Mark Harmon is a renowned actor, and his most iconic role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS has made him one of the world’s most recognizable faces. Despite his successful career, Harmon has faced personal hardships, including the tragic death of his sister in 2018.
Mark Harmon has dedicated his adult life to the entertainment industry, with a career spanning several decades. While he has had a diverse and successful career, his most prominent role in the last two decades has been as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit TV series NCIS, earning him numerous award nominations, including Emmys.
Throughout his life, Mark Harmon has maintained a private personal life, always prioritizing his family. He was born into a family with strong connections to the entertainment world. His father, Tom Harmon, was a renowned All-American football player who won the 1940 Heisman Trophy and later became a TV sports personality. His mother, Elyse Knox, was an actress. Mark grew up with two sisters, Kristin and Kelly.
Kristin, the eldest of the Harmon siblings, tragically passed away in 2018. Her life was marked by numerous challenges, including marital difficulties, substance abuse struggles, and estrangement from one of her children. During these difficult times, Mark Harmon played a significant role in supporting his sister, even taking temporary custody of her youngest son when she was unable to provide proper care.
Kristin Harmon’s life initially appeared to follow a classic Hollywood narrative. At the age of 12, she met legendary actor and musician Ricky Nelson, who would later become her husband. The two were married in 1963 when Kristin was just 17 and Ricky was 23. They had four children together: Sam Hilliard Nelson, twins Matthew Gray Nelson and Gunnar Eric Nelson, and their daughter, actress Tracy Kristine Nelson.
Ricky Nelson was a teen idol with a growing fan base, and Kristin’s acting career flourished as well. She appeared on “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” one of the most popular TV shows of all time, among other roles. However, the couple’s marriage began to crumble due to the pressures of fame, leading to a separation in 1975. They briefly reconciled but ultimately divorced in 1982.
Tragically, Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash in 1985, which further exacerbated Kristin’s personal struggles. Her hard-partying lifestyle and personal issues took a toll on her life.
Mark Harmon played a pivotal role in helping his sister during her challenging times. He encouraged her to seek treatment for her issues, demonstrating his commitment to her well-being.
At one point, Kristin’s youngest son, Sam, chose to live with Mark Harmon after experiencing difficulties at his mother’s home. This decision led to a custody battle between Mark Harmon and Kristin, with Mark initially seeking custody due to concerns about Kristin’s drug dependency. Ultimately, they reached an agreement that allowed Kristin to retain custody while granting Mark visitation rights. The family also agreed to participate in family therapy.
After the bitter feud, Kristin and Sam’s relationship began to heal, and they found a way to reconnect.
In her later years, Kristin lived a more private life away from the public eye. Unfortunately, on April 27, 2018, she passed away from a sudden and unexpected heart attack at the age of 72.
Mark Harmon has chosen to remain silent about his relationship with Kristin over the years, making it difficult to gauge the nature of their closeness at the time of her passing. However, the Harmon family’s journey through challenges and reconciliation serves as a testament to the power of family bonds and support during difficult times.