NEW YORK: Once again, Austin Stowell is having the best day ever, thanks to his new role as the iconic TV character Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins.”
“Since I got this job, every day has felt like the greatest day of my life,” Stowell shares with a smile.
The actor is fully embracing the role of the ex-Marine-turned-naval investigator, set 25 years before audiences were first introduced to “NCIS” star Mark Harmon. Harmon and his son Sean conceived this origin story for the special agent, who captivated viewers for 19 seasons from 2003 to 2021 while solving crimes for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Virginia.
Stowell is determined to honor Harmon’s legacy and provide viewers with a fresh perspective on “how the hero was born.” Harmon, who serves as the narrator and makes occasional appearances, has been incredibly supportive, offering advice about life, visiting the set, and even texting—something the tech-averse Gibbs would never do.
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“Mark and I have had many discussions about what it means to lead a team and be a leader on this set,” he says. “Those conversations have been invaluable to me, as I’ve never been the lead on a TV show before.”
The key lessons he’s learned include the importance of punctuality, kindness, respect, and professionalism.
Stowell has also delved into the “NCIS” universe, which he was familiar with but not yet a super fan. In a pop quiz, he confidently names all four spin-off shows in the franchise but stumbles when asked about rule three of Gibbs’ famous guidelines: “Never believe what you are told.”
