “NCIS” back in 2021, but the allure of storytelling and production led me back for “Origins” as both the narrator and executive producer. Initially, when presented with the script for this 2003 procedural, I harbored a similar skepticism that Stowell did. However, there was something about the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs that captivated me – it literally stopped me in my tracks. In reality, I was yearning to spend more time at home; my travels were frequent and my family was still young. Yet, the magnetic pull of this role drew me in despite my initial reservations.
In a subsequent version, the title was altered to “Bob Nelson or so,” Harmon recounts, and he insisted it be reverted. The initial day of filming, which spanned 22 hours, followed suit. “Definitely not my vision of a cozy night in,” Harmon chuckles. “Many days mirrored that in the first four years, with numerous highs and lows. There were cast swaps, plot adjustments, scriptwriters coming and going. At one point, a staggering 33 writers had departed from that series.
As soon as Stowell stepped into the audition space, Harmon felt certain he was the ideal candidate to step into Gibbs’ role. “This character carries a significant presence,” Harmon explains. “Neither I nor Austin requested that burden, but it’s one he can shoulder.
As Gibbs’ tenure on “NCIS” concluded, he found himself solitary. His career had consumed him entirely – yet he appeared quite satisfied according to Stowell. “Perhaps he invested too much of himself in his work? That remains uncertain.
After three months into filming, Stowell might as well be referring to himself when he says, “I’m deeply committed to this job.” He acknowledges his appreciation for the character that Harmon created and for the smooth transition facilitated by his predecessor’s continued availability. Regardless of whether it’s a particular storyline or discussing hobbies, Harmon is always ready to chat about it.
As a die-hard New York Yankees enthusiast (some might say a “degenerate”), I can’t help but draw parallels between my love for cinema and my admiration for the game. Just like Lou Gehrig, whose words continue to resonate, I find myself feeling incredibly fortunate. His famous speech, especially his assertion that he considered himself “the luckiest man on the face of the Earth,” is a sentiment I often echo. He spoke about enduring hardships but having much to look forward to, and if that’s not the spirit of a dedicated film aficionado, I don’t know what is.
Upon learning that Stowell was an ardent supporter of the New York Yankees, Harmon picked up the phone. “Before long,” he recalls, “I receive a package from the Yankees training facility with a pair of shorts featuring the number 4 embroidered on the back.” He explains, “You can’t purchase them! Stowell managed to get someone at the camp to send him their practice gear. The clothes are enormous; I had to fold them over five times!
Stowell shares only one tale about Harmon, and a recent Emmys event found him thrilled to meet Jamie Lee Curtis. He recounts her saying, “I already know who you are; Mark frequently talks about you.” In the movie “Freaky Friday,” they both portray a married couple, and they’ve just finished filming its sequel. Upon composing himself, Stowell shared with her how meaningful “The Bear” series had been to him and his kin. Specifically, he mentioned the ‘Fishes’ episode, stating it reminded him of his childhood. He added, “That show truly provided healing for my brother and me.” This illustrates the impact television can have.
The role of Gibbs has changed Stowell’s life. The message — being a team is always better than being on your own — is one he takes to heart. “Playing Gibbs is making me want to be a better human being,” he says.
As a movie enthusiast, I can certainly empathize with that sentiment. It’s fascinating to see characters like Gibbs transform into complex individuals – warm-hearted yet flawed, loyal yet justified. For me, it’s comforting to know that I too have stumbled and made my fair share of mistakes, but I’ve also learned to embrace the art of starting over.
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2024-10-11 19:18